Description
Cilantro lime noodles blend zesty Mexican flavors with silky pasta strands, creating a quick weeknight dinner sensation. Bright herbs and tangy citrus dance together, offering a refreshing twist that will satisfy your craving for something light and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Noodles and Proteins:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) linguine or rice noodles
- Grilled chicken strips
- Sauteed shrimp
- Tofu cubes
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Dressing and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Zest of 2 limes
- Juice of 2 limes
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a spacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge noodles and cook until they reach the perfect tender-yet-firm texture, carefully monitoring to prevent overcooking.
- Craft a harmonious sauce by blending soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a compact mixing vessel. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a complex flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in a capacious skillet, then introduce minced garlic. Allow the aromatics to dance and release their essence for approximately 30 seconds, taking care not to scorch.
- Drain noodles and transfer directly into the sizzling skillet. Cascade the prepared sauce over the noodles, using tongs to coat each strand meticulously, ensuring uniform distribution of flavors.
- Elevate the dish by scattering freshly zested lime, squeezing lime juice, and generously sprinkling chopped cilantro across the noodles. Execute a final gentle toss, allowing the residual heat to activate the vibrant herbs and citrus notes, transforming the dish into a sensory experience.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing everyone from mild-lovers to spice enthusiasts to enjoy the dish.
- Swap traditional noodles with gluten-free or zucchini noodles for diet-friendly alternatives that maintain the recipe’s vibrant flavor profile.
- Toast sesame seeds as a crunchy garnish to add extra texture and nutty depth, transforming the simple noodle dish into a more complex culinary experience.
- Optimize sauce consistency by whisking ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even coating that prevents clumping and delivers balanced flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg