Bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, Cilantro Lime Noodles are the kind of dish you whip up on a whim and then dream about for days afterward. A quick 20-minute meal that feels both delightfully simple and restaurant-worthy, these noodles are dressed in a tangy lime-garlic sauce, loaded up with fresh cilantro and green onions, and finished with just the right pop of spice. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side or a satisfying meatless main, this is the noodle bowl that never lets you down.

Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can come together to make something so memorable. Each element in Cilantro Lime Noodles brings its own magic, delivering perfect balance in taste, aroma, and texture.

Rice noodles or thin spaghetti (8 ounces): Choose rice noodles for a light, chewy texture, or sub in thin spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand—they both soak up the citrusy sauce beautifully.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral but rich base for your sauce, helping every ingredient shine through and glossing the noodles irresistibly.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): No shortcut here—fresh garlic gives crucial aromatic depth and a subtle, savory backbone.
Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup, about 2 limes): The heart of the dish! Freshly squeezed lime adds bold brightness and the signature tang you’ll crave.
Lime zest (1 teaspoon): Don’t skip the zest; it packs concentrated citrus oils for an extra punch of lime that ties everything together.
Soy sauce or tamari (1 tablespoon): This brings saltiness, umami, and real complexity, whether you go classic or gluten-free.
Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon): Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tart lime and salty soy—it’s the secret that makes the sauce sing.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): If you love a little heat, add a pinch for gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Loads of cilantro deliver fresh, herby brightness and the signature green hue in every bite.
Green onions (2, sliced): Mild, crisp, and a perfect match for the punchy flavors, these give a pretty pop of color and crunch.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential finishing touches that keep the flavors lively and the seasoning just right.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Noodles

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Noodles

Start by boiling your rice noodles or spaghetti according to the package directions—nothing too fancy here! The key to perfect Cilantro Lime Noodles is not overcooking the noodles, so keep a close eye. Once they’re done, drain them thoroughly and rinse with cold water. This simple rinse works wonders: not only does it stop the cooking, but it keeps each noodle pleasantly springy and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil

Place a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Give it just a minute to get shimmery, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently—the goal is to gently toast the garlic to a fragrant golden softness. This quick step transforms the oil into a flavor-packed base for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the lime juice and add the lime zest, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, and the red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and let it bubble for about a minute so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens. This is where those bright, tangy, and salty-sweet notes start coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add your cooked and cooled noodles straight into the skillet. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything thoroughly, making sure every strand is coated in that vibrant sauce. Let it heat through for just a minute so the noodles absorb all that zesty goodness.

Step 5: Finish Fresh with Cilantro and Green Onion

Turn off the heat and scatter in the chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Give it all a final toss so the herbs and scallions are distributed throughout. Now, take a moment to season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Your Cilantro Lime Noodles are ready—sunny, herby, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Noodles

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a handful of extra cilantro and green onion slices go a long way, both for color and for bursts of freshness. Try some toasted sesame seeds or a few wedges of lime on the side to amp up the flavor even more. A sprinkle of chopped peanuts is also delicious if you want a little extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Cilantro Lime Noodles fit in effortlessly with so many dishes. They’re ideal next to grilled shrimp or tofu, making a fantastic base for sautéed veggies, or perfectly at home served with spicy chicken skewers. You could even pair them with a cool cucumber salad or fresh spring rolls for a vibrant vegetarian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with bright veggie ribbons, or pile them high on a wide platter for a family-style meal. For parties, try serving small portions in lettuce cups—they make a fresh, pick-up snack with tons of flavor. And if you want to impress, top with quick-pickled onions for a burst of color and tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cilantro Lime Noodles keep surprisingly well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors become even more pronounced as they sit, making them a delightful cold noodle salad for lunches or quick snacks.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze cooked noodles, this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the noodles’ delicate texture, but if you need to store a batch for later, make sure to thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cilantro Lime Noodles gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice if they seem dry. They’re also wonderful straight from the fridge; just give them a good toss before serving and enjoy as a cold noodle salad.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Side Dish

Absolutely! While rice noodles give the dish a light, silky feel, thin spaghetti, soba, or even udon work beautifully. Just adjust your cooking time according to the noodle type, and you’ll still get the signature Cilantro Lime Noodles flavor.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To keep Cilantro Lime Noodles gluten-free, just use rice noodles and swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Double-check your sauces for hidden gluten ingredients, and you’re good to go!

What proteins go well with Cilantro Lime Noodles?

This recipe is terrific with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra staying power. Stir-fried edamame or roasted chickpeas also make a great plant-based addition if you’re looking to boost protein without meat.

Can I adjust the tanginess or sweetness?

Of course! If you crave more brightness, simply add extra lime juice. For a hint more sweetness, stir in another half-teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Taste as you go, and customize your Cilantro Lime Noodles until they’re perfect for you.

Is this dish good served cold as a salad?

Yes! Cilantro Lime Noodles are as good—if not better—chilled as they are warm. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches, and the flavors actually deepen and improve as they rest in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that delivers major flavor with minimal fuss, these Cilantro Lime Noodles are pure magic in a bowl. I hope they find a spot in your regular rotation—don’t be surprised if you catch yourself making them again and again. Give them a try and let the bright, fresh flavors wow your tastebuds!

Cilantro Lime Noodles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and flavorful dish, these Cilantro Lime Noodles are a perfect balance of tangy lime, savory soy sauce, and fresh cilantro. Quick and easy to make, this vegetarian noodle dish is ideal for a light lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients

Rice Noodles:

8 ounces

Olive Oil:

2 tablespoons

Garlic Cloves, minced:

Fresh Lime Juice:

1/4 cup (about 2 limes)

Lime Zest:

1 teaspoon

Soy Sauce or Tamari:

1 tablespoon

Honey or Maple Syrup:

1 teaspoon

Red Pepper Flakes (optional):

1/4 teaspoon

Fresh Cilantro, chopped:

1/2 cup

Green Onions, sliced:

Salt and Black Pepper:

to taste

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Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Prepare Lime Sauce: Stir in lime juice, lime zest, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, toss to coat well in the sauce.
Add Herbs: Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Serve warm or chilled as a side or main dish.