Rice noodles are a versatile ingredient that can be quickly transformed into delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for a light soup, a hearty stir-fry, or a flavorful salad, rice noodles can fit the bill with ease. You’ll find that rice noodles can be paired with various proteins, vegetables, and sauces to create dishes that are both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Exploring these rice noodle recipes will provide you with a wide range of options for your weekly meal planning. From classic favorites to new twists, these dishes are perfect for any night of the week. Discover how rice noodles can elevate your cooking and bring new flavors to your table.
1) Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles
Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles is a delicious and simple dish. It’s perfect for quick dinners. The rich flavors come from tender beef, fresh broccoli, and savory noodles.
First, soak your rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set them aside. This ensures the noodles are tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
Slice your beef into bite-sized pieces. Use a high-quality cut for the best texture. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the beef until it browns on the outside.
Blanch your broccoli in boiling water for one minute. This keeps the broccoli crisp and bright green. Drain and set it aside with the noodles.
In the same skillet, stir in garlic and cook until it’s fragrant. Add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss them together.
Pour in your preferred sauce and mix well. The sauce should coat the beef, broccoli, and noodles evenly.
Serve your Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles hot. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish!
2) Spicy Thai Rice Noodle Salad
Spicy Thai Rice Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. The noodles provide a great base, while the dressing adds a kick.
Start by boiling rice noodles until they are soft. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
The dressing combines lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, chili sauce, and minced garlic. Mix these ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely.
Next, toss the rice noodles with the dressing. Add vegetables like sliced red bell pepper, cucumber, and green onions. Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint elevate the dish.
For added texture, don’t forget chopped peanuts and sesame oil. You can also include proteins like tofu or shrimp.
Let the salad sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This makes the dish even more delicious.
3) Chicken Chow Mein
Chicken Chow Mein is a delicious and popular rice noodle dish. To make it, start by cooking chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Next, prepare the sauce by whisking together oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken broth, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set the sauce mixture aside.
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and then add julienned ginger. After about 15 seconds, add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and thinly sliced carrots. Stir-fry these vegetables for about a minute.
Increase the heat to high and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined.
Finally, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together. Allow the noodles to warm up and absorb the flavors for a few minutes. Serve your Chicken Chow Mein hot, garnished with green onions if you like. This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful sauces, making it a fantastic meal.
4) Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a delicious and quick recipe that you will love. Start by preparing a garlic sauce with minced garlic, water, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Whisk these ingredients in a small bowl.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with some vegetable oil. Add the shrimp and cook until they start turning pink, about two minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add your vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli. Cook until they begin to soften, about three to four minutes. Now, return the shrimp to the skillet.
Pour the garlic sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir occasionally and let the sauce thicken. This should take about two to three minutes.
Serve hot over a bed of rice noodles or steamed rice. This makes a quick, flavorful meal that is perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy your Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry!
5) Vegan Pad See Ew
Vegan Pad See Ew is a popular Thai dish made with wide rice noodles. It’s a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
To begin, soak dried rice noodles in warm water for 10-20 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
Next, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about one minute.
Cut tofu into small cubes and cook in the skillet until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Set tofu aside.
Add more oil to the skillet, if needed, and reduce heat to medium. Add Chinese broccoli stems and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add the soaked noodles and tofu back to the pan. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
For the sauce, mix soy sauce, sugar, and a dash of white pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat everything evenly.
Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
Serve your Vegan Pad See Ew hot, garnished with any additional vegetables or herbs you like. Enjoy this deliciously simple and nutritious meal!
6) Coconut Curry Rice Noodles
Coconut curry rice noodles combine the creamy richness of coconut milk with the spicy kick of curry. To start, cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, set them aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
Next, add vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli. Stir and cook until they start to soften.
Once the vegetables are slightly tender, mix in your curry paste. Stir for about a minute, then pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
When the sauce has reached your desired consistency, add the rice noodles to the skillet. Stir until the noodles are well-coated with the sauce.
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh basil, cilantro, or lime juice. You can also add chili sauce for a spicier kick.
7) Sesame Peanut Noodles
Sesame Peanut Noodles are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures. You start by cooking rice noodles until tender. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Next, prepare the sauce. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. Add grated garlic for extra flavor.
