Vermicelli noodles are versatile, quick-cooking, and perfect for creating delicious meals in minutes. Whether you prefer Asian-inspired dishes or creative fusion recipes, these thin rice noodles serve as an excellent base for countless flavor combinations.
From Vietnamese beef soups to Singapore-style stir-fries, vermicelli adapts to many cooking styles. Their light texture makes them ideal for both hot and cold preparations, allowing you to enjoy them year-round.
Paired with fresh herbs, grilled proteins, and tangy dressings, vermicelli noodles offer endless possibilities for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals for guests.
1. Classic Stir-Fried Vermicelli with Vegetables and Shrimp
This quick dish combines tender rice vermicelli with plump shrimp and colorful vegetables. You’ll need about 150g of rice vermicelli and 400g of shrimp for best results.
Cook the vermicelli until soft, about 8 minutes, then drain well. Rice noodles maintain their texture after cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
Prepare your shrimp and vegetables while the noodles cook. A light sauce with soy, ginger, honey, and garlic brings everything together.
Stir-fry the ingredients in a hot wok, combining the cooked noodles last. The entire cooking process takes about 15 minutes.
2. Singapore Style Chicken Vermicelli Noodles with Curry
Singapore Style Chicken Vermicelli Noodles with Curry combines thin rice noodles with curry-seasoned chicken and vegetables. Despite its name, this dish actually originated in Hong Kong, not Singapore.
The dish features yellow curry-flavored vermicelli stir-fried with a colorful mix of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Protein comes from juicy chicken pieces and sometimes prawns or Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siu).
Egg ribbons add extra texture to this one-pan meal. You can prepare this nutritious, protein-rich dish in about 20 minutes.
3. Spicy Vermicelli Noodles with Ground Pork (Ants Climbing Tree)
This classic Sichuan dish gets its unique name from the way ground pork clings to glass noodles, resembling ants climbing up tree branches. It’s a perfect balance of heat and savory flavors.
The dish uses vermicelli noodles made from mung beans as its base. These transparent noodles absorb the rich sauce beautifully.
Key ingredients include finely minced ginger, spicy fermented bean sauce, and ground pork. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
This one-pot meal comes together in under 10 minutes. The dark soy sauce gives the noodles their signature color and depth of flavor.
4. One-Pan Easy Vermicelli Noodles with Garlic and Herbs
This quick vermicelli dish comes together in just 20 minutes using only one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious and satisfying.
The noodles absorb all the flavors of fresh garlic and herbs while cooking. You can customize this dish with your favorite herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint.
For extra protein, add tofu, shrimp, or chicken. The dish is naturally high in protein and fiber.
The one-pan approach means less cleanup. Simply toss everything together and serve hot for a light yet filling dinner.
5. Vermicelli Upma with Onions and Ginger
Vermicelli Upma makes a quick and tasty breakfast option you can prepare in minutes. Begin by roasting 1 cup of vermicelli until it turns golden brown.
In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Once they splutter, add finely chopped onions and grated ginger, cooking until the onions become transparent.
You can enhance the dish with vegetables like carrots and beans for extra nutrition. Add the roasted vermicelli, pour in hot water, and season with salt to taste.
The aromatic combination of onions and ginger gives this upma its distinctive flavor. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
6. Cold Vermicelli Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing
This refreshing vermicelli salad is perfect for warm weather meals. You’ll love how the thin rice noodles combine with an abundance of fresh herbs for amazing flavor.
The star of this dish is the tangy lime dressing, which typically includes garlic, lime juice, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar for balance. Add a bit of sriracha if you want some heat.
Top your salad with crunchy vegetables like carrots, green beans, and shredded cabbage for texture. For extra protein, consider adding pan-fried tofu or your favorite protein.
At only about 170 calories per serving, this healthy dish works great as a light lunch or dinner option.
7. Vermicelli Noodle Soup with Chicken and Ginger Broth
This feel-good soup combines tender chicken with thin vermicelli noodles in a warming ginger broth. The subtle hint of ginger and lemon creates a full-bodied flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing.
To make this soup, cook your vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Prepare the broth by simmering chicken with garlic, ginger, and light seasonings.
You can add fish balls and fresh lettuce for extra texture. Pour the hot broth over the noodles and chicken in your serving bowls.
Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of chili for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Vermicelli Bowls with Grilled Meat and Pickled Vegetables
Vietnamese vermicelli bowls combine fresh rice noodles with savory grilled meat and crunchy vegetables. The most popular version is Bun Thit Nuong, featuring lemongrass-marinated pork that’s chargrilled to perfection.
These bowls offer a balanced meal with vermicelli noodles as the base, topped with your choice of protein like pork, chicken, or shrimp. Fresh cucumber, bean sprouts, and herbs add brightness to every bite.
What makes these bowls special is the contrast of warm grilled meat against cool noodles and vegetables. A tangy sweet-and-sour dressing ties everything together.
