Simple yet saucy meals
(Catherine Smart for the Boston Globe)
Two simple sauces form the base for two very flavorful, Asian-inspired meals. On the first night, marinate skirt steak in soy sauce while you soak bamboo skewers, then broil the meat (you can also use a grill). Make a gingery peanut dipping sauce, and a simple rice-wine vinaigrette with plenty of lime juice. Use the dressing to toss a bowl of crunchy romaine brightened with cilantro and mint. Then set the skewers on the hearty salad and serve them with the peanut sauce.
On the next night, dress fresh Chinese noodles and some of the beef, now cut into strips, with leftover peanut sauce and vinaigrette. Toss with sesame seeds, scallions, and cucumbers. Refreshing and filling fare for a lazy summer evening.
Catherine Smart can be reached at cathjsmart@gmail.com. 
