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Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles

Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles topped with cilantro and lime dressing, green onions, and sliced red peppers on a wooden tabletop

Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles topped with cilantro and lime dressing, green onions, and sliced red peppers on a wooden tabletop

Hello my fellow foodies! My name is Santiago Lopez and I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and unique textures, then this dish is sure to blow your taste buds away. The tangy lime juice, savory soy sauce, and fresh cilantro combine perfectly with the chewy and shaved Dao Xiao Mian noodles, making for a dish that’s unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted.

Headshot of a rugged-looking South American with tanned skin, wavy brown hair, and a bushy beard against a backdrop of a lush green forest

Santiago was born and raised in a small village in the Andes mountains. He has always had a passion for nature, photography, and cooking. After studying environmental science in college, he decided to travel the world and explore different cultures through their cuisine. He is now settled in a bustling city where he enjoys hiking, biking, and discovering new restaurants.

Santiago Lopez currently resides in USA and grew up in Argentina.

Growing up in the Andes mountains of Argentina, I was always surrounded by natural beauty and incredible flavors. I learned the importance of fresh ingredients and bold spices from my family, who taught me how to cook traditional South American dishes like empanadas and asado. When I left home to study environmental science, I began to explore new cultures and cuisines, which only deepened my love for cooking and eating. Now, as a seasoned traveler and avid food enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new ingredients and techniques to incorporate into my recipes.

While Dao Xiao Mian noodles may not be a household name in the Western world, they’re a staple in many Asian cuisines. These noodles are shaved, rather than sliced or rolled, giving them a unique texture that makes them perfect for absorbing sauces and flavors. Dao Xiao Mian noodles originated in China, where they’ve been eaten for over a thousand years. According to legend, the noodles were created by a chef who was attempting to replicate the shape of the crescent moon in his dish. While the noodle’s shape may have changed over the centuries, their popularity has only grown as they’ve spread to other parts of Asia and beyond. Now, you can find these delicious noodles in restaurants and kitchens around the world, including mine!

Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles topped with cilantro and lime dressing, green onions, and sliced red peppers on a wooden tabletop

What you need

These Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles are truly a treat for your taste buds! The shaved Dao Xiao Mian noodles give this dish a unique texture that’s unlike any other noodle, while the lime juice and cilantro add a refreshing and citrus-like flavor that will keep you coming back for more. To make them, you first boil the noodles until they’re al dente, then stir-fry some garlic, green onions, and jalapeno in a wok to create a spicy and savory base. Next, you add the noodles and a homemade sauce made with lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the wok, and toss for a few minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Finally, you finish the dish by adding chopped cilantro, which adds a final burst of freshness and flavor. The dish is super easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunchtime treat. It’s also vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with the right soy sauce, making it a great crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy a bowl of these zesty and delicious Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles!

Ingredients:

  • Dao Xiao Mian Noodles – Dao Xiao Mian noodles are a traditional Chinese noodle made by shaving dough into thin strips. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with other wide noodles like fettuccine.
  • Garlic Cloves – Garlic adds a savory flavor to the dish. If you don’t like garlic, you can skip it.
  • Green Onions – Green onions add a slightly sweet and crunchy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have green onions, you can substitute with regular onions.
  • Jalapeno – Jalapeno adds a spicy kick to the dish. If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip it or replace it with bell pepper.
  • Cilantro – Cilantro adds a fresh and citrus-like flavor to the dish. If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute with parsley.
  • Lime Juice – Lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the dish, balancing the spicy and savory flavors. If you don’t like lime juice, you can substitute with lemon juice.
  • Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish, giving it a rich umami taste. If you’re gluten-free, make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Sesame Oil – Sesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. You can substitute with any other neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
  • Vegetable Oil – Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying and adds a neutral flavor to the dish. You can substitute with any other neutral oil like canola or peanut oil.

Utensils:

  • Wok – A wok is preferred for stir-frying because it distributes heat evenly, but you can use a large skillet instead.
  • Slotted Spoon – A slotted spoon is used for removing food from liquid, but you can use a regular spoon or tongs.
  • Large Pot – A large pot is used for boiling noodles, but you can also use a Dutch oven or any other large pot.
  • Knife – A knife is used for chopping ingredients, and you can use any type of knife depending on your preference.
  • Cutting Board – A cutting board is used for chopping ingredients, and you can use any type of board depending on your preference.
  • Bowls or Plates – Bowls or plates are used for serving the noodles.
  • Tongs – Tongs are optional but may be useful for stirring and serving the noodles.

