Let’s start with the basics. Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles is one of those dishes that looks fancy but feels comforting. It’s a blend of flaky, oven-roasted salmon and stir-fried noodles-light, fresh and packed with flavor. The real star? That Asian-inspired sauce. Think soy, chili, ginger and lime… all singing together in a savory-sweet-tangy chorus.
This is typical Jamie: quick, wholesome and never short on flavor. It’s the kind of dish you throw together midweek, yet it tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Jamie Oliver Salmon Noodles Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll want to gather. Nothing too fancy but the right combo makes all the difference:
For The Salmon
- 2 skinless salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Sea salt & black pepper
For The Noodles
- 2 nests of medium egg noodles
- 1 red chili (deseeded and finely sliced)
- 2 spring onions (sliced)
- A thumb-sized piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
- 1 clove of garlic (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- A handful of fresh coriander (optional but great for brightness)
- Sesame seeds (to finish)
Optional extras if you’re feeling bold:
- A splash of fish sauce
- A pinch of brown sugar
- Pak choi or baby spinach for a veggie boost
Equipment Needed
No need to raid a restaurant kitchen. Here’s what you’ll actually use:
- Baking tray (for the salmon)
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Frying pan or wok (non-stick is best)
- Tongs or a spatula
- Grater or microplane (for the ginger)
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl (optional for tossing noodles)
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles
Step 1: Roast the salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle olive oil over your salmon fillets, season with salt and pepper and place them on a baking tray. Pop them in the oven for around 12-15 minutes. You want it just cooked through-moist and flaky.
Step 2: Cook the noodles
While the salmon’s roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your egg noodles and cook them according to the packet (usually 3-4 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and set aside.
Step 3: Make the flavor base
In your frying pan or wok, heat a splash of oil. Throw in your garlic, ginger and chili. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds. just enough to wake everything up. Then in goes your spring onions.
Step 4: Sauce it up
Add your soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, lime juice and any extras (fish sauce, sugar, veggies). Let it bubble for a minute or two. You want a slightly sticky, glossy sauce.
Step 5: Bring it all together
Toss the noodles into the pan. Coat them well with the sauce. Flake your cooked salmon right on top and gently fold it through. Try not to break it up too much. those chunky pieces are gold.
Step 6: Garnish & serve
Plate it up. Sprinkle sesame seeds, add a few coriander leaves and maybe another squeeze of lime. Done. Dive in while it’s hot.
What I Learnt
Honestly, this dish is a great reminder that simple doesn’t mean boring. There are a few takeaways I wasn’t expecting:
- Balance is everything. That tang from lime, the sweetness from chili sauce and the salty hit from soy make each bite pop.
- You don’t need a marinade. Roasting the salmon plain lets it shine. The sauce does all the heavy lifting.
- Texture matters. The noodles are soft and slick, the salmon’s tender and those fresh garnishes bring crunch and brightness. It’s a full experience.
- Flexibility is built-in. Swap salmon for tofu, change the noodles, use what’s in your fridge. it still works.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles
Jamie’s salmon noodles are pretty forgiving. That’s the beauty of this dish. it’s got structure but it loves a twist. Here’s how to riff on the original:
1. Swap the Protein
No salmon? No problem. Try using:
- Smoked trout for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- Grilled tofu if you’re going meatless. just crisp it up before tossing it in.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken? Shred it up. It soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2. Change Up the Noodles
Rice noodles are standard but here’s where you can get creative:
- Soba noodles add an earthy, nutty vibe.
- Udon gives you a chewier, more comforting texture.
- Spaghetti-yes, spaghetti. If that’s what you’ve got, run with it.
3. Boost the Veggies
Jamie often includes crunchy veg like sugar snap peas or spring onions. You can:
- Add julienned carrots, shredded red cabbage or edamame.
- Throw in grated zucchini. just squeeze out the water first.
- Top it with quick-pickled cucumber or radishes for a tangy pop.
4. Sauce Up Smartly
The sauce is where the magic is. But if you want to shift gears:
- Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a satay-style twist.
- A splash of fish sauce deepens the umami.
- A few drops of sesame oil = instant aromatic upgrade.
- Love heat? Toss in sriracha, chili crisp or fresh red chili slices.
5. Add Crunch & Garnish
Top the final dish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts or even crispy shallots. A handful of fresh herbs like mint, coriander or Thai basil also goes a long way.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Got extras? Great news-this dish keeps well with just a little care.
Cool it fast
Don’t leave the noodles hanging out on the stove. Let them cool a bit, then store promptly in an airtight container.
Fridge it
They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. But here’s a tip: if you used a lot of veg with high water content (like cucumbers or zucchini), eat it sooner. Things get soggy fast.
Don’t freeze it
Freezing? Not a great idea here. Noodles get mushy and fish can go rubbery. Pass on the freezer for this one.
Reheat right
Microwave works but try this instead:
Add a splash of water or broth and reheat gently in a pan. Stir as you go to revive the noodles and evenly warm the fish.
Avoid overcooking-just warm it through.
Want a new meal from leftovers?
Turn it into a noodle salad. Eat it cold. Add a fresh squeeze of lime, a splash of soy sauce and maybe some chopped peanuts for crunch. It’s a whole new vibe.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles?
This dish holds up on its own but if you’re building a bigger meal or feeding a crowd, here’s what pairs well:
1. Light Asian-Inspired Sides
- Steamed edamame with sea salt. simple and satisfying.
- Gyoza or dumplings – pan-fried or steamed. Easy win.
- Seaweed salad – bright, briny and refreshing.
2. Broth-Based Soups
- Miso soup or a quick ginger-garlic broth is a great warm-up act.
- Add some mushrooms, tofu or bok choy to bulk it up.
3. Fresh, Crunchy Salads
- Try a slaw with carrots, radish and sesame dressing.
- Or a Thai green papaya salad if you want something zippy and bold.
4. Drinks That Work
- Iced green tea or jasmine tea for a non-alcoholic refresher.
- Dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, if you’re drinking.
- Or go bold with a crisp beer, like a pilsner or pale ale.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles?
You’ll need salmon fillets, noodles (like egg noodles), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili, and a mix of vegetables like broccoli and peppers.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Fish Instead Of Salmon?
Yes! You can substitute salmon with other fish like trout or even chicken if you prefer.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Salmon Noodles?
It takes around 20-25 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
