Vermicelli noodles are versatile, light, and quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
These thin rice noodles work well in stir-fries, soups, cold salads, and traditional dishes from across Asia. They offer endless possibilities for your kitchen.
Adding vermicelli to your meal rotation provides a healthier alternative to heavier pastas while still delivering satisfying texture and flavor. You can pair these delicate noodles with proteins like beef or tofu, mix in fresh vegetables, or enhance them with fragrant herbs such as basil.
From Vietnamese beef noodle soup to Thai-inspired dishes and Singapore-style preparations, vermicelli adapts to various cooking styles and taste preferences.
1. Lazy Cat Kitchen’s One-Pan Vermicelli
Lazy Cat Kitchen’s one-pan vermicelli noodles is a perfect weeknight meal when you need something quick and nutritious. This dish takes less than 20 minutes to make, giving you a satisfying dinner without much fuss.
The recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal oil, making it a healthier option. You’ll love that it’s packed with fiber and plant-based protein to keep you full.
This vermicelli dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein sources to make it your own.
2. Dad’s Stir-Fried Vermicelli by Made With Lau
This traditional recipe comes from a James Beard Award-winning Chinese chef with over 50 years of cooking experience. Dad’s Stir-Fried Vermicelli is an essential dish for Lunar New Year celebrations.
The dish combines mung bean vermicelli (glass noodles) with dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and colorful vegetables. You’ll love how the flavors blend together in just 10 minutes of cooking time.
The cooking process involves heating oil in a wok, then adding garlic, shrimp, and mushrooms. After that, you’ll cut the vermicelli noodles slightly before frying to make them easier to handle.
3. Beat The Budget’s Easy Vermicelli Noodles
Beat The Budget’s easy vermicelli noodles recipe is a quick, nutritious option that you can make in just 20 minutes. It’s designed to be a one-pot dish, reducing cleanup time for busy evenings.
This light meal is surprisingly high in protein, making it satisfying despite its delicate appearance. The simplicity of the dish doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
You’ll appreciate how this vermicelli recipe balances convenience with nutrition. It’s perfect when you need a fast meal that still delivers on taste and healthfulness.
4. Spicy Vermicelli Noodles by Tiffy Cooks
Tiffy Cooks’ Spicy Vermicelli Noodles, also known as 螞蟻上樹, is a perfect quick dinner option that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. This one-pot meal combines the simplicity of vermicelli with bold flavors.
The recipe features ground pork cooked with ginger and garlic, creating a savory base for the delicate noodles. The dish gets its signature heat from spicy elements that complement the meat perfectly.
You can easily make this at home as part of your weeknight rotation. The vermicelli absorbs all the flavorful sauce, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
5. Singapore Vermicelli by RecipeTin Eats
Singapore Vermicelli is a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that you can easily make at home. This popular recipe from RecipeTin Eats features thin rice noodles coated in yellow curry flavoring.
The dish typically includes a colorful mix of vegetables, egg ribbons, and proteins like chicken, prawns, or Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu). RecipeTin Eats offers variations including a chicken and bacon version that’s just as delicious as the traditional recipe.
What makes this dish special is its balance of textures and bold curry flavor. You can prepare this quick meal for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty but don’t have much time to cook.
6. Myriad Recipes’ One-Pan Vermicelli
Looking for a quick and simple vermicelli dish? Myriad Recipes’ one-pan vermicelli noodles might be your answer. This fuss-free recipe takes less than 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity – everything cooks in just one pan, meaning less cleanup for you afterward. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious but don’t have much time.
The recipe is light yet satisfying and provides a good protein boost. You can find this versatile dish on Myriad Recipes’ website along with other delicious options like Sweet Potato Pasta Sauce and Carrot Ginger Soup.
7. Vermicelli Noodle Bowl With Imperial Rolls
Vermicelli noodle bowls with imperial rolls offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures in one dish. These Vietnamese-inspired bowls feature rice vermicelli noodles as their base.
The dish typically includes crispy imperial rolls (also called egg rolls) alongside grilled meat like pork. These components rest on a bed of vermicelli noodles.
Fresh ingredients add brightness to the bowl. Cucumber, bean sprouts, and herbs create a refreshing contrast to the warm elements.