Dao Xiao Mian Noodles

Dao Xiao Mian noodles are one of my favorite types of noodles to cook with because they have a great texture and thickness. The shaved noodles give the dish a pleasant chewiness compared to flat noodles like fettuccine, which can be too heavy. In addition, they absorb flavors and sauces really well, making them perfect for stir-fry dishes. These noodles are also versatile and can be used in many different cuisines, from traditional Chinese dishes to Asian-inspired fusion recipes. They are also a great source of carbohydrates and make a filling meal. You can usually find them in Asian grocery stores or online, and they are affordable and easy to prepare. All you need to do is boil them for a few minutes, and they’re ready to be used in your favorite recipes!

Dao Xiao Mian Noodles lying on a wooden cutting board

Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those ingredients that people either love or hate, but I’m definitely in the love camp. I think it adds a bright and fresh taste to dishes that can be really unique and flavorful. In the case of these Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles, cilantro is a perfect addition because it’s able to balance out the spiciness of the jalapeno and the richness of the soy sauce. It has a citrus-like flavor, which pairs really well with the lime juice in the recipe. Cilantro is also believed to have many health benefits, like promoting digestion and reducing inflammation. I know some people complain that it tastes like soap to them, which is actually a genetic phenomenon, so if you’re one of those people, feel free to substitute with parsley or basil. But if you’re a fan of cilantro, then definitely don’t shy away from using it in your dishes!

A bundle of fresh cilantro leaves spread over a white plate

What to serve it with?

When it comes to serving my Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles, there’s nothing like a side of grilled vegetables to really bring out the dish’s flavors. As a nature lover and environmentalist, I try to incorporate seasonal produce and sustainable ingredients into my meals as much as possible. Grilling vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers not only adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish, but also provides a healthy and nutritious addition. I love serving this dish with a side of grilled vegetables, drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal and add some extra nutrients to the plate!

Grilled vegetables including eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper, served on a white dish

Summary

There you have it, folks! My recipe for Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles is a true testament to the fact that sometimes the best dishes come from mixing and matching different cultures, flavors, and ingredients. I hope you give it a try and that it inspires you to incorporate new flavors into your daily cooking. Have you tried Dao Xiao Mian noodles before? What’s your favorite way to prepare them? Let me know in the comments below! And as always, remember to cook with love and share with joy!

Here’s the recipe:

Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles topped with cilantro and lime dressing, green onions, and sliced red peppers on a wooden tabletop

Cilantro Lime Dao Xiao Mian Noodles

Santiago Lopez
This dish is a flavorful fusion of Chinese dao xiao mian noodles with lime and cilantro, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Mexican
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Wok
  • slotted spoon
  • large pot
  • Knife
  • cutting board
  • Bowls or Plates
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 10 ounces Dao Xiao Mian Noodles
  • 2, minced Garlic Cloves
  • 2, chopped Green Onions
  • 1, seeded and chopped Jalapeno
  • 1/2 cup, chopped Cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons Lime Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions
 

  • Boil the Noodles - Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Dao Xiao Mian noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. - Make sure not to overcook the noodles, or they will become mushy. Also, don't forget to salt the water to add flavor to the noodles.
  • Prepare the Sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside. - You can adjust the quantities of the ingredients depending on your taste. If you like more tanginess, add more lime juice; if you prefer less saltiness, reduce the soy sauce.
  • Stir-Fry the Vegetables - Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add the garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Add the green onions and jalapeno and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened. - Make sure to keep stirring the vegetables to prevent burning. You can also add other vegetables like bell pepper or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
  • Add the Noodles - Add the cooked noodles and the sauce to the wok. Toss for 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and heated through. - Make sure to toss the noodles gently to prevent the noodles from breaking or sticking together. You can also use tongs or a slotted spoon to help mix the noodles.
  • Finish with Cilantro - Add the chopped cilantro to the wok and toss for 30 seconds, or until the cilantro is evenly dispersed. - Cilantro can wilt quickly, so make sure to add it at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with parsley or omit it altogether.
  • Serve and Enjoy - Divide the noodles among bowls or plates and serve hot. Enjoy! -

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