How to Cook Rice Noodles

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5 from 2 votes

How to Cook Rice Noodles

Chewy but tender and silky rice noodles for every recipe! Step-by-step instructions and photos and recipes.

Prep Time0

Cook Time5

Soaking Time5

Total Time10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: People

Author: Katie Workman

Ingredients

8 ounces rice noodles (either wide and flat, or vermicelli)
6 cups water (or more, as needed)

Instructions

Place the rice noodles into a large bowl. Heat 6 cups of water in a pot over high heat until the water comes to a simmer. Pour the hot water over the noodles and let sit for a few minutes. As they soak, use tongs or your hands to separate the noodles into strands.
The amount of time you need to soak your noodles depends on their thickness and width. Rice vermicelli noodles will take about 4 to 6 minutes to soften. Wider flat rice noodles will take about 5 to 10 minutes. As soon as they are softened as much as you wish, drain them or remove them from the hot water. Depending on whether you plan on continuing to cook them in a stir-fry or other dish, you may want to take them out and rinse them while they are still firm but pliable. If you are going to eat the noodles as is without further cooking, make sure they are very tender.
Either toss the noodles with sauce or add them to a salad, or continue with the recipe.

Notes

Rice noodles can overcook quickly, which is why the method and timing are important. There are a few great ways to soak and/or cook rice noodles. Whichever method you choose, you’ll want to pay close attention to the time.

How cooked or softened the rice noodles should be depends on how you are using them. If you are using them in a cool dish, you want to make sure they are tender before you add them to the rest of the recipe. If you know they will continue to cook in a hot dish, soak them just until they are pliable and allow them to become tender as they finish cooking in the pan, often in a sauce.

Storage

Dried rice noodles will keep in the pantry for at least 2 to 3 years, like most dried pastas. Cooked rice noodles will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze cooked rice noodles for up to 3 months.

Nutrition