A sweet and tangy sauce called nước chấm ties everything together. You can customize your bowl by adding pickled vegetables for extra zing.
8. Chicken, Vermicelli and Lemongrass Soup
This refreshing soup combines the delicate texture of vermicelli noodles with the aromatic flavor of lemongrass chicken. The fragrant lemongrass adds a citrusy, slightly floral note that perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces.
You can prepare this light yet satisfying soup in under 30 minutes. Simply simmer chicken with lemongrass, ginger, and broth until cooked through, then add the vermicelli to absorb those wonderful flavors.
For extra freshness, top your soup with herbs like mint or cilantro before serving. This versatile dish works well as a light lunch or as a comforting dinner option when you want something nourishing but not heavy.
9. Bún Chả with Rice Vermicelli
Bún Chả is a classic Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork served with rice vermicelli noodles. This Hanoi specialty combines smoky, caramelized meat with fresh ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors.
The dish typically includes two types of pork: seasoned patties and caramelized pork belly slices. These are served alongside a bowl of dipping sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.
To enjoy Bún Chả properly, you’ll need rice vermicelli noodles, butter lettuce, and fresh herbs like Thai basil. Add pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich pork.
You can enhance your Bún Chả by adding fried spring rolls (turning it into Bún Chả Giò) for
10. Vietnamese Beef and Vermicelli Salad
Vietnamese Beef and Vermicelli Salad (Bun Bo Xao) is a refreshing dish that combines tender beef with light rice noodles. The beef is typically marinated with lemongrass and cooked with onions and a touch of butter for flavor.
The dish features chewy vermicelli noodles served on a bed of fresh greens. It’s topped with marinated and grilled flank steak plus an array of vegetables.
What makes this salad special is the combination of herbs like mint and basil, along with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy dressing. For the best results, you’ll want to toast some peanuts to sprinkle on top before serving.
11. Vermicelli Bowls with Nước Chấm
Vermicelli bowls topped with nước chấm sauce are a Vietnamese staple that’s fresh and flavorful. You can create these bowls with various proteins including lemongrass chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
The base consists of rice vermicelli noodles topped with fresh vegetables like cucumber, bean sprouts, and carrots. Add herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil for an aromatic touch.
What makes these bowls special is the nước chấm – a sweet and tangy sauce that ties everything together. This sauce usually contains fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.
You can customize your bowl with pickled vegetables or imperial rolls for extra texture and flavor.
12. Tomato Bouillon Vermicelli
This quick and flavorful dish combines vermicelli pasta with rich tomato bouillon for a satisfying meal. You’ll need vermicelli pasta, tomato bouillon cubes, chicken broth, and some basic aromatics.
Start by heating oil in a pot and sautéing minced onions until translucent. Add the vermicelli and toast it lightly before adding chicken broth and tomato bouillon cubes.
Let the pasta simmer in the broth until it absorbs the tomato flavor and reaches your desired tenderness. The bouillon adds a depth of flavor that makes this simple dish taste like it took hours to prepare.
You can customize this recipe by adding diced vegetables or protein for a more complete meal.
13. Grilled Vermicelli Protein Bowls
Grilled vermicelli protein bowls combine fresh ingredients with savory grilled proteins for a balanced meal. These Vietnamese-inspired dishes (also called Bun Ga Nuong) feature vermicelli rice noodles as their base.
You can customize your bowl with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef as your protein choice. Add refreshing elements like cucumber, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs to create texture contrasts.
The bowls often include pickled vegetables for tanginess and a flavorful sauce like peanut butter dressing. They’re gluten-free when made with traditional rice noodles.
These bowls are perfect for meal prep since you can prepare components ahead of time. Simply assemble when ready to eat for a quick, nutritious meal.
14. Mung Bean Vermicelli Stir-Fry
Mung bean vermicelli makes a delicious and quick stir-fry dish. These glass noodles have a unique texture that soaks up flavors beautifully.
To prepare them properly, soak the noodles in room temperature or warm water, not hot water. This prevents them from becoming mushy during cooking.
You can stir-fry these noodles with simple seasonings and vegetables like cabbage and shiitake mushrooms for an authentic Chinese-style dish. The process takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The key to perfect vermicelli stir-fry is cooking in a hot pan and tossing quickly to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the noodles.
