Chinese rice noodles are a delicious and versatile ingredient in many Asian dishes. Whether you’re making stir-fries, soups, or salads, rice noodles add a unique texture and flavor to your meals. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cooking Chinese rice noodles. From different types of noodles to preparation tips and popular recipes, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to cook rice noodles like a pro.
What Are Chinese Rice Noodles?
Chinese rice noodles are made from rice flour and water, which makes them gluten-free. They come in different shapes and sizes, from thin vermicelli to wide flat noodles. These noodles are often used in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. They are light, slightly chewy, and absorb flavors well, making them a perfect base for a variety of dishes.
Rice noodles can be found in most grocery stores, especially in the international food section. They are sold either fresh, dried, or refrigerated. The most common varieties include:
Thin rice noodles (Vermicelli): These are very thin noodles, similar to angel hair pasta, and are often used in stir-fries and soups.
Wide rice noodles: These noodles are flat and wide, typically used in dishes like chow fun or pad see ew.
Rice noodle sheets: These are large, flat sheets of noodles used for making dishes like spring rolls or pho.
Now that you know what Chinese rice noodles are, let’s move on to how to cook them.
How to Prepare Chinese Rice Noodles
Cooking rice noodles is a simple process, but it requires a bit of attention to ensure they don’t become too soft or sticky. Here’s how to prepare them, whether they’re fresh or dried.
Fresh Rice Noodles
Fresh rice noodles are easy to cook because they don’t require much preparation. Here’s what you need to do:
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. You don’t need to add salt since rice noodles are already naturally flavorful.
Cook the Noodles: Add the fresh rice noodles to the boiling water and stir gently. Fresh noodles usually cook in 2 to 3 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Drain the Noodles: Once they are cooked, drain the noodles in a colander. You can rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Use Immediately: Fresh rice noodles are best used immediately. If you’re not ready to use them, you can toss them in a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Dried Rice Noodles
Dried rice noodles are the most common type you’ll find in grocery stores. They need to be rehydrated before cooking. Here’s how to cook them:
Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Again, you don’t need to add salt.
Soak the Noodles: Place the dried rice noodles in the hot water. Turn off the heat and let the noodles soak for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from clumping together.
Check for Doneness: After soaking, check the noodles for doneness. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
Drain and Rinse: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. If you are not using them immediately, toss the noodles with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Tips for Cooking Rice Noodles
Don’t Overcook: Rice noodles cook very quickly. If you overcook them, they can become mushy and sticky. Always check the noodles a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to make sure they’re just right.
Use Plenty of Water: When boiling rice noodles, make sure to use enough water to allow the noodles to move freely. This helps prevent clumping.
Toss with Oil: If you’re not using the noodles immediately, toss them with a little vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Don’t Forget to Rinse: After draining your noodles, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
How to Use Chinese Rice Noodles in Recipes
Rice noodles can be used in a variety of dishes. Below are some popular recipes that use Chinese rice noodles, along with instructions on how to cook the noodles properly for each dish.
1. Stir-Fried Rice Noodles (Chow Fun)
Stir-fried rice noodles are a classic Chinese dish, often served in restaurants. This dish is quick and easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (chow fun noodles)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or beef (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
Cook the Noodles: Follow the instructions above for cooking wide rice noodles. Drain and set them aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Noodles: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Add Protein: If you’re using cooked chicken or beef, add it to the pan and stir everything together.
Optional Egg: If you like, you can scramble an egg in a separate pan and add it to the noodles for extra flavor.
Finish: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
2. Rice Noodle Soup (Pho)
Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that features rice noodles, herbs, and a flavorful broth. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles (vermicelli)
- 6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 lb cooked beef or chicken (optional)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, mint)
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Chili peppers (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Noodles: Follow the instructions for cooking rice vermicelli noodles. Drain and set aside.
Make the Broth: In a large pot, combine the beef or chicken broth, sliced onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Add the Fish Sauce and Soy Sauce: Stir in the fish sauce and soy sauce to the broth for added depth of flavor.
Assemble the Soup: Divide the cooked noodles between bowls. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and add the cooked beef or chicken, if desired.
Garnish: Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili peppers for extra flavor.
3. Thai-Style Rice Noodles (Pad Thai)
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that combines rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, eggs, and peanuts in a tangy sauce. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles (vermicelli or wide)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup tofu or shrimp, diced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Cook the Noodles: Follow the instructions for cooking rice noodles. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Noodles: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. Add the eggs and scramble them until cooked through. Add the tofu or shrimp and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour the sauce over them. Toss everything together until well combined.
Garnish: Top with chopped peanuts, green onions, and lime wedges.
Conclusion
Cooking Chinese rice noodles is easy once you understand the basics. Whether you use fresh or dried noodles, the key is to not overcook them and to rinse them after cooking to remove excess starch. From stir-fries to soups, rice noodles are incredibly versatile and can be used in many delicious dishes. So, go ahead and experiment with different recipes to create your own flavorful meals!
Related topics:
