Asian-fusion·Main
Spicy Lettuce & Garlic Noodles
A fast, unique noodle dish inspired by the flavors of Pad Thai, featuring crunchy romaine hearts tossed in a pungent, spicy, and savory dressing.
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Total
20m
Serves
2
Method
- 01
Prep the lettuce by stacking Romaine and Little Gem leaves, rolling them slightly, and slicing crosswise into 1-inch strips. Aim for about 6 ounces total for two portions.
Watch · 0:23
- 02
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots, green onions, and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 1–2 minutes until the shallots soften and turn translucent.
Watch · 1:12
- 03
Add brown sugar, rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, sambal, tamarind paste, and sriracha to the skillet. Stir or swirl the pan until well combined, then turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
Watch · 1:45
- 04
Boil your noodles in salted water. Cook them for about 30 seconds less than the package directions so they remain slightly firm for the final toss.
Watch · 2:38
- 05
Use tongs to transfer the cooked noodles directly into the sauce skillet, allowing some pasta water to come with them. Turn the heat back to medium-high and stir for 30 seconds to let the noodles absorb the sauce.
Watch · 3:17
- 06
Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the hot noodles into a large bowl containing the sliced lettuce. Toss thoroughly until the lettuce is evenly coated and slightly wilted from the heat.
Watch · 3:38
- 07
Serve immediately garnished with a generous squeeze of fresh lime, extra hot sauce, and freshly snipped cilantro leaves.
Watch · 4:10
From Chef John
“You don't win friends with salad... but you can win friends with lettuce served in a spicy garlicky noodle dish.”
“You guys are after all the Deans of your spicy noodles with greens.”
“Even bad Thai is better than no Thai.”