Ruby Noodles Recipe

Silky Ruby Noodles Recipe: A Jewel-Toned Comfort Classic

Crimson and vibrant ruby noodles dance with an unexpected twist in this delightful culinary adventure.

Silk-smooth strands shimmer with a playful pop of color that catches everyone’s eye.

Delicate noodles absorb rich flavors, creating a mesmerizing dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Small details make this recipe special, from the careful selection of ingredients to the artful preparation.

Subtle hints of spice and brightness weave through each bite, promising a memorable meal.

Passionate cooks will adore how simple techniques can produce such a stunning plate.

You’ll want to savor every single twirl of these magnificent noodles.

Why Nigella Ruby Noodles Are Fun To Try

Why Nigella Ruby Noodles Are Fun To Try
  • Burst with Vibrant Color: Ruby noodles create a stunning, Instagram-worthy dish that transforms ordinary pasta into a visual feast with its rich, deep beetroot-infused red hue.
  • Craft Global Flavor Fusion: This recipe blends Asian-inspired sauces and ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, and chilli flakes, delivering a complex, tangy taste profile that excites adventurous palates.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Requiring minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, this recipe allows busy home cooks to prepare a gourmet-style meal in under half an hour without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe welcomes personal touches like swapping herbs, adjusting spice levels, or adding protein, making it perfect for creative cooks who love to experiment with flavors.

Nigella Ruby Noodles Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:
  • Spaghetti: A long, thin pasta that serves as the base for this vibrant noodle dish.
  • Beetroot Juice: Provides a rich, deep red color and earthy flavor to the noodles.
  • Lime: Adds a bright, citrusy tang to balance the dish's flavors.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
  • Chilli Flakes: Brings a gentle heat and warmth to the noodle dish.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the recipe.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce: Provide umami depth and savory complexity to the noodles.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich undertone to the final dish.
  • Vinegar: Contributes a subtle tangy note to round out the flavors.
  • Herbs: Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh element to complete the Ruby Noodles.

How To Make Nigella Ruby Noodles Easily

How To Make Nigella Ruby Noodles Easily

Step 1: Boil Vibrant Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in spaghetti and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Step 2: Create Beetroot Infusion

In a wide pan, combine beetroot juice with freshly squeezed lime juice. Heat the mixture over medium flame, allowing the liquids to meld and create a gorgeous ruby-colored base.

Step 3: Spice Up the Sauce

Add these aromatic ingredients to the pan:
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Salt
  • Chilli flakes

Stir the spices into the beetroot liquid, releasing their intense flavors.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Slide the drained pasta into the beetroot mixture. Gently simmer for 5-8 minutes, occasionally stirring to ensure even coating and absorption of the vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Enhance with Umami Flavors

Remove pan from heat. Stir in:
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Vinegar

Let the pasta cool slightly and absorb the complex flavors.

Step 6: Prepare Zesty Dressing

Whisk together:
  • Remaining lime juice
  • Sesame oil
  • Vinegar
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce

Create a balanced, tangy dressing that will elevate the dish.

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta. Toss with fresh herbs. Sample and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Ruby Noodles warm or at room temperature. Delight in the stunning color and complex flavor profile.

Tips For Better Nigella Ruby Noodles

  • Choose Fresh Beetroot Juice: Select high-quality, pure beetroot juice for vibrant color and authentic flavor without artificial additives.
  • Control Pasta Texture: Watch carefully during simmering to achieve perfect al dente consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust sauces incrementally, as beetroot and lime create complex flavor profiles that require delicate balancing.
  • Enhance Herb Selection: Use fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to add brightness and complement the earthy beetroot undertones.
  • Experiment with Temperature: Enjoy this versatile dish warm for intense flavors or chilled for a refreshing summer meal with slightly mellowed taste notes.

Tasty Twists For Nigella Ruby Noodles

  • Vegan Ruby Noodles: Replace fish sauce and soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use plant-based sesame oil and add nutritional yeast for umami flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap spaghetti with rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
  • Spicy Herb Ruby Noodles: Increase chilli flakes for extra heat. Add fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil for enhanced herbal notes.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized daikon radish or kelp noodles. Reduce beetroot juice and increase protein with grilled tofu or shredded chicken.

What Pairs Well With Nigella Ruby Noodles

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or dry riesling to complement the bright, tangy beetroot noodles, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's vibrant flavors.
  • Enhance with Fresh Goat Cheese: Crumble creamy, tangy goat cheese on top to balance the beetroot's earthiness and add a luxurious, smooth texture that contrasts with the noodles' soft bite.
  • Match with Pickled Vegetable Side: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or radish as a side dish to echo the recipe's acidic notes, providing a crunchy counterpoint and refreshing palate cleanse between bites.

How To Store Nigella Ruby Noodles Right

  • Store Ruby Noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid freezing for longer periods to prevent texture degradation.
  • Warm noodles in a pan over medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking pasta strands. Heat until thoroughly warm, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Place noodles in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons water over top. Cover with damp paper towel.

Nigella Ruby Noodles Questions Made Easy

  • Why are these called Ruby Noodles?

The vibrant red color comes from beetroot juice, which gives the pasta a stunning ruby-like appearance and a unique earthy flavor.

  • Is this a vegetarian dish?

No, it contains fish sauce, which makes it non-vegetarian. Vegans would need to substitute fish sauce with alternatives like seaweed extract or mushroom-based sauce.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is recommended, but you can also use linguine or thin rice noodles for similar results. The key is using a noodle that absorbs the beetroot sauce well.

  • How spicy are Ruby Noodles?

The recipe includes chilli flakes, which provide a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount of chilli flakes to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

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Ruby Noodles Recipe

Ruby Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 73 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy ruby noodles dance with bold Thai-inspired flavors, blending silky rice noodles and zesty sauce. Fiery chili, fresh herbs, and tangy lime create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 350 grams (12.35 ounces) spaghetti
  • 450 milliliters (15.22 fluid ounces) beetroot juice
  • 2 limes

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
  • 12 teaspoons dried chilli flakes
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons extra toasted sesame oil
  • 3 teaspoons fish sauce or vegan alternative
  • 4 teaspoons soy sauce

Herbs and Salt:

  • 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon brown rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons chopped coriander
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti for exactly 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
  2. In a spacious skillet, combine beetroot juice with fresh lime juice over medium heat.
  3. Infuse the liquid with minced garlic, grated ginger, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.
  4. Introduce the drained pasta into the vibrant beetroot mixture, gently simmering for 5-8 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate soy sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar, allowing flavors to meld together.
  6. Create a zesty dressing by whisking lime juice, sesame oil, additional vinegar, extra fish sauce, and soy sauce until smoothly combined.
  7. Cascade the prepared dressing over the ruby-tinted noodles, gently tossing with fresh chopped herbs.
  8. Conduct a final taste test, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, or chill for a refreshing cold noodle experience.

Notes

  • Experiment with different noodle types like rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti for varied textures and nutrition profiles.
  • Swap fish sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version that maintains umami depth.
  • Adjust chilli flakes quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring balanced flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce last-minute kitchen stress, making the recipe more enjoyable.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 63 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 256
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1380 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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