Go Back

Cilantro Lime Noodles

Cilantro lime noodles with a bright, wasabi-green cilantro sauce cling to warm noodles for a fast 15-minute weeknight dinner. The blend of cilantro, garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes creates a smooth coating that tastes zesty and vibrant.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Noodles and toppings
  • 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti Use any noodle that cooks similarly to pasta or rice noodles.
  • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts, for topping Add at serving for crunch.
Cilantro lime sauce
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro Pack lightly; remove tough stems if needed.
  • 2 garlic cloves Fresh garlic recommended.
  • 0.25 cup olive oil Helps emulsify the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp lime juice Fresh juice gives best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce Adds savory depth.
  • 1 tsp honey Balances acidity.
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • 1 stand mixer

Method
 

Cook and drain the noodles
  1. Cook the rice noodles or spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain. Keep a splash of hot cooking water reserved in case you need to loosen the sauce.
Blend the cilantro lime sauce
  1. Blend the fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pause and scrape as needed so the mixture is fully emulsified and bright green.
Toss and serve
  1. Toss the warm rice noodles or spaghetti with the cilantro lime sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add a small splash of reserved cooking water and toss again.
  2. Top with chopped peanuts, for topping before serving. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

For best absorption, toss the noodles with the cilantro lime sauce while the rice noodles or spaghetti are still warm. Make-ahead: blend the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge in a sealed container. Freezer: no (fresh cilantro sauce separates when thawed). Dietary swap: use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.