9. Vermicelli with Rice and Tomato Broth
This flavorful dish combines vermicelli and rice for a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare. The tomato broth adds a rich depth of flavor that transforms these basic ingredients into something special.
Start by browning vermicelli in a pan until golden. Add rice and coat it well with the toasted vermicelli mixture before pouring in chicken stock and tomato paste or fresh tomato puree.
You can enhance the flavor by adding minced onion, chopped garlic, and ginger. This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with nearly any protein or can stand alone as a vegetarian meal.
For extra richness, try using tomato-flavored bouillon cubes in your broth as a quick flavor booster.
10. Vermicelli Noodles with Chinese BBQ Pork and Egg Ribbons
This dish combines tender vermicelli noodles with flavorful Chinese BBQ pork (char siu) and delicate egg ribbons. The sweet and savory pork pairs perfectly with the light noodles.
You’ll need vermicelli noodles, Chinese BBQ pork, eggs, and your choice of vegetables. Marinate pork shoulder in a mixture of sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce to make the pork.
Cook your vermicelli according to package directions. While they cook, slice your BBQ pork thinly and create egg ribbons by making a thin omelet and cutting it into strips.
Combine everything in a bowl and add a simple sauce of garlic, fish sauce, and sugar.
11. Vermicelli Stir-Fry with Tofu and Mixed Vegetables
This quick stir-fry brings together tender vermicelli noodles with protein-rich tofu and colorful vegetables. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes.
Start by rehydrating the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Meanwhile, cube and pan-fry your tofu until golden brown on all sides.
Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms to your wok. Edamame beans make a great addition for extra protein and texture.
Season your stir-fry with simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Toss everything together until the noodles absorb the flavors and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
12. Thai Vermicelli Salad with Peanut Dressing
Thai vermicelli salad combines delicate rice noodles with fresh vegetables and herbs in a flavorful peanut dressing. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
The peanut dressing blends garlic, ginger, lime, and creamy peanut butter into a sauce that coats every strand of vermicelli. You can customize the vegetables based on what you have available.
This salad works as either a main dish or a side. It’s naturally vegan and can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
For extra protein, consider adding edamame or tofu.
13. Vietnamese Bun Cha with Vermicelli Noodles
Bun Cha is a beloved Vietnamese dish featuring grilled pork patties and slices served with rice vermicelli noodles. The dish combines savory meat with a punchy dipping sauce that balances sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
Marinate pork shoulder slices for at least 4-6 hours before grilling. Boil vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
Arrange cooked vermicelli with fresh ingredients like lettuce leaves, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and julienned carrots. Serve the grilled meat and dipping sauce separately, allowing you to customize each bite.
14. Vermicelli with Mung Bean Sprouts and Scallions
This quick stir-fry combines delicate vermicelli noodles with crunchy mung bean sprouts and fresh scallions. You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes.
Properly soak your vermicelli before stir-frying. Soak the noodles in warm water until they’re pliable but still firm.
Heat oil in a wok, add minced garlic and sliced scallions (reserving some green parts for garnish). Toss in your bean sprouts and stir-fry for about 1 minute to keep them crisp.
Add your drained vermicelli with a simple sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Toss everything together until the noodles absorb the flavors.
15. Lemon Garlic Vermicelli with Roasted Vegetables
This bright and flavorful dish combines tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and colorful roasted vegetables with vermicelli noodles. You can serve it warm for dinner or chilled for a refreshing lunch.
Prepare this meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Roasted vegetables add depth and nutritional value, while the lemon garlic sauce brings everything together.
Roast your favorite seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes until slightly caramelized. Toss them with cooked vermicelli, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.
This dish works great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep throughout the week.
16. Spicy Korean Vermicelli Japchae with Beef and Spinach
Japchae is a colorful Korean dish made with sweet potato vermicelli noodles. These glass noodles have a chewy texture that soaks up the savory sesame-based sauce perfectly.
Add Korean chili paste (gochujang) to the traditional soy sauce and brown sugar mixture for a spicy version. This creates heat while maintaining the dish’s sweet-savory balance.
Thinly slice and marinate the beef before stir-frying. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition to this one-pan meal.
Soak the noodles instead of boiling them to maintain their bouncy texture.
17. Vermicelli Noodles in Coconut Curry Sauce
Vermicelli noodles in coconut curry sauce combine delicate rice noodles with a rich, creamy sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Customize your coconut curry vermicelli with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Add fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for color and nutrition.
Blend coconut milk with curry powder or paste to create a silky sauce with warm spices. Top your noodle bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil to brighten the flavors.
18. Simple Vermicelli with Tomato Paste and Bouillon
This quick dish combines the best of Mexican fideo traditions with simple pantry ingredients. You’ll need vermicelli pasta, tomato sauce, bouillon powder, and a few aromatics.
Toast the vermicelli noodles in a pan until lightly golden. This step adds depth to the final dish.
