Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a delightful combination of fresh flavors and comforting textures. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant dish to impress at your next gathering. With the zesty taste of lime and the aromatic essence of cilantro, these noodles bring together simplicity and taste in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it suitable for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of cilantro and lime creates a refreshing flavor profile that elevates any meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust spice levels and add your choice of protein or veggies to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: With its plant-based ingredients, this recipe is great for vegetarians and can be made vegan too!
- Delicious Leftovers: These noodles store well, making them ideal for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother. Having everything at hand will help you whip up these Cilantro Lime Noodles effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pot
- Large heat-proof bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Pot: A good pot is essential for boiling noodles evenly without sticking.
- Large heat-proof bowl: This allows you to combine hot oil with fresh ingredients safely.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when chopping herbs and vegetables.
- Cutting board: A stable cutting surface makes prep work quick and easy.
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
- Cook your noodles according to package instructions but slightly undercook them so they remain chewy.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
- In a large heat-proof bowl, add the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into your pot and heat over medium to medium-high for about 3-4 minutes until hot.
- To check if it’s ready, drop in a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Mix with Fresh Ingredients
- Turn off the heat once the oil is hot.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over your bowl of cilantro, garlic, shallot/onion, and seasonings. Enjoy the sizzle as you mix everything well.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Stir in the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice into the mixture until combined.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
- Add your cooked noodles into the bowl with the sauce mixture.
- Toss everything together until all noodles are coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more veg oyster sauce.
Step 7: Serve
- If desired, finish with some chili oil or sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy while hot!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dish. Whether as a light meal or a complement to other dishes, these noodles can satisfy any craving.
As a Main Dish
- Serve these noodles as the star of your meal, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an added zing.
With Protein
- Pair your Cilantro Lime Noodles with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to enhance the dish’s protein content and texture.
Tossed with Vegetables
- Add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious addition that complements the zesty flavors.
Cold Noodle Salad
- Chill the noodles and toss them with diced cucumbers and carrots for a refreshing cold noodle salad perfect for summer days.
With Chili Oil Drizzle
- Finish your bowl with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick that balances the flavors beautifully.
As Leftovers
- Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy them cold or reheated. The flavors meld together even more over time!
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
Achieving the perfect bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles is easy with these tips. Follow these guidelines for optimal flavor and texture.
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Cook noodles al dente: Slightly undercook your noodles to ensure they maintain a chewy texture when mixed with the sauce.
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will elevate your dish’s flavor profile. Avoid using dried herbs for best results.
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Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder according to your heat preference. Start small if you’re unsure!
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Mix well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined so that each noodle is coated in the flavorful sauce.
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Serve immediately: For the best taste experience, enjoy your Cilantro Lime Noodles right after preparing them while they’re hot!
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
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Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp or vegetables add a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the noodles.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can balance out the zesty flavors of your noodles while providing a comforting touch.
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Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots tossed in sesame dressing provides freshness alongside your noodles.
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Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein and a fun snack element to round out your meal.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn drizzled with lime juice pairs perfectly with cilantro flavors, enhancing your overall plate.
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Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil deliver a nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with Cilantro Lime Noodles.
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Cucumber Salad: Lightly pickled cucumber salad adds brightness and crunch, making it an ideal refreshing side.
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Tofu Satay Skewers: Marinated tofu skewers provide savory bites that complement the zesty noodles beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cilantro Lime Noodles, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the noodles – Undercook your noodles slightly to keep them chewy. This enhances the texture in your dish.
- Skipping fresh ingredients – Always use fresh cilantro and garlic for maximum flavor. Dried herbs cannot replicate the zestiness.
- Using too much oil – While oil adds flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Taste as you go! Adjust sauces and seasonings to suit your preference for a personalized dish.
- Ignoring resting time – Letting the noodles sit for a few minutes after mixing helps them absorb flavors better.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until hot. Add a splash of water if needed.
- Stovetop – Heat in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed, adding a bit of oil if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cilantro Lime Noodles.
Can I make Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring the mushroom oyster sauce is plant-based.
What kind of noodles work best?
You can use any type of noodles you prefer such as rice noodles, wheat noodles, or even gluten-free options.
How spicy are these Cilantro Lime Noodles?
The spiciness largely depends on whether you add chili powder. You can adjust this according to your taste preferences.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like tofu or chicken to enhance your dish’s flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. They offer a delightful blend of zesty lime and aromatic cilantro that elevates any meal. Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for added nutrition and flavor. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances a zesty lime kick with the aromatic freshness of cilantro. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a stunning centerpiece for gatherings. With just 20 minutes of preparation, these noodles are not only delicious but also highly versatile, allowing you to add your choice of proteins or vegetables. Whether enjoyed warm or as a refreshing cold noodle salad, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful taste and colorful presentation.
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 until slightly undercooked, then rinse under cold water and set aside.
- In a large heat-proof bowl, combine chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot/red onion, curry powder, sugar, and optional chili powder.
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat until hot; test with a piece of garlic—if it sizzles, it's ready.
- Pour the hot oil over the bowl of herbs and seasonings; mix well.
- Stir in mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until combined.
- Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve immediately with additional cilantro and lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
