Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a delightful fusion dish that combines zesty flavors with a hint of spice. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With fresh cilantro and lime juice, this dish brings a refreshing twist to traditional noodles. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also caters to vegetarian diets while bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Cilantro Lime Noodles can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed – The combination of fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime creates a vibrant taste that excites your palate.
- Versatile – Enjoy these noodles as a main dish or as a side to complement your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or incorporating your favorite vegetables.
- Healthy Ingredients – Packed with fresh herbs and minimal processed ingredients, this dish supports a nutritious diet.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the essential tools you’ll need for preparing Cilantro Lime Noodles. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Heatproof bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot – Essential for boiling noodles efficiently without crowding them, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Heatproof bowl – Used for mixing hot oil with seasonings, preventing any damage from heat exposure.
- Knife – A sharp knife helps chop ingredients quickly and safely, making prep work a breeze.
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 the dry noodles according to package instructions but slightly undercook them so they remain chewy.
- Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In the same pot used for cooking noodles, heat oil over medium to medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until hot.
- Test if ready by adding a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Combine Oil with Seasonings
- Turn off the heat and carefully pour hot oil over the mixture in the bowl.
- Enjoy the sizzle! Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Stir in vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until well mixed.
Step 6: Combine with Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles into the sauce mixture.
- Toss gently until noodles are evenly coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning if desired.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- Finish with chili oil or additional chili sauce if you like it spicier.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cilantro Lime Noodles!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for extra nutrition.
With Fresh Garnishes
- Top with sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Sprinkle roasted peanuts or sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
As a Cold Salad
- Serve chilled as a refreshing summer dish, perfect for picnics.
- Mix in diced cucumbers and carrots for a crunchy texture.
With Extra Sauce
- Drizzle additional vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce on top for more depth of flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
Achieving the best Cilantro Lime Noodles requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Slightly undercooking them ensures they maintain a chewy texture that holds up well with the sauce.
- Heat the oil properly: Make sure your oil is hot enough before pouring it over the seasonings to release all those aromatic flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your dish after mixing in the sauces; feel free to add more soy or oyster sauce to suit your preference.
- Serve immediately: Cilantro Lime Noodles taste best when served hot right after they’re prepared.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to tweak the chili powder and curry powder levels according to your spice tolerance.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Complementing your Cilantro Lime Noodles with tasty side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Thai Spring Rolls: Fresh veggies wrapped in rice paper, served with peanut or sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Garlic Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed in garlic and sea salt; a protein-packed snack that’s easy to prepare.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing, perfect for adding freshness.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso broth with tofu and seaweed that enhances the Asian theme of your meal.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasoned zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled until tender; they add vibrant colors to your plate.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes; it’s light yet flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cilantro Lime Noodles can be straightforward, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the noodles too long can make them mushy. Aim for al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro and garlic elevate the flavor. Always choose fresh herbs and spices for the best taste.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in strength. Taste your sauce before mixing in the noodles and adjust as needed.
- Skipping the oil heating step: Pouring cold oil over the seasonings won’t release their flavors. Heat the oil until it sizzles for a more aromatic dish.
- Forgetting about optional ingredients: Optional ingredients like chili powder add depth. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spice levels to suit your palate.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the noodles to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover noodles with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or oil in a skillet over medium heat; stir frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cilantro Lime Noodles.
What can I serve with Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Cilantro Lime Noodles pair well with grilled vegetables, tofu, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Can I customize the spice level in my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your preference or omit it entirely for milder noodles.
How do I make these noodles gluten-free?
Simply choose gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or quinoa-based options, along with gluten-free sauces.
Are Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also plant-based.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile and delicious. Feel free to customize them with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, these noodles will satisfy your cravings. Give them a try today!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly blends zesty lime with fresh cilantro and aromatic spices. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether served as a main dish or a side, these noodles are versatile and can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies. Packed with healthy ingredients and bursting with flavor, Cilantro Lime Noodles are sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of choice
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ small shallot (or red onion)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tbsp chili powder (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1.5 – 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the dry noodles according to package instructions until slightly undercooked; rinse under cold water.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, shallot, curry powder, sugar, and optional chili powder.
- Heat oil in the pot over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until hot; test with garlic.
- Pour hot oil over the seasoning mixture in the bowl and mix well.
- Stir in mushroom oyster sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice until combined.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture; toss gently to coat.
- Serve warm, garnished with chili oil or additional chili sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stirring
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
