Annie Chun's Peanut Sesame Meal Kit

November 26, 2007 | Reviewer: Abi

Annie Chun Price: $2.69
Serving: 1/3 kit, 2oz. plus water
Calories: 270
Fat: 11%, 7g
Cholesterol: 0%, 0mg
Sodium: 26%, 620mg
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 13%, 39g
Fiber: 7%, 2g
Sugar: 7g
Weight Watchers Points: 6 Points

Annie Chun says: Celebrate great eating with this satisfying blend of hearty noodles, roasted peanuts and toasted sesame seeds for a dish bursting with rich nutty goodness.

Abi says: Confession: I like Pasta-Roni. Yes, the stepchild of the San Francisco treat is one of my favorite boxed side items. I can do without stovetop stuffing or rice, but promise me some angel hair pasta seasoned with a mysterious powder packet, milk and butter and you’ll have my undivided attention.

I picked up a box of Annie Chun’s Peanut Sesame noodles because I needed a break from those pseudo-Italian cream sauces, but I still wanted some noodles to go along with my meal for the evening: rotisserie chicken and green beans.

The amount of peanut noodles displayed on the plate is between 1/2 and 1/3 of the box (yes, almost a single serving) and while it makes for a tasty, utterly American peanut noodle experience (the sauce can only be described as a pleasant [if boring] blend of peanut, tahini, and some unidentifiable seasonings), it can in no way be construed as a meal. Or even a meal kit. The term ‘kit’ implies that everything I need (minus water) is included in the box.

Ms. Annie Chun suggests that we

Just grab a meal kit, boil the noodles as directed, add sauce, then toss in sauteed vegetables and tofu or chicken and you’re done. Healthy and delicious meals in less than ten minutes.

She seems to believe that we all have some sauteed vegetables and already prepped and cooked chicken just sitting around waiting to be added to our noodles. This is not a “meal kit” this is a “part of a balanced meal kit” that must be served alongside protein and vegetables, making for a colorful dinner that might pass Biggie’s muster. Maybe. She has tough standards.

If this review has inspired you to make your own, homemade peanut noodles and sauce, I recommend this recipe from Epicurious. It makes a terrifically mild starting point, has received raves from my coworkers, and it super easy even if you don’t have a Cuisinart or blender (just warm the peanut butter and it will be easy to blend. I used Thai rice sticks instead of Italian pasta and it was delicious.

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One Response to “Annie Chun's Peanut Sesame Meal Kit”

Crow on November 30th, 2007

Mmm…tastes like domestic airplane food…when they still gave you an actual meal…

Green beans = ruined dish. Green beans are so horrific, they can even ruin turkey.

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