When I first made these Cilantro Lime Noodles, I couldn’t believe how simple ingredients could create such bold, refreshing flavors. The vibrant combination of fresh cilantro, tangy lime, garlic, and spices transforms humble noodles into a dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or dress it up with your choice of protein and veggies, this recipe delivers every time. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are the key ingredients to bring this bright and zesty dish to life.
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces dry noodles of choice (rice noodles, vermicelli, or spaghetti): A versatile base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds an herby freshness that’s essential to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup shallots or red onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Brings a zesty brightness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty umami base of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce: Enhances savory complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the lime.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste): For a touch of heat to balance the citrus.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Offsets the tanginess, creating a perfect balance.
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sizzling the sauce ingredients and releasing their flavors.
Note: This recipe yields 2 servings, but you can easily scale up the ingredients to feed a larger crowd.
Flavorful Variations to Try
This versatile dish adapts beautifully to different preferences.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular noodles for rice or mung bean noodles.
- Protein Add-Ons: Add grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Boost the Heat: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or use fresh Thai chilies for extra spice.
- Nutty Twist: Drizzle sesame oil or add toasted peanuts for a crunchy, nutty finish.
Cooking Time Breakdown
This quick and easy recipe fits into even the busiest schedule!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s what to gather for smooth and efficient noodle-making.
- Large pot: For boiling noodles evenly.
- Heatproof bowl: Perfect for tossing the sauce ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping cilantro, garlic, and shallots.
- Tongs or noodle spoon: Ensures even mixing of noodles with the sauce.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Noodles? Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a quick and delicious dish.
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Prepare your noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them to retain a firm texture. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Finely chop the cilantro, garlic, and shallots, then add them to a heatproof bowl. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This creates a flavor-packed base for the noodles.
Step 3: Sizzle the Oil
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers and small bubbles form. Carefully pour the hot oil over the bowl of sauce ingredients. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as the oil releases the full aroma of the spices and herbs. This step is key to unlocking the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Lime and Seasonings
Stir in the soy sauce, vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, and fresh lime juice. Mix everything thoroughly to create a bright and tangy sauce with layers of savory complexity.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. Ensure each strand soaks up the flavors. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of chili oil for added heat and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Pro Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
From my experience, these tips ensure your noodles turn out flawless every time.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime are essential for achieving bold, vibrant flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly firm noodles hold their texture better and absorb more sauce.
- Get the Oil Hot Enough: Make sure the oil is sizzling before pouring it over the sauce to maximize aroma.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles?
For the best presentation, plate the noodles in a shallow bowl and garnish with extra cilantro, sliced lime wedges, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts. Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls, refreshing cucumber salad, or steaming hot miso soup for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, add your favorite protein like grilled prawns or sautéed tofu to the noodles.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutrition per serving.
- Calories: 544 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fat: 29g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These noodles are perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day in advance, then toss it with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Refresh the noodles in a hot skillet with a splash of water or lime juice for a just-cooked taste.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 3 months and prepare fresh noodles when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Cilantro Lime Noodles are packed with everything you love in a quick and tasty meal!
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes.
- Zesty and Vibrant: The perfect balance of citrus, herbs, and spices.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add your favorite proteins.
- Vegan-Friendly: Naturally plant-based but easy to adapt for everyone.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A unique fusion of flavors that impresses every time.
Once you’ve made this dish, you’ll see why it’s the ultimate go-to for a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Get ready to savor the refreshing blend of cilantro and lime in every bite!
Cilantro Lime Noodles
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces dry noodles of choice rice noodles, vermicelli, or spaghetti
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup shallots or red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your noodles according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook them to retain a firm texture. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Finely chop the cilantro, garlic, and shallots, then add them to a heatproof bowl. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This creates a flavor-packed base for the noodles.
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers and small bubbles form. Carefully pour the hot oil over the bowl of sauce ingredients. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as the oil releases the full aroma of the spices and herbs. This step is key to unlocking the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
- Stir in the soy sauce, vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, and fresh lime juice. Mix everything thoroughly to create a bright and tangy sauce with layers of savory complexity.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. Ensure each strand soaks up the flavors. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of chili oil for added heat and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Toss with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or lime juice to refresh them.
