Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors with a hint of spice. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a vibrant taste in just 20 minutes. With its zesty lime and aromatic cilantro, this dish stands out for its simplicity and versatility, making it suitable for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavors: The combination of cilantro, lime, and spices creates a savory and zesty flavor profile that will excite your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or side dish, these noodles complement a variety of meals and can be easily customized.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe uses vegetarian ingredients, making it suitable for plant-based diets while still being hearty and satisfying.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add your favorite vegetables to suit your personal preference.
Tools and Preparation
To make the preparation smooth and efficient, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large heatproof bowl
- Pot for cooking noodles
- Minced garlic press (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large heatproof bowl: This is crucial for mixing your ingredients together safely without worrying about heat damage.
- Pot for cooking noodles: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while preparing your noodles.
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
- Begin by cooking your noodles slightly underdone until they are chewy.
- Rinse them under cold water to halt further cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot or red onion, curry powder, sugar, and optional chilli powder.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat oil in your pot over medium to medium-high heat 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: Combine Oil with Seasonings
- Turn off the heat and pour the hot oil over the mixture in the bowl.
- Enjoy the sizzling sound as you mix everything well.
Step 5: Add Sauces
- Stir in the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until evenly combined.
Step 6: Toss in Noodles
- Add your cooked noodles to the bowl and mix thoroughly to coat all noodles in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more vegetarian oyster sauce if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot
- Drizzle some chili oil or sauce on top if desired. Enjoy while hot!
This straightforward recipe brings together simple ingredients into a delicious dish that everyone will love!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor. These noodles can be enjoyed as a main dish or paired with complementary sides for a more filling meal.
Add Protein
- Grilled Chicken – Tender, marinated chicken adds a hearty touch and pairs well with the zesty flavors.
- Tofu – Crispy fried tofu is a great vegetarian option that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
- Shrimp – Quick-cooked shrimp add a seafood twist that elevates the dish.
Garnish Creatively
- Chopped Peanuts – Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Sliced Green Onions – Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty aroma and enhance visual appeal.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Cucumber Slices – Refreshing cucumber balances the spicy notes and adds crispness.
- Avocado – Creamy avocado provides richness that complements the tangy lime.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
Perfecting your Cilantro Lime Noodles is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Modify the chili powder amount according to your heat preference for optimal enjoyment.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente – Slightly undercooking ensures they maintain their texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Mix While Hot – Mixing the noodles while hot helps them absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Experiment with Sauces – Feel free to add different sauces like soy or sriracha to customize your noodles further.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy your noodles right away for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Spring Rolls – Fresh vegetable spring rolls are light and complement the bold flavors of the noodles.
- Asian Slaw – A crunchy slaw made of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and texture.
- Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup offers soothing flavors that balance out the zesty noodles.
- Grilled Vegetables – Colorful grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini provide a smoky flavor contrast.
- Edamame – Steamed edamame is an easy, protein-packed snack that pairs well with Asian cuisine.
- Fried Rice – A small serving of fried rice makes for a hearty meal when served alongside these flavorful noodles.
- Kimchi Salad – The tangy crunch of kimchi salad introduces exciting flavors that go hand-in-hand with cilantro lime noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Cilantro Lime Noodles, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Overcooking the noodles: Undercook your noodles slightly to ensure they stay chewy and absorb the flavors better.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Use fresh cilantro and garlic for the best flavor; dried herbs won’t provide the same zest.
- Skipping the seasoning adjustments: Always taste the dish before serving. You might need to add more vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce or lime juice.
- Neglecting oil temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before pouring it over the cilantro mixture; this helps release essential oils for maximum flavor.
- Serving cold: Enjoy these noodles hot for the best experience. They lose their appeal when served cold.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C).
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Duration: Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.
- Tip: Separate portions with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil if needed, stirring until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Cilantro Lime Noodles:
Can I use different noodles?
Yes! You can use any type of noodle you prefer. Rice noodles or spaghetti work well too.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegan-friendly vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce. It’s a great vegetarian dish!
How can I customize my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli, or protein such as tofu or tempeh for a heartier meal.
What can I serve with Cilantro Lime Noodles?
These noodles pair nicely with grilled vegetables, spring rolls, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles are an easy and flavorful dish that offers versatility and customization options. You can add your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the fresh tastes of cilantro and zesty lime in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these vibrant noodles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.
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 olive oil
- 1.5 to 2 tbsp vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until slightly underdone, then rinse under cold water and set aside.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, shallot/onion, curry powder, sugar, and optional chili powder.
- Heat olive 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 mixture in the bowl and mix well.
- Stir in vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until combined.
- Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve immediately with optional garnishes like chili oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate of noodles (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