15. Yellow Curry Vermicelli
Yellow curry vermicelli combines thin rice noodles with a vibrant curry sauce for a delicious meal. The dish features a flavorful blend of curry powder that gives it its distinctive yellow color.
You can customize this dish with your choice of protein like chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Many recipes include vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for added nutrition and texture.
The curry sauce typically includes aromatic ingredients like garlic, shallots, and lemongrass. For an authentic touch, you can add fish sauce or a plant-based alternative.
This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours cooking.
16. Char Siu Vermicelli Delight
Char Siu Vermicelli combines the sweet and savory flavors of Chinese BBQ pork with thin rice noodles. This dish is popular in Chinese cuisine, not Singaporean as some might think.
The star ingredient is char siu, a flavorful roasted pork that gets its reddish color traditionally from red food coloring. For a natural alternative, you can use concentrated beet juice.
To make this dish, stir-fry your vermicelli with char siu, prawns, eggs, and vegetables. The noodles soak up the rich flavors of the pork and seasonings, creating a balanced meal.
You can find detailed recipes from experienced Chinese chefs who have perfected this dish over decades.
17. Prawn Vermicelli Stir-Fry
This quick and protein-packed dish combines succulent prawns with delicate vermicelli noodles. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by soaking your vermicelli in water while you prepare other ingredients.
Cut prawns in half and remove the veins before cooking. Heat your pan and quickly stir-fry garlic and optional bird’s eye chili for extra flavor.
Add the prawns until they turn pink. Mix in pre-soaked vermicelli with a simple sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.
The noodles absorb all the delicious flavors from the prawns and seasonings. This balanced one-pan meal is both nutritious and light, ideal for lunch or dinner.
18. Vermicelli with Garlic and Ground Meat
This quick and flavorful dish combines tender vermicelli noodles with savory ground meat and aromatic garlic. You can use beef, turkey, or pork depending on your preference.
Start by browning your ground meat with diced onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin in a pan. Set the meat aside when cooked through.
In the same pan, add a bit of oil and cook your vermicelli noodles until they’re golden. Add your seasoned broth, return the meat to the pan, and simmer until the noodles absorb the liquid.
This one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and quick.
19. Crispy Vermicelli with Vegetables
Crispy vermicelli offers a delightful textural contrast to your regular noodle dishes. To make this dish, you’ll need to fry dry vermicelli noodles until they puff up and become crispy.
Top these crispy noodles with stir-fried vegetables like cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots for a nutritious meal. The vegetables should be cooked quickly over high heat to maintain their crunch and vibrant colors.
Season your stir-fry with simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil.
This entire dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.
20. Peanut Vermicelli Noodle Salad
Peanut Vermicelli Noodle Salad combines thin rice noodles with a creamy, tangy peanut sauce for a refreshing meal. The sauce typically blends peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, maple syrup or honey, and a touch of sriracha for heat.
This versatile dish can be customized with your choice of proteins like tofu or chicken. Add crunch with fresh vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and cucumber.
Fresh herbs like mint elevate the flavor profile. This naturally gluten-free option (when using gluten-free soy sauce) works perfectly for lunch or dinner year-round.
The combination of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crunchy vegetables creates a satisfying texture contrast in every bite.
21. Lemongrass Infused Vermicelli
Lemongrass infused vermicelli offers a refreshing twist on traditional noodle dishes. This versatile meal combines thin rice noodles with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass.
You can pair these aromatic noodles with chicken, tofu, or pork, depending on your preference. The dish typically includes fresh vegetables and herbs for added texture and flavor.
For the best taste, marinate your protein in lemongrass, garlic, and lime before cooking.
Top your vermicelli bowl with cilantro, mint, and crushed peanuts for extra crunch. Drizzle everything with Nuoc Cham, a traditional chili garlic sauce, to bring all the flavors together.
This light yet satisfying meal works perfectly for lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Benefits of Vermicelli
Vermicelli noodles offer several nutritional benefits that make them a worthy addition to your diet. Their nutritional profile varies depending on the type you choose, with rice vermicelli and wheat vermicelli having different nutrient compositions.
Calories and Macronutrients
Rice vermicelli contains fewer calories than many other pasta options, making it suitable for weight management. A typical serving of rice vermicelli (about 2 ounces dry) provides approximately 200 calories.
