Hello food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines the richness of coconut with a spicy kick, you’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, offering the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes or just love a good noodle bowl, this recipe will definitely become a favorite in your home.
Introduction
Looking for a way to spice up your weeknight meals? This Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl is an explosion of flavors, inspired by the rich and diverse tastes of Southeast Asia. The creamy coconut milk paired with spicy gochujang, tangy lime, and aromatic lemongrass will transport your taste buds on an exciting culinary journey.
Noodles are often a comfort food, and this dish takes them to the next level with fresh pak choi, cilantro, and scallions, providing a well-rounded, nutritious meal that’s both filling and invigorating. The spicy coconut broth wraps around every noodle, making each bite more irresistible than the last. I first stumbled upon this dish during a trip to Thailand, and it’s become a go-to recipe in my kitchen ever since!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl, you’ll need:
For the flavor paste:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (or vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
For the coconut noodles:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (or use paste)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, crushed and chopped into 3 pieces
- 400ml/14oz coconut milk (look for a coconut extract level above 60%)
- 1 liter/4 cups vegetable stock
- 300g/10.5oz noodles of your choice
- 2 heads of pak choi, sliced
- 4 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
- Handful of cilantro (coriander) leaves
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
Optional substitutions:
- You can swap the fish sauce for a vegan alternative like soy sauce or tamari if you prefer a plant-based version.
- For added protein, consider adding tofu, shredded chicken, or shrimp.
How to Make Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowls
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowls:
Step 1: Make the flavor paste
In a small bowl, mix the gochujang paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili oil together until smooth. This spicy paste is the foundation of the dish’s bold flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the broth
In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the flavor paste and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Now, pour in the coconut milk, lemongrass, and vegetable stock. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Cook the noodles
Once the broth is ready, add your noodles directly into the pot. Cook them for around 4 minutes, or until they are tender and soaked in the flavorful broth. Stir in the pak choi for a minute or so until it turns bright green and tender.
Step 4: Serve
Divide the noodles and broth between bowls. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. For those who like an extra spicy kick, drizzle some more chili oil on top. Enjoy your comforting, creamy coconut noodles!
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with less gochujang paste and gradually add more to taste.
- Freshness is key: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and cilantro for the best flavor, though pre-made pastes can be convenient in a pinch.
- Coconut milk: Opt for a high coconut extract content (above 60%) to achieve the best creamy texture.
Cooking Tips
Enhancing your Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowls can be fun and easy with these extra cooking tips:
- Use a wok or deep saucepan to allow even heating and space for all the ingredients to blend without overcrowding.
- If you want a thicker broth, you can reduce the amount of vegetable stock or simmer the coconut milk longer to thicken naturally.
- Food processor for the flavor paste: If you’re making a bigger batch or doubling the recipe, you can blend the ingredients for the flavor paste in a food processor to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl with a side of:
- Steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a perfect pairing.
- For drinks, try an iced green tea or lemongrass-infused water to complement the dish’s flavors.
- Consider serving the noodle bowl with extra lime wedges for guests who enjoy a bit more tang.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also offers a variety of nutrients:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 15%
The coconut milk provides healthy fats, while the fresh vegetables add a wealth of vitamins and minerals, making this meal both indulgent and nourishing.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Simply reheat the noodles in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen up the broth.
Leftovers make a great lunch the next day! You can even transform the dish by adding a new protein or extra veggies to make it feel fresh again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily swap out regular noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
Is there a vegan version?
Absolutely. Simply replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients, like noodles, are vegan-friendly.
Can I use other vegetables?
Feel free to experiment with different greens like spinach, kale, or even broccoli. This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your preferences.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl, you might also enjoy these recipes:
-
Vibrant Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad With Sesame Dressing
-
Spicy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup With Coconut And Lime
Conclusion
I hope you give this Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl a try! It’s an easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors. Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out for you, and feel free to share your own creative variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowls Recipe
Description
Hello food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines the richness of coconut with a spicy kick, you’ve come to the right place. This Creamy Spicy Coconut Noodle Bowl recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, offering the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness. Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes or just love a good noodle bowl, this recipe will definitely become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the flavor paste:
- 2 tablespoons gochujang paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce (or vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
For the coconut noodles:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (or use paste)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, crushed and chopped into 3 pieces
- 400ml/14oz coconut milk (look for a coconut extract level above 60%)
- 1 liter/4 cups vegetable stock
- 300g/10.5oz noodles of your choice
- 2 heads of pak choi, sliced
- 4 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
- Handful of cilantro (coriander) leaves
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
Optional substitutions:
- You can swap the fish sauce for a vegan alternative like soy sauce or tamari if you prefer a plant-based version.
- For added protein, consider adding tofu, shredded chicken, or shrimp.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the flavor paste
In a small bowl, mix the gochujang paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili oil together until smooth. This spicy paste is the foundation of the dish’s bold flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the broth
In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add the flavor paste and cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Now, pour in the coconut milk, lemongrass, and vegetable stock. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Cook the noodles
Once the broth is ready, add your noodles directly into the pot. Cook them for around 4 minutes, or until they are tender and soaked in the flavorful broth. Stir in the pak choi for a minute or so until it turns bright green and tender.
Step 4: Serve
Divide the noodles and broth between bowls. Garnish with scallions, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. For those who like an extra spicy kick, drizzle some more chili oil on top. Enjoy your comforting, creamy coconut noodles!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Adjust the spice level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with less gochujang paste and gradually add more to taste.
- Freshness is key: Use fresh garlic, ginger, and cilantro for the best flavor, though pre-made pastes can be convenient in a pinch.
- Coconut milk: Opt for a high coconut extract content (above 60%) to achieve the best creamy texture.
