Southeast Asian Rice Noodles with Calamari and Herbs

A refreshing and flavorful Southeast Asian dish combining tender rice vermicelli noodles with perfectly cooked calamari, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime-fish sauce dressing. The combination of cucumber, herbs, and chili creates a light yet satisfying meal.

4 servings
14 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cleaned squid, bodies cut into 1/3-inch-thick rings and tentacles halved
  • 8 ounces 1/8-inch-wide dried rice-stick noodles (rice vermicelli)
  • 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 piece Kirby cucumber, sliced into thin half-moons
  • 2 pieces scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mixed coarsely chopped herbs such as mint
  • ¼ cup basil
  • ¼ cup and cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Cook squid in a 5-quart pot of well-salted boiling water, stirring once, until just opaque, about 1 minute. Transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking, reserving boiling water in pot.

    1 min

  2. 2.

    Boil noodles in same water until just tender, about 3 minutes.

    3 min

  3. 3.

    When squid is cool, transfer to a plate, reserving ice bath, and pat dry.

    2 min

  4. 4.

    Drain noodles, then transfer to ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well, then snip with kitchen shears 2 or 3 times.

    3 min

  5. 5.

    Meanwhile, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until combined.

    3 min

  6. 6.

    Add noodles and calamari to dressing with cucumber, scallions, and herbs and toss well.

    2 min

Recommended to use Recipe Notes to manage your recipes