Description
Cilantro Lime Noodles offer a vibrant, tangy dish featuring chewy noodles tossed in a fragrant blend of fresh cilantro, garlic, shallots, and a flavorful sauce made with vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and warming spices. Quick to prepare and bursting with bright flavors, this recipe is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 5.2 oz dry noodles of choice (2 servings; knife cut noodles recommended)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small shallot (or red onion), finely chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tbsp chili powder (optional for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup 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)
- Chili oil or chili sauce (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the noodles until just underdone, leaving them very chewy. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside while you prepare the sauce. Rinse and dry the pot used for boiling noodles for later use.
- Mix Fresh Ingredients: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, shallot (or red onion), curry powder, sugar, and chili powder.
- Heat Oil: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium to medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until hot and small bubbles form at the edges. Test by adding a small piece of garlic; it should sizzle immediately.
- Create Infused Sauce: Turn off the heat and quickly pour the hot oil over the bowl with cilantro and seasonings. Enjoy the sizzling sound as the flavors bloom, then mix everything well.
- Add Liquid Seasonings: Stir in the vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and lime juice. Mix thoroughly to create the noodle sauce.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Taste and add more vegetarian oyster sauce if needed for seasoning.
- Finish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle with chili oil or chili sauce for extra heat and serve the noodles hot for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor balance and aroma.
- Adjust chili powder and chili oil according to your spice preference.
- Undercooking the noodles slightly prevents them from becoming mushy after mixing with the sauce.
- Vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce can be found in Asian grocery stores and offers a savory, umami flavor without any seafood ingredients.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be gently reheated if necessary.
