Cilantro Lime Noodles
An easy, savory, and zesty bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles makes for a delightful meal any time of the year. This dish blends fresh ingredients with an exciting flavor profile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With its vibrant taste and simple preparation, these noodles are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The entire dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice create a refreshing taste that elevates any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or swap out noodles based on your preference.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with veggies and low in calories, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up these delicious Cilantro Lime Noodles, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large heatproof bowl
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large heatproof bowl: Necessary for mixing the hot oil with fresh ingredients without damaging the bowl.
- Pot for boiling noodles: Allows you to cook the noodles to the perfect texture before mixing them with the sauce.
Ingredients
An easy, savoury, and zesty bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles with a hint of spice and earthiness from chili and curry powder.
For the Noodles
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of choice (2 servings; I used knife cut noodles)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (see notes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small shallot (or red onion)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup oil (I used olive oil)
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, to taste
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice (juice from 1 lime)
How to Make Cilantro Lime Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Prepare your noodles according to package instructions but slightly undercook them so they remain chewy.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix Fresh Ingredients
- In a large heatproof bowl, add chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In your pot over medium to medium-high heat, heat the oil for about 3-4 minutes until hot. You should see small bubbles forming.
- Test the heat by adding a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Turn off the heat once the oil is hot. Carefully pour it over the mixture of cilantro, garlic, shallot/onion, and seasonings in your bowl.
- Mix well while enjoying the sizzle.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Stir in vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice. Ensure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Toss in Noodles
- Add your cooked noodles into the bowl. Mix gently until all noodles are coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more vegetarian oyster sauce if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- For an extra kick, finish with some chili oil or sauce if desired. Enjoy while hot!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, these noodles can be easily customized to suit your taste.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a colorful and healthy meal.
- Top with sliced avocado for creaminess and added texture.
With Protein
- Add shrimp or chicken for extra protein and flavor.
- Toss in tofu for a delicious vegetarian option that complements the flavors beautifully.
Garnished
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
- Finish with extra cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
In a Salad
- Serve cold as a noodle salad, perfect for picnics or light lunches.
- Mix with fresh greens like spinach or arugula for a refreshing twist.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
Getting your Cilantro Lime Noodles just right can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and garlic provide superior flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, increase the chili powder or add fresh chilies.
- Cook noodles al dente: Slightly undercooking the noodles ensures they maintain their texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Mix thoroughly: Make sure the sauce coats all the noodles evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Serve immediately: These noodles are best enjoyed hot, so serve them right after mixing for optimal taste.
- Experiment with sauces: Feel free to try different sauces like hoisin or peanut sauce for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Complementing your Cilantro Lime Noodles with the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls provide a crunchy contrast and add freshness to your meal.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt adds protein and is easy to prepare as a side.
- Thai Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad offers refreshing flavors that balance the zesty noodles well.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and pairs nicely with the lime in your noodle dish.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and makes an excellent starter alongside your noodles.
- Spicy Tofu Skewers: Grilled skewers of spicy tofu bring additional protein and flavor that complements the noodles beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cilantro Lime Noodles can be straightforward, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Not Preparing Noodles Correctly: Undercooking noodles is essential. If you overcook them, they will become mushy and lose their texture. Always check the package instructions and cook them slightly less than recommended.
- Using Old Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and garlic make a huge difference in flavor. Using stale or dried-out ingredients can lead to bland noodles. Always opt for fresh produce whenever possible.
- Skipping the Sizzle: Pouring hot oil over the ingredients is vital for releasing flavors. Skipping this step means missing out on that wonderful aromatic experience. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when added.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: The flavor of your dish can change with personal taste preferences. Always taste your noodles after mixing in sauces and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more sauce if desired.
- Not Serving Immediately: Cilantro Lime Noodles are best enjoyed hot. Allowing them to sit too long can affect both texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best consumed within 1 month for quality retention.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil to a pan and heat over medium until hot, stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cilantro Lime Noodles, along with their answers.
What noodles are best for Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Any dry noodles work well, but knife cut noodles offer a unique texture that complements the dish perfectly.
Can I make Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring all sauces used are plant-based.
How spicy are Cilantro Lime Noodles?
The spiciness depends on whether you add chili powder. For mild flavor, skip it; for more heat, add to taste.
Can I customize my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots and experiment with different sauces according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles offer a delightful mix of flavors that are both zesty and satisfying. This recipe is versatile—customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level as you like. Give it a try today!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness to your table. This easy recipe combines fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic to create a delicious meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these noodles can be customized with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making them versatile for any occasion. Whether served as a main course or alongside grilled meats, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 5.2 oz dry noodles (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small shallot or red onion
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup oil (olive oil recommended)
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions but undercook slightly. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, shallot, curry powder, sugar, and optional chili powder.
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat until hot; test with garlic for sizzling.
- Pour hot oil over the fresh mixture and stir well.
- Add mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice; mix thoroughly.
- Toss in the cooked noodles until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chili oil or extra cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
