Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender. Drain and set aside, tossing them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until they are fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the grated fresh ginger and red curry paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the oil with their flavor.
In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, and maple syrup to the skillet, stirring to combine. Then add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly.
Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrot to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant.
Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the noodles in the sauce and ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the noodles. Toss in the chopped cilantro for a fresh finishing touch.