Rice vermicelli is primarily carbohydrates, offering quick energy. It contains minimal fat, usually less than 1 gram per serving.
Wheat vermicelli generally has more protein than rice vermicelli. A serving of wheat-based vermicelli may provide around 7-8 grams of protein, while rice vermicelli typically contains less protein.
Some brands of vermicelli are enriched with additional nutrients, which can increase the protein content. Check the packaging to find options with higher protein if that’s important for your diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vermicelli contains several important minerals. Rice vermicelli is naturally a good source of potassium, which helps maintain proper fluid balance and nerve function.
You’ll also find iron and magnesium in vermicelli, which support oxygen transport and muscle function respectively.
B vitamins are present in vermicelli, particularly in enriched varieties. These vitamins help convert food into energy and support nervous system function.
Wheat-based vermicelli typically contains more selenium and niacin than rice vermicelli. These nutrients support immune function and help with energy production.
Rice vermicelli is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This allows you to enjoy noodle dishes without digestive discomfort if you have these conditions.
Cooking Techniques for Vermicelli
Vermicelli noodles are versatile and quick to prepare. The cooking method you choose affects their texture and how they absorb flavors in your dish.
Boiling Versus Stir-Frying
Boiling is the traditional method for cooking vermicelli. To boil properly, bring water to a hard boil, then add the noodles. Stir them with chopsticks to prevent clumping.
Most vermicelli varieties need only 3-5 minutes in boiling water until they’re soft but still slightly chewy.
A faster alternative is to pour boiling water over dry vermicelli in a bowl and let them soak for 3-5 minutes. This method reduces the risk of overcooking.
For stir-frying, pre-soak the noodles first until they’re soft but firm. Drain thoroughly before adding to your wok or pan.
Stir-fry quickly on high heat to maintain texture while allowing the noodles to absorb the seasonings.
Pairing with Sauces and Ingredients
Vermicelli’s mild flavor makes it an excellent base for various sauces. Light sauces with citrus or soy work particularly well as they coat the thin noodles evenly without overwhelming them.
For protein pairings, try:
- Thinly sliced chicken or beef
- Tofu cubes
- Shrimp or other seafood
Fresh vegetables add color and texture. Consider these quick-cooking options:
- Bean sprouts
- Sliced bell peppers
- Shredded carrots
Herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil add freshness to vermicelli dishes. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
For one-pan meals, cook your proteins and vegetables first, then add pre-soaked vermicelli and sauce. This creates a fuss-free dish that takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Variations Across Cuisines
Vermicelli noodles appear in countless dishes across the globe, each region adding its unique flavors and preparation techniques. The versatile nature of these thin noodles allows them to absorb different sauces and complement various proteins and vegetables.
Asian Influences
In Vietnam, vermicelli shines in bún dishes like Bún Thịt Nướng, where grilled pork sits atop cool rice noodles with fresh herbs and nuoc cham sauce. You’ll find vermicelli in refreshing salads and spring rolls too, often paired with mint, cilantro, and bean sprouts.
Chinese cuisine transforms vermicelli in dishes like Singapore noodles, featuring curry powder and stir-fried proteins. The noodles absorb the vibrant yellow color and aromatic spices.
In Thailand, vermicelli appears in Pad Woon Sen, where the noodles are stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein. Filipino pancit combines vermicelli with vegetables and soy sauce for a celebratory dish.
Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines feature vermicelli in laksa soups, where the noodles swim in spicy coconut broth alongside seafood or chicken.
Fusion Recipes
Modern chefs blend traditions to create exciting vermicelli dishes.
Vermicelli burrito bowls combine Mexican flavors with Asian noodles. Think cilantro-lime vermicelli topped with guacamole and salsa.
Mediterranean-inspired vermicelli pairs the noodles with olive oil, feta cheese, and roasted vegetables for a light summer dish. You might enjoy this with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.
Try vermicelli fritters where the noodles are mixed with vegetables, eggs, and spices before being pan-fried until crispy. These make excellent appetizers with yogurt dipping sauce.
Vermicelli breakfast bowls feature the noodles with soft-boiled eggs, avocado, and hot sauce—a fusion take on morning meals that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
