Are you craving a dish that's bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than this mouthwatering Spicy Rice Noodle Salad that will transport your senses straight to the vibrant streets of Asia! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a refreshing, zesty meal that perfectly balances heat, crunch, and incredible taste - making it the ultimate quick lunch or dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of rice noodles, 1 cucumber (julienned), 1 grated carrot, 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of chili sauce.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Julienne the cucumber, grate the carrot, and slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the rice noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help to separate the noodles and prevent them from sticking together.
- Add the cooled rice noodles to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, and chili sauce until well combined. This will be your dressing for the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts over the top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the toppings.
- Your Spicy Rice Noodle Salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for a short while to let the flavors meld.
Tips
- For the best texture, don't overcook your rice noodles - aim for that perfect al dente consistency.
- Rinse noodles in cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
- Prep all vegetables ahead of time to make assembly quick and smooth.
- Adjust the chili sauce to control the spice level - more for heat lovers, less for mild palates.
- Toast the peanuts lightly before crushing for an extra nutty flavor.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- This salad tastes even better after sitting for 15-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
