Description
This spicy rice noodle salad bursts with zesty lime, chili, and fresh herbs, balanced by rich smoked mackerel. A bold and refreshing dish ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
100g rice vermicelli noodles
2 small smoked mackerel fillets (about 150g)
1 red chili, finely chopped (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
½ cucumber, thinly sliced
1 carrot, grated or julienned
1 handful fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
2 tbsp crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions
Soak rice noodles in hot water for 3–4 minutes or until soft, then rinse in cold water and drain well.
In a bowl, whisk lime juice, garlic, chili, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sesame oil, and honey. Taste and adjust spice, sweetness, or acidity as needed.
Slice cucumber, grate carrot, chop herbs, and flake the smoked mackerel into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the noodles, vegetables, herbs, and mackerel.
Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.
Top with crushed nuts if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For a vegan version, replace smoked mackerel with grilled tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. To meal prep, store dressing separately and mix before eating. Best enjoyed within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main
- Method: Tossed, No-Cook (except noodles)
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: spicy rice noodle salad, smoked mackerel salad, healthy noodle bowl, Asian salad recipe