Mix hot water with chicken bouillon powder and add it to the toasted pasta along with tomato sauce. Add chopped onions for flavor and let everything simmer until the noodles are tender.
Finish with fresh cilantro for brightness. This dish works well as a light meal on its own or as a side to your main course.
19. Vermicelli and Mushroom Stir-Fry with Soy and Ginger
This quick vermicelli and mushroom stir-fry combines earthy shiitake mushrooms with delicate rice noodles. Prepare this dish in under 20 minutes.
Soak your vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Heat oil in a wok and add minced ginger and garlic for an aromatic base.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture. Toss in your drained vermicelli with a sauce of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.
For extra nutrition, add bok choy or cabbage in the final minutes of cooking. The savory mushrooms and ginger-infused noodles create a satisfying meal.
20. Pad Thai-Style Vermicelli with Tamarind and Peanuts
This dish offers a unique twist on traditional Pad Thai by using rice vermicelli instead of the usual flat rice noodles. The thin vermicelli absorbs the complex flavors beautifully.
The tamarind sauce brings a balance of salty, savory, sweet, and sour notes. Peanuts add essential crunch and depth.
Customize this dish with your choice of protein—chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. Add Chinese broccoli (gai lan) or bean sprouts for freshness and texture.
This quick meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
21. Vermicelli Noodles with Fresh Prawns and Chili Garlic Sauce
This quick and flavorful dish combines delicate vermicelli with juicy prawns in a spicy chili garlic sauce. Prepare it in about 15-20 minutes.
Cook your vermicelli according to package instructions. While that’s happening, sauté fresh prawns with minced garlic and red chili flakes until pink and tender.
Mix oyster sauce and soy sauce in a pan, then add water and bring to a boil. Add your cooked vermicelli to the sauce, tossing until well-coated.
Serve your prawns over the noodles and garnish with green onions. The combination of chewy noodles and spicy prawns creates a meal with the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Understanding Vermicelli
Vermicelli is a versatile type of thin pasta that appears in cuisines worldwide. These delicate noodles adapt well to various cooking methods and work in both savory and sweet dishes.
Types of Vermicelli
Rice Vermicelli is common in Asian cuisine, especially Vietnamese dishes. These thin, translucent noodles cook quickly and work well in spring rolls, noodle bowls, and stir-fries.
They require only a brief soak in hot water before using.
Wheat Vermicelli is popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. It has a firmer texture than rice vermicelli and is often used in upma, a savory breakfast dish made with vegetables and spices.
In Middle Eastern cuisine, it appears in sweet desserts like sheer khurma.
Bean Vermicelli (also called cellophane or glass noodles) is made from mung bean starch. These become transparent when cooked and are excellent in soups and stir-fries.
They absorb flavors well.
Italian Vermicelli is slightly thicker than spaghetti and works well with both light and heavy sauces.
Nutritional Profile
Rice vermicelli offers a lighter option with about 190 calories per cup. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Rice vermicelli contains minimal fat and no cholesterol.
Wheat vermicelli provides more protein than rice varieties. A standard serving contains approximately:
- 220 calories
- 8g protein
- 43g carbohydrates
- 1g fat
Both types offer quick energy through carbohydrates but have low fiber content. Pair vermicelli with:
- Protein sources (chicken, tofu, shrimp)
- Vegetables for vitamins and fiber
- Herbs for antioxidants
Bean vermicelli falls between the two in protein content and is also gluten-free.
Tips for Cooking Vermicelli
Cooking vermicelli perfectly requires attention to a few key details. These simple techniques will help you achieve noodles that are tender, separated, and ready to absorb delicious flavors.
How to Prevent Clumping
Always use plenty of water when cooking vermicelli. A large pot with ample water gives the noodles room to move freely as they cook.
Bring your water to a full rolling boil before adding the noodles. Once you add the vermicelli, stir immediately with chopsticks or a fork to separate the strands.
Don’t overcook the noodles. Vermicelli typically needs only 2-3 minutes in boiling water until tender.
Test a strand to check for doneness.
Some cooks pour boiling water over vermicelli instead of cooking them in a pot. This gentle method can prevent overcooking.
After cooking, rinse vermicelli promptly under cold water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch that causes sticking.
Flavor Pairing Suggestions
Vermicelli works wonderfully with a variety of flavor profiles.
Asian-inspired: Pair it with soy sauce, sesame oil, green onions, and a touch of rice vinegar for a simple side dish.
Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, and basil add brightness to vermicelli bowls or salads.
Proteins: Try these combinations:
- Grill shrimp with lime and chili.
- Slice beef thinly and cook it with star anise and ginger.
- Sauté tofu with lemongrass and garlic.
Vermicelli absorbs the flavors of broths beautifully. Add it to light soups with mushrooms and vegetables for a comforting meal.
For a refreshing summer dish, toss chilled vermicelli with cucumber, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
