(1/2) Remove your noodles from their package and place into the boiling water in the pot. (3) Use your ladle to occasionally stir the noodles around so they don't stick to the bottom. Careful its hot! (4) When the noodles are soft enough to chew through, drain them in a strainer over the sink and rinse the noodles in cold water. (5) Using your kitchen shears, snip and shorten your noodles in half for easier consumption later.
For your protein you may use whatever you like (e.g. pork, chicken, beef, meatloaf, shrimp, etc). For the cooked meatloaf option, cut vertically into matchsticks using your kitchen knife. For the tofu option, squeeze out all of the water, cut into small slices or strips, season however you like and cook until crispy.
After thoroughly washing and drying off your vegetables, peel your carrot(s) and cut into thin matchsticks, and repeat this with the cucumber(s). Then, separate your lettuce leaves, and cilantro sprigs.
Once all of your ingredients are cut and prepped, place them on a plate near your work station for easy access.