Toss the cold noodles with the peanut sauce until they are well-coated. For added crunch, you can garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Carrots, cabbage, or edamame can also be added for more texture.
Sesame Peanut Noodles can be served right away or chilled in the fridge. They make a great side dish or a light meal, perfect for a hot day.
8) Miso Soup with Rice Noodles
Miso soup with rice noodles is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. First, bring water to a boil in a pot. Add peas and carrots and cook until tender. Add rice noodles and reduce the heat to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
Next, add seaweed and continue to simmer for another 2 minutes. Take out about 1/4 cup of the hot broth and whisk in miso paste until it’s smooth. Return this mixture to the pot and stir well.
You can also add ingredients like tofu, spinach, and green onions if you want more flavor and texture. Chop the spinach and tofu into small pieces and simmer them in the pot with the noodles.
This soup pairs well with almost any other dish and is a great comfort food. Serve it hot, and enjoy the savory, umami taste that the miso brings. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
9) Lemongrass Chicken Noodles
Lemongrass chicken is a popular Vietnamese dish, known for its aromatic and savory flavors. Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. The longer the marination, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
While the chicken marinates, prepare your rice noodles by soaking them in hot water. Follow the package instructions for the best results. After they soften, drain and rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
When the chicken is ready, cook it in a heated pan until it turns a dark golden brown. Turn the pieces to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it into thin pieces.
To assemble, place the cooled rice noodles in a bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. You can also add sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and chopped peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.
For the dressing, mix lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and minced chili. Drizzle it over the noodles and chicken. This blend of citrus and spice pairs perfectly with the lemongrass chicken, making each bite burst with flavor.
10) Hoisin Pork and Noodles
Hoisin Pork and Noodles is a satisfying dish that brings together savory pork and tender rice noodles. You start by marinating the pork in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other spices. Marinating overnight or for a few hours helps the meat soak up all the delicious flavors.
While the pork marinates, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Usually, this means soaking them in hot water until they soften. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Once your noodles are ready, heat a large skillet with some oil. Sauté the marinated pork until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. Add vegetables like bell peppers, baby corn, or sugar snap peas for added texture and nutrition. Stir-fry until the veggies are tender.
Mix in the prepared rice noodles and toss everything together so the noodles are well-coated with sauce. This gives the dish an even richer taste. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch.
11) Prawn Laksa
Prawn Laksa is a flavorful Southeast Asian noodle soup. You start by making a rich, aromatic laksa paste. This usually includes ingredients like dried chilies, garlic, lemongrass, and shrimp paste. Fry this paste in oil until it becomes fragrant.
Next, add coconut milk and chicken or vegetable stock to the paste. This creates a creamy and spicy broth. You should also add fish sauce, lime juice, and a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.
Cook the prawns in the broth for a few minutes until they turn pink. While the prawns cook, prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions. These usually need just a few minutes in boiling water.
Place the rice noodles in a bowl and pour the hot prawn broth over them. Top with the cooked prawns, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. For extra flavor, you can also add sliced chili and a lime wedge.
Prawn Laksa is best served hot. It is a comforting dish that combines spicy, sour, and savory flavors. The creamy coconut milk with the fresh herbs makes each bite special. This dish will surely impress your taste buds.
12) Baked Salmon with Rice Noodles
Baked salmon with rice noodles offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal. Start by preparing a marinade with sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of ginger. Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it covers all parts. Cover the dish and refrigerate it for one hour to let the flavors develop.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the salmon uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
While the salmon bakes, cook your rice noodles per the package instructions. Once done, drain and briefly rinse them under cold water.
To serve, place a portion of rice noodles on each plate. Add a piece of baked salmon on top. You can drizzle any remaining marinade from the baking dish over the salmon and noodles for extra flavor.
This dish pairs well with steamed asparagus or bok choy. The combination of tender salmon and chewy rice noodles makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
13) Mushroom Pho
Mushroom Pho is a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal. You start by making a rich broth. Combine vegetable stock with mushroom stalks, lemongrass, ginger, and star anise. Let it simmer to draw out all the flavors.
