Recipes

Asian Noodle Bowls

As I’ve shared on Instagram lately, life is very busy at the moment. I know many of you are feeling that spring rush, as well. We’re in a mad dash until graduation, but family dinners are still a priority. Luckily, these Asian Noodle Bowls make an easy and delicious weeknight meal.

My husband and I started cooking together regularly during quarantine, and we now evenly split our weekly dinner prep. This is a recipe he first made earlier this year, and it was a huge hit. It’s now on repeat.

We all appreciate the “make your own bowl” approach. It’s especially good for busy nights because you can prep things in advance. Plus, if people are eating at different times, it’s easy for them to assemble their own dinner on their own schedule.

The herb sauce is the key to this delicious recipe, and it is absolutely worth the effort. If you have leftover sauce, it’s even better the next day. You can use rotisserie chicken here, but if you’re up for it, try grilling chicken breasts or thighs marinated in teriyaki or soy sauce. We really like the Soyaki marinade from Trader Joe’s.

Asian Noodle Bowls

Herb Sauce:

1/4 cup hot water

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup oil (peanut, grapeseed, or canola)

1/3 cup Asian fish sauce

1 T toasted sesame oil

2 T soy sauce

3 T fresh lime juice

1 T minced Serrano chiles, optional

1 T Dijon mustard

1/3 c fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

1 garlic clove, smashed

1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and chopped

Puree all ingredients in a blender and set aside.

Noodle Bowls:

Rotisserie or grilled chicken (if grilled, marinate chicken in soy or teriyaki sauce; we like Trader Joe’s Soyaki)

2-3 packages soba or ramen noodles, cooked according to package directions (without seasoning packet!)

Sliced cucumber

Sliced radishes

Halved cherry tomatoes

Shredded lettuce

Sliced green onions

Baby corn

Snow Peas

Fresh limes

Fresh mint leaves

Sliced Serrano chiles

Everything is optional, here—use what you have and/or what your family likes. Arrange ingredients on a large cutting board or in small bowls. Allow everyone to make their own bowl. Don’t forget to top with the delicious herb sauce. Enjoy!

For more bowl-style dinners, try my:

California Roll Sushi Bowls

30-Minute Greek Meatball Bowls

Burrito Bowls (recipe/idea in my Instagram Recipe Highlights)