An easy, Savoury, and zesty bowl of Cilantro Lime Noodles with a hint of spice and earthiness from chili and curry powder.
PROCESS:
- To make these spicy cilantro noodles, start by cooking the dry noodles in boiling water until they’re just right.
- While they cook, heat some oil in a pan and add sliced shallot or red onion, cooking until it gets soft, then toss in minced garlic for another minute.
- Next, mix in soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, chili paste, lemon juice, chili powder, and curry powder, letting it simmer for a minute. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and add them to the pan, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
- Then, stir in fresh chopped cilantro for a fresh kick. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious noodles!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Dry Noodles: These are the base of the dish—what makes it filling and comforting.
Oil: This helps cook the onions and garlic and adds a nice richness to everything.
Shallot or Red Onion: These add a sweet, mellow flavor when cooked, making the dish taste great.
Garlic: This is a must for flavor! It gives off a delicious aroma and makes everything better.
Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and a savory depth that ties the dish together.
Sugar: Just a bit of sweetness helps balance the flavors and makes everything pop.
Oyster Sauce: This gives a rich, savory flavor that really enhances the dish.
Chili Paste: This is where the heat comes in! It adds spice and makes things lively.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the dish and adds a refreshing tang that balances the richness.
Fresh Cilantro: This adds a burst of freshness and a lovely green touch on top.
Chili Powder: This gives an extra kick of warmth and flavor, making it more exciting.
Curry Powder: This adds a mix of spices that gives the dish a unique twist.
INGREDIENTS
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of choice
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/2 small shallot or red onion
- 1/2 small shallot or red onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Oyster sauce
- 1/2 Chili paste
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Curry powder
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
- Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add your dry noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, but take them off the heat a minute or two early so they’re still a bit chewy. When they’re ready, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them firm. Set the noodles aside for later.
Step 2: Clean the Pot
While the noodles are cooling, quickly rinse the pot you used to cook them. Make sure it’s dry so that it’s ready for the next steps!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In the same pot, add your chopped cilantro and minced garlic. Then, add the sliced shallot or red onion. Sprinkle in the curry powder, sugar, and chili powder. Stir everything together for a minute so the flavors start to blend.
Step 4: Add the Sauces
Now, pour in the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce and the soy sauce. Squeeze in the lime juice too. Mix everything well until it looks like a nice sauce.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add your cooled noodles into the pot with the sauce mixture. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss the noodles, making sure they’re well coated with the sauce. Take a taste! If you think it needs more flavor, feel free to add a splash more vegetarian oyster sauce.
Step 6: Final touches and Serve
If you like it spicy, drizzle some chili oil or sauce over the top and give it another quick mix.Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve the noodles on plates or in bowls while they’re hot. Enjoy your delicious, flavorful noodles!
Tips and Notes:
- Feel free to use any type of noodles you like—rice noodles, egg noodles, or even whole wheat noodles work great!
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a bit of ginger when mixing the ingredients.
- For more nutrition and color, toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the sauces.
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of chili powder and skip the chili oil. You can always add it later for those who like it hot!
- You can add protein like tofu, shrimp, or chicken to make it a heartier dish. Just cook the protein first, then add it in when you mix everything together.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for 2-3 days.
- When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or a little oil to help loosen the noodles, as they can become sticky.
- Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients! Adjust the sauces and spices to suit your taste. Cooking is all about making it your own.
- These noodles are great on their own, but they also pair well with grilled meats or a side salad.
