8ouncesrice noodles(either wide and flat, or vermicelli)
6cupswater(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, like Pad Thai or Shrimp with Rice Noodles, then you will want to soak them until they are pliable, and allow them to become tender as they finish cooking in the pan, often in a sauce.