Curry Noodles with Broccoli Cabbage

If you are tired of basic spaghetti and marinara, these curry noodles with broccoli rabe and purple cabbage will wake up your weeknight dinner routine. Prepared in about half an hour and packed with colorful vegetables, this one-pan meal combines silky coconut milk, spicy red curry paste and a generous helping of stir-fried greens for a satisfying and healthy main dish that rivals your favorite takeout.

I first threw this together on a weeknight when we were all craving something new and bold at the table and now it is a regular request for both dinner and lunch leftovers.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: gives a lush base flavor use a fruity bottle for best results
• Scallions: bring brightness and crunch look for crisp vibrant stalks
• Fresh ginger: offers warmth and zing select plump smooth pieces
• Garlic: adds a sharp pungency always choose firm bulbs for full flavor
• Red curry paste: is the soul of the dish check labels for authentic Thai brands
• Coconut milk: makes the sauce creamy go for full fat for best richness
• Lime juice: perks everything up fresh fruit is key
• Soy sauce: layers in umami choose low sodium if you prefer
• Fish sauce: for extra punch optional but worth it for depth
• Honey: balances the spice real honey is always best
• Spaghetti or rice noodles: soak up the sauce rice noodles keep it gluten free
• Red onion: softens with stir fry pick one that feels heavy for its size
• Broccoli rabe: brings bitterness and nutrition inspect for leafy bright stalks
• Purple cabbage: adds crunch and color look for tight heavy heads
• Carrot: sweetens and brightens the mix firm and blemish free is best
• Salt and pepper: round out the flavors use freshly ground if possible
• Scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds: make a fresh vibrant finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat add scallions ginger and garlic cook for about one minute until fragrant this step ensures your base is bursting with flavor

Build the Curry Sauce:

Add red curry paste and stir for one minute until it darkens slightly then add coconut milk lime juice soy sauce fish sauce if using and honey bring to a gentle simmer over medium low heat stir well to combine the sweet and spicy flavors this will gently thicken as you cook the pasta

Cook the Noodles:

In another large pot bring salted water to a boil add your spaghetti or rice noodles cook according to package instructions until just tender drain well and set aside this helps noodles absorb the curry sauce later

Stir Fry the Veggies:

While the noodles cook heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium add red onion cook until translucent about four to five minutes add broccoli rabe and purple cabbage continue cooking until just tender about four to five minutes more toss in shredded carrot and season lightly with salt and pepper

Assemble and Serve:

Add the drained noodles and stir fried vegetables to the curry sauce in your main pot use tongs to swirl everything together getting the sauce into every bite divide among bowls and top with fresh scallions cilantro and sesame seeds for color and crunch serve right away for the best texture

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Broccoli rabe is my favorite veggie here with its earthy bite that stands out even through the creamy curry sauce I remember my kids braving their first tastes of these bright green stalks in this dish and now they ask for second helpings

Storage Tips

Curry noodles stay fresh in an airtight container for up to three days The flavors deepen overnight making leftovers extra satisfying Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rice noodles for wheat if gluten is not a concern You can easily replace broccoli rabe with broccolini or even spinach if that is what you have A firm tofu can stand in for fish sauce to keep things plant based

Serving Suggestions

Pair these noodles with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted peanuts for extra crunch For more heat have chili flakes or sriracha at the table This dish also works well as the base for grilled shrimp or chicken

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Cultural Context

This recipe is inspired by the bold flavors of Thai noodle dishes like pad kee mao and the creamy coconut curries found across Southeast Asia While not traditional it captures the lively mix of spicy salty sweet and sour that makes these cuisines sing

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rice noodles instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! Rice noodles make a great gluten-free alternative and absorb the curry sauce beautifully.

→ What type of curry paste is best?

Red curry paste brings warmth and depth but you can use yellow or green curry paste for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I adjust spiciness?

Reduce the curry paste for a milder dish, or add a touch of honey to balance the heat without losing flavor.

→ Can other vegetables be substituted?

Yes, try swapping in bok choy, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby spinach for flexibility based on season or taste.

→ What toppings work well for serving?

Chopped scallions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds add freshness and texture, while a squeeze of lime brightens each bite.