Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a delightful dish that combines savory and zesty flavors, perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe offers a burst of freshness with cilantro and a tangy kick from lime juice. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, these noodles are sure to impress. With their unique blend of spices and fresh ingredients, Cilantro Lime Noodles stand out as a vibrant addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of cilantro and lime gives the dish a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap the noodles or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
- Healthy Option: Packed with fresh herbs and minimal oil, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Perfect for Sharing: With two servings, it’s great for enjoying with a friend or family member.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential items to prepare your Cilantro Lime Noodles.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Heatproof bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling noodles evenly without overcrowding.
- Heatproof bowl: Perfect for mixing hot oil with fresh ingredients while ensuring safety.
- Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise chopping of herbs and vegetables, enhancing texture in the dish.
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
- 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 preparing your dry noodles according to package instructions. Slightly undercook them until they are very chewy. Once cooked, run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside the noodles while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Mix Fresh Ingredients
In a large heatproof bowl, add the following:
1. Chopped cilantro
2. Minced garlic
3. Shallot or red onion
4. Curry powder
5. Sugar
6. Chilli powder (if using)
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in your large pot over medium to medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until it gets hot enough that you see small bubbles forming. To test if it’s ready, drop in a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 4: Combine Oil with Ingredients
Once heated, turn off the heat right away. Carefully pour the hot oil over your bowl filled with cilantro, garlic, shallot/onion, and seasonings. Enjoy the sizzling sound as you mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 5: Add Sauces
Add in vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice into your mixture. Stir well until all components are combined nicely.
Step 6: Combine Noodles
Now it’s time to incorporate your cooked noodles into the sauce mixture. Toss them gently but thoroughly so they are well-coated with flavors. Taste your creation; feel free to add more vegetarian oyster sauce if necessary.
Step 7: Serve Hot
For an extra kick, finish off with some chili oil or sauce on top if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a light meal or a hearty side, these noodles are perfect for any occasion.
As a Main Dish
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a fresh and colorful meal.
- Serve alongside tofu or chicken for added protein and flavor.
As a Cold Salad
- Chill the noodles and toss with diced cucumbers and bell peppers for a refreshing salad.
- Drizzle with extra lime juice and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
With Extra Garnishes
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
- Add sliced green onions or peanuts for more texture and flavor.
In Wraps
- Use the noodles as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fun finger food option.
- Combine with shredded carrots and avocado for an extra nutritious bite.
How to Perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles
Perfecting your Cilantro Lime Noodles is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime, and garlic elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the chili powder to fit your heat preference; add more for spice lovers.
- Cook noodles al dente: Undercooking ensures the noodles have a pleasant chewiness when combined with the sauce.
- Mix immediately after adding oil: Pour hot oil over the ingredients right away to release essential oils from garlic and cilantro.
- Taste before serving: Always taste your noodles before serving to ensure they are well-seasoned.
Best Side Dishes for Cilantro Lime Noodles
Pairing side dishes with Cilantro Lime Noodles can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Edamame: A simple yet flavorful dish of steamed edamame tossed in garlic and sea salt.
- Spicy Tofu Skewers: Marinated tofu grilled on skewers adds protein and zest to your meal.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing complements the noodles nicely.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies provide a light, crispy contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out the meal beautifully with its umami flavor.
- Sesame Broccoli: Stir-fried broccoli tossed in sesame oil offers a nutritious side that pairs well with Asian flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Cilantro Lime Noodles. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Overcooking the noodles: Ensure you slightly undercook your noodles. They should be chewy to hold up against the sauce once mixed.
- Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using fresh cilantro and garlic enhances the flavor significantly. Avoid using dried herbs for this recipe.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dish before serving. You may need to adjust the vegetarian oyster sauce or lime juice for a perfect balance.
- Skipping the oil heating step: Pouring cold oil over the herbs won’t release their flavors properly. Always heat the oil until it’s hot before combining it with the other ingredients.
- Neglecting portion control: This recipe serves two, but it’s easy to double or halve based on your needs. Make sure to measure accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow cooling completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
Freezing Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion out servings for easy thawing later.
Reheating Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil, stirring regularly until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing and enjoying Cilantro Lime Noodles.
What can I substitute for noodles in Cilantro Lime Noodles?
You can use rice noodles, zucchini noodles, or even whole grain pasta as alternatives that complement the flavors well.
Can I make Cilantro Lime Noodles vegan?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian, and you can easily ensure it’s vegan by confirming all sauces are plant-based.
How can I add more protein to my Cilantro Lime Noodles?
Consider adding tofu, chickpeas, or edamame for extra protein while maintaining a delicious flavor profile.
Are Cilantro Lime Noodles gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free noodles and ensure that your sauces are also gluten-free for this dish.
What should I serve with Cilantro Lime Noodles?
These noodles pair well with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or as a side dish with your favorite protein.
Final Thoughts
Cilantro Lime Noodles are not just easy to make; they bring together vibrant flavors that delight every palate. This recipe offers great versatility; feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or proteins of your choice. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles are a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together zesty lime and fragrant cilantro for a quick culinary delight. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The savory noodles are enhanced with minced garlic, shallots, and a hint of spice from curry and chili powders, making them a versatile option that can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether served as a main dish with grilled chicken or as a cold salad with fresh vegetables, these noodles promise to impress with their bold flavors and delightful texture.
Ingredients
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of 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 according to package instructions, slightly undercooking them for chewiness.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot, curry powder, sugar, and optional chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot until hot; pour it over the mixture in the bowl.
- Stir in the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice until well combined.
- Toss the cooked noodles into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with chili oil or sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
