Cilantro Lime Noodles
An easy bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles is perfect for any occasion! This dish combines savory flavors with a refreshing zest, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or even potlucks. The standout qualities of this recipe include its vibrant taste, simplicity in preparation, and the ability to customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Preparation takes only 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of cilantro, lime, and garlic creates a zesty flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish to complement your meals.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, using mushroom oyster sauce for depth of flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or incorporate additional veggies for extra nutrition.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large heatproof bowl
- Cooking pot
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large heatproof bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients without risk of damage from hot oil.
- Cooking pot: Used to boil noodles and heat oil, ensuring you have everything in one place.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping ingredients like cilantro and shallots accurately.
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 Mixture
- 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 chilli 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 the noodles according to package instructions but slightly undercook them until they are still chewy.
- Rinse the noodles under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients in a Bowl
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and chilli powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In the cooking pot, heat your oil over medium to medium-high heat for about 3–4 minutes until you see small bubbles forming.
- To check if the oil is hot enough, add a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Combine Oil with Spices
- Turn off the heat once oil is ready.
- Carefully pour the hot oil over the bowl filled with spices and mix well to enjoy that sizzling aroma.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Stir in vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Noodles
- Add your cooked noodles into the mixture.
- Toss well to coat each noodle with the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7: Serve
- Optionally drizzle some chili oil or sauce on top for extra flavor.
- Serve hot while enjoying every bite!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty dish, these noodles can complement many sides and toppings.
With Grilled Chicken
- Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and flavor. Simply season the chicken with lime juice and spices before grilling for a tasty addition.
As a Salad Base
- Use the noodles as a base for a refreshing salad. Top with mixed greens, sliced bell peppers, and a tangy vinaigrette for crunch.
With Shrimp
- Sauté shrimp in garlic and lime for a quick protein boost. The shrimp pairs perfectly with the cilantro flavors of the dish.
Topped with Avocado
- Add slices of creamy avocado on top for richness. It balances the zesty noodles beautifully and adds healthy fats.
Garnished with Peanuts
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for an extra crunch. This adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
With Extra Lime Wedges
- Serve with additional lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating enhances the flavors even more.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
To achieve the best Cilantro Lime Noodles, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
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Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and garlic will make a significant difference in taste compared to dried versions.
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Undercook Noodles Slightly: Cooking your noodles just underdone helps them hold their shape when mixed with sauce.
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Use Hot Oil: Pouring hot oil over the cilantro mix releases essential oils, enhancing the aroma and flavor infusion.
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Taste as You Go: Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning. More soy sauce or lime juice can elevate your dish further.
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Experiment with Spice: Adjust chili powder based on your heat preference or add other spices like red pepper flakes for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles pair wonderfully with various sides that can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great suggestions:
- Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil make a colorful side dish.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy contrast and freshness.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers crunch and zest.
- Spicy Edamame: Tossed in sea salt and chili flakes, these provide a protein-rich snack to complement your noodles.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and balances out the zestiness of your noodles.
- Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar add refreshing acidity to round out the meal.
- Tofu Skewers: Marinated tofu grilled to perfection provides an excellent vegetarian option that pairs well.
- Fried Rice: A small serving of vegetable fried rice adds heartiness while still keeping it light.
Enjoy creating delightful meals around your Cilantro Lime Noodles!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cilantro Lime Noodles, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the undercooking step: Undercooking your noodles is crucial for the right texture. If you overcook them, they can become mushy and lose their delightful chewiness.
- Neglecting to rinse the noodles: Failing to rinse your noodles after cooking can result in clumping. A quick rinse stops the cooking process and helps separate the noodles.
- Forgetting about seasoning adjustments: Taste your dish before serving! If it feels bland, add more vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce or lime juice for extra flavor.
- Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially cilantro, enhance the taste of your noodles. Always check that your herbs and spices are fresh for the best flavor.
- Ignoring heat control: Pouring hot oil too quickly can burn garlic and shallots. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking when you pour it over the seasonings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow noodles to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Consider separating portions for easier thawing later.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking tray and cover with foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add noodles and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cilantro Lime Noodles is a delicious dish that sparks many questions. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can ensure it’s vegan by using plant-based sauces.
What type of noodles work best?
You can use any dry noodles like spaghetti, rice noodles, or even gluten-free options depending on your preference.
How can I customize my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas, or include protein such as tofu or chickpeas for added nutrition.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the chili powder or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles offers a delightful blend of flavors that makes it appealing for various occasions. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, ensuring everyone enjoys this quick and easy meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles is a delightful dish that bursts with flavor and freshness, making it perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines the zesty brightness of lime with the aromatic essence of cilantro and garlic, creating a tantalizing meal in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course, side dish, or even a light salad, these noodles can be customized to suit your taste. Add in your favorite vegetables or protein for an extra boost, making this dish not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or potlucks, Cilantro Lime Noodles will leave everyone at the table craving more.
Ingredients
- 5.2 oz dry noodles (2 servings)
- 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. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
- In a large heatproof bowl, mix chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat until bubbling. Pour hot oil over the spice mixture and stir well.
- Add vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice into the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Toss the cooked noodles in the bowl until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like chili oil or avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
