Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia? Dive into the creamy, comforting world of Coconut Noodles or Zoodles—a dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk and aromatic curry paste with the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re a noodle lover or a zoodle enthusiast, this recipe is designed to delight and satisfy! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles or 2 zucchinis (zoodles)
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tbsp curry paste
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. If using zucchini, spiralize or julienne into noodle-like strands. For rice noodles, soak in warm water according to package instructions.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Add curry paste to the vegetables and stir quickly to distribute the spices evenly, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- If using rice noodles, drain and add them directly to the sauce. For zoodles, add them last and cook for 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.
- Season with salt to taste, ensuring the noodles are well-coated with the coconut curry sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot in individual bowls, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables and sauce.
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Ensure all your vegetables are washed and chopped before you start cooking. If you’re using zucchini for zoodles, spiralize or julienne them into thin strands for the best texture.
- Cooking Rice Noodles: If you choose rice noodles, soak them in warm water according to package instructions to ensure they’re perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
- Sautéing Vegetables: When sautéing the bell peppers and broccoli, keep the heat on medium-high to achieve that perfect crispness while still allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
- Curry Paste Magic: Don’t rush the addition of the curry paste. Sauté it with the vegetables for a minute or two to unlock its full flavor potential before adding the coconut milk.
- Simmering the Sauce: Allow the coconut milk to simmer gently to thicken the sauce. If it gets too thick, you can always add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Cooking Zoodles: If you opt for zoodles, add them last to the pan and cook for only 2-3 minutes. This will keep them from becoming too soft and help maintain their delightful crunch.
- Garnishing: Finish off your dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the dish's fresh flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 792kcal
Carbohydrates: 95g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 46g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