While the broth simmers, char some onion and garlic in a dry pan. Adding these to the broth will enhance its depth. Let everything cook together, allowing the flavors to meld well.
After the broth has simmered, strain out the solids like the onion, ginger, and spices. Then add sliced mushrooms. Common choices include shiitake or button mushrooms. Let these cook until tender.
In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and rinse them under cold water.
To serve, place the cooked rice noodles in bowls and ladle the hot broth and mushrooms over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and scallions. Add bean sprouts, lime wedges, and sliced chiles for extra flavor. Enjoy your hearty and savory Mushroom Pho.
14) Cold Rice Noodle Salad
Cold rice noodle salad is a refreshing dish, perfect for warm days. Start by choosing thin rice noodles like vermicelli. These noodles soak up flavors well.
Boil the noodles briefly until they’re firm but not mushy. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the noodles from getting too soft.
Prepare your vegetables. Common additions include cucumber, carrots, and zucchini. Fresh herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro add a lot of flavor. Chop these ingredients finely so they mix well with the noodles.
For protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each option works great and complements the vegetables. Sear the chicken or shrimp until they’re fully cooked.
Once your ingredients are ready, combine them in a large bowl. Add a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a little sugar. Toss the salad to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. Serve immediately to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. This cold rice noodle salad is quick to make and perfect for a light, tasty meal.
15) Cashew Chicken Noodles
Cashew Chicken Noodles is a delicious and easy meal you can make at home. Start by cooking rice noodles according to package directions. While the noodles cook, prepare the chicken and vegetables.
In a large pan or wok, heat up some oil. Add diced chicken and cook until it’s no longer pink.
Once the chicken is cooked, add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Mix together a simple sauce using soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of chili sauce for heat. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then add the cooked noodles.
Toss everything together to make sure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce. Finally, add cashews to the pan and mix them in.
For extra flavor, you can toast the cashews beforehand. This adds a nice crunch and brings out their nutty taste.
Serve your Cashew Chicken Noodles hot, and if you like, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Nutritional Benefits of Rice Noodles
Rice noodles have several important nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to your diet. They are low in fat, gluten-free, and offer a high amount of carbohydrates which can provide energy.
Low-Fat and Gluten-Free Properties
Rice noodles are a low-fat food, making them a healthier choice if you’re watching your fat intake. A typical serving contains less than 1 gram of fat. This is beneficial if you are trying to eat heart-healthy meals.
Additionally, rice noodles are gluten-free, which is critical for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This makes them a versatile ingredient that you can use in a variety of dishes without worrying about gluten-related health issues.
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta, these noodles can help you enjoy delicious meals while maintaining your dietary restrictions.
Rich Source of Carbohydrates
Rice noodles are rich in complex carbohydrates, providing around 42 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy, making these noodles an excellent option for an energy-boosting meal.
These complex carbs break down slowly, helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable. This can be particularly important if you engage in regular physical activity or need sustained energy throughout the day.
Though rice noodles are primarily a carbohydrate source, they also provide a small amount of fiber, helping with digestion.**
Cooking Tips for Perfect Rice Noodles
Getting rice noodles just right is key for making delicious dishes. Here are some simple techniques to follow for soaking and cooking rice noodles that will keep them from getting mushy or clumpy.
Soaking Techniques
Soak the noodles in room temperature water rather than boiling water. This helps keep their texture firm and chewy. Vermicelli noodles only need about 5-15 minutes, depending on the brand. Small-sized noodles may take 20-30 minutes, while medium-sized noodles often need 50-60 minutes.
It’s important to check the noodles frequently. Gently stir them to avoid clumping. When they feel soft but still have a bit of firmness, drain them. Run cold water over the noodles and toss them lightly to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Boiling vs. Stir-Frying
Boiling rice noodles requires great care. Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from heat, and add the noodles. Let them soak for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. This method is good for soups and salads.
For stir-frying, ensure the noodles are slightly undercooked during soaking. After soaking, toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. When added to the stir-fry, they’ll absorb flavors better and finish cooking perfectly. Always stir the noodles gently to keep them from breaking apart.
