How to Cook Your Rice Noodles Perfectly Every Time

From Chinese He Fen and vermicelli, to Pad Thai noodles and Vietnamese Bún, rice noodles are gluten-free and versatile to take on almost any flavour, enjoyed in a variety of tasty dishes in many Asian cuisines.

Made from rice flour and water, they have a white hue, milder tasting than wheat-based noodles, and come in a range of shapes and thickness. Cooking them can be tricky, however, especially if you’re new to them. You may end up with soggy, clumpy noodles, shattered bits or an inedible mush.

So, here’s our guide to help you cook every type of rice noodle, perfectly every time.

Types of Rice Noodles

Let’s start with the two common types of rice noodles you can get from Asian grocers and supermarkets.

Vermicelli

Vermicelli are long, thread-thin rice noodles, sold dry in sealed packs. They are neutral flavoured with a subtle starchy aroma, and slightly coarse texture. Despite the thinness, vermicelli stays firm when cooked, and has a chewy bite. Savoured in stir-fries, soups, salads, and rice paper rolls.

There’s also a thicker type of vermicelli with rounded strands that resemble white spaghetti, namely the Chinese Mi Xian and Vietnamese Bún – also known as Khanom Jeen in Thai cuisine. They have a softer texture and smoother taste, closer to wheat-based noodles. They are amazing to slurp in savoury soups.

Flat Rice Noodles

Flat rice noodles are shaped like long white ribbons, and come in different widths, tastes and textures. For example, Pad Thai has a thin width, with an elastic and firm texture that’s great for stir-fries. On the other hand, Chinese He Fen is wider, thinner and softer with a delicate taste, enjoyed in stir-fries and comforting soups.

Like vermicelli, flat rice noodles come dry in sealed packs, though you may also find them fresh and springy in the frozen section of certain Asian grocers.

How to Stir-Fry Rice Noodles

Rice noodles cook fast in high heat, so you don’t need to boil them before cooking. Instead, soak your dry rice noodles in clean water for about 10 to 15 minutes until they submerge.

To check if they’re ready, pick them up and make sure they droop completely. Next, strain the noodles while running your fingers gently through them to avoid them sticking together.

Transfer the strained rice noodles into a bowl.

For stir-fries: use a wooden spatula as they have softer edges and won’t break the rice noodles when you cook.

Turn up the heat and oil your nonstick pan or wok. Cook the accompanying meat or seafood first, followed by the rice noodles and veggies. Don’t stir the rice noodles with your spatula. Instead, move them in a flipping motion, spread them out, then push them inward. This will cook the noodles thoroughly and absorb all the flavours.

Ready to try it? Then have a taste of this tantalizing Chinese stir-fried vermicelli with seafood. Or go savoury with the classic Malaysian Char Kway Teow and iconic Pad Thai.

How to Cook Rice Noodle Soups

To prepare rice noodles for soups, either pre-soak your rice noodles as mentioned above, or boil a small pot of water and blanche the rice noodles for just 2 to 3 minutes to soften them.

Cook the soup and accompanying proteins first, then put in the rice noodles close to the last 10 minutes, dial down the heat, and let it simmer. A set of long chopsticks can help you pull and soak the rice noodles gently to make sure they don’t lump together.

Alternatively, you can also cook the soup, then lather it over your bowl of blanched rice noodles.

Have your fill of soupy rice noodles with the delicious Vietnamese Bún Thang, the savoury and spicy Thai Boat Noodles, the always satiating Vietnamese Pho, or this comforting and umami Malaysian Ipoh Kuey Teow Soup with chicken and prawns.

How to Make Salads with Rice Noodles

Vermicelli is best for salads and can transform a simple veggie fix into a delicious, tummy-filling treat! Just pre-soak or blanche the vermicelli as mentioned above, and they’re ready for the toss!

Have a refreshing and scrumptious Thai Style Lemony Prawns & Vermicelli salad. Savour the classic Vietnamese Rice Noodles with fragrant Lemongrass Chicken. Or go classy and savoury with this award-winning Vermicelli Salad with Cantonese Chicken!

How to Cook Fresh Rice Noodles

If you’re cooking fresh rice noodles, you can skip the pre-soak and cook them straight from the pack!

Always remember that rice noodles only need 5-10 minutes to cook, so don’t let them linger too long in the heat.

More Rice Noodle Delights for You to Savour

Rice noodles are a delicious addition to your home-cook menu and the recipes featured above are but a small taste of the wondrous goodies you can make. Come find your favourite rice noodle specials in our recipes collection!