10 Best Rice Noodle Recipes: Delicious Dishes for Every Occasion

Rice noodles are a versatile ingredient that can enhance many meals with their unique texture and taste. In this article, I will share the ten best rice noodle recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy savory stir-fries or comforting soups, there is a rice noodle dish for everyone.

With countless ways to enjoy rice noodles, it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice in various cuisines. I look forward to exploring these diverse recipes, highlighting the flavors and techniques that make each one special.

1. Pad See Ew

Pad See Ew is a popular Thai dish made with wide rice noodles. It combines savory soy sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and your choice of protein, like chicken or tofu. The flavors are rich, and the texture is satisfying.

Making Pad See Ew is quite easy and perfect for a quick meal. I typically use fresh or dried rice noodles, which I soak before cooking.

Here are the basic steps to prepare it:

1. Soak 8 ounces of rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes if they are dried. If using fresh noodles, skip this step.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add 1 cup of chopped vegetables, such as broccoli and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push the veggies to the side and add in 4 ounces of sliced protein, cooking for another 3 minutes.
5. Add the soaked noodles to the pan, along with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir-fry everything for 2-4 minutes until well combined.

Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges if desired. Enjoy this flavorful dish!

2. Pho Ga

Pho Ga is a traditional Vietnamese chicken noodle soup. It features rice noodles, tender chicken, and fragrant broth. This dish is a favorite for many due to its comforting flavors.

Making Pho Ga is actually quite easy. I enjoy preparing it at home. The steps are straightforward and can be done in about 30 to 40 minutes.

First, I start by boiling water in a pot. Then, I add 2 chicken breasts and cook them for about 15 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, I prepare the broth. I use chicken broth and add spices like star anise and cinnamon for flavor.

Once the chicken is cooked, I remove it and let it cool before shredding. In the same pot, I add rice noodles and cook them for about 5 minutes. After that, I assemble my bowl.

To serve, I place the noodles in a bowl, add shredded chicken, and pour hot broth over it. I like to garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and lime juice. Enjoying Pho Ga is always a delight and a great home-cooked meal option.

3. Singapore Noodles

Singapore Noodles is a colorful dish made with rice vermicelli and curry powder. Despite its name, it is not originally from Singapore but popular in many places worldwide.

Making Singapore Noodles is fairly simple. I find it quite accessible for home cooks. The dish typically combines shrimp, vegetables, and sometimes chicken or pork.

Here are the steps I follow:

1. Soak the noodles: I start by soaking rice vermicelli in warm water for about 10 minutes until soft.
2. Stir-fry: Next, I heat oil in a large pan or wok. I add garlic, onion, and my choice of protein, cooking until done.
3. Add vegetables: I include bell peppers, carrots, and peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix sauces and spices: I stir in curry powder, soy sauce, and a splash of sesame oil for flavor.
5. Combine noodles: Finally, I add the soaked noodles to the mixture, tossing everything together until evenly coated.

This dish is bright and satisfying, making it a favorite for quick meals.

4. Drunken Noodles

Drunken Noodles, known as Pad Kee Mao, is a popular Thai dish. It features wide rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables and a choice of protein. The name comes from the idea that this dish is a great late-night meal, perfect for those who enjoy nightlife.

I find Drunken Noodles easy to make at home. The dish typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and chili for a flavorful kick.

Here are simple steps to prepare Drunken Noodles:

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 30 minutes until softened.
2. In a hot pan, add oil and sauté minced garlic and chopped chili for 1 minute.
3. Add your choice of protein, cooking until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Toss in the softened noodles with soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring for another 2 minutes.
5. Finally, add vegetables like bell peppers and basil, cooking until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

This quick and satisfying dish showcases the wonderful flavors of Thai cuisine, making it a favorite in my kitchen.

5. Beef Chow Fun

Beef Chow Fun is a popular Chinese dish made with wide rice noodles, tender beef, and vegetables. The rice noodles are slightly chewy and soak up the flavors of the sauce well.

I find Beef Chow Fun easy to make. It typically requires simple ingredients that are easy to find. In about 30 minutes, I can prepare this delicious meal.

To make Beef Chow Fun, I follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: I slice 8 ounces of flank steak, chop 1 cup of bell peppers, and cut 2 green onions.
2. Soak the Noodles: I soak 10 ounces of rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
3. Cook the Beef: I heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and cook the beef for about 3 minutes until browned.
4. Add Vegetables: I then add bell peppers and green onions, cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Combine: Next, I add the drained noodles and a mixture of soy sauce and oyster sauce, tossing everything together for about 3 minutes.

Enjoying this dish feels satisfying, especially when everything comes together nicely in the pan.

6. Laksa Lemak

Laksa Lemak is a popular Malaysian dish known for its creamy coconut milk broth and spicy flavor. It typically features rice noodles, shrimp, fish, and bean sprouts, making it a hearty meal.

I find it easy to prepare this dish at home. The main ingredients include rice noodles, coconut milk, laksa paste, and your choice of protein. It usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here are some simple steps to make Laksa Lemak:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a pot, heat some oil and sauté laksa paste for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add coconut milk and water, then bring to a simmer.
4. Toss in your protein, like shrimp or fish, and simmer until cooked through.
5. Serve the broth over the cooked rice noodles, topping with bean sprouts, tofu and a squeeze of lime.

Laksa Lemak is rich in flavor and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.

7. Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a popular stir-fried rice noodle dish in Southeast Asia. It typically includes flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts. The dish is known for its smoky flavor from high-heat cooking.

Making Char Kway Teow is fairly easy, and it takes about 20–30 minutes. Here’s how I prepare it:

1. Ingredients: Gather flat rice noodles, shrimp, Chinese sausage, soy sauce, chives, bean sprouts, and oil.
2. Soak Noodles: If using dried rice noodles, soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes until soft.
3. Prep Ingredients: Slice the Chinese sausage thinly and devein the shrimp.
4. Heat Wok: Heat oil in a wok over high heat until it’s very hot.
5. Stir-Fry: Add Chinese sausage and shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
6. Add Noodles: Add the soaked noodles, bean sprouts, and soy sauce. Stir-fry for about 3–5 minutes.
7. Finish: Toss in chives and cook for another minute. Serve hot.

This dish delivers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It’s a favorite for both home cooking and dining out.

8. Coconut Curry Rice Noodles

Coconut curry rice noodles are a flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with spices from curry. This dish is both comforting and easy to prepare.

To make it, I start by soaking dried rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until they soften. While the noodles soak, I prepare the curry sauce.

1. I heat some oil in a pan and add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are soft.
2. Next, I stir in curry paste to enhance the flavor and cook for a few more minutes.
3. I pour in a can of coconut milk and bring it to a simmer, adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
4. After about 10 minutes, I add the soaked noodles and cook everything for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.

This recipe is not only quick to make but also allows for personal touches. I can add protein like chicken or tofu to make it heartier, or adjust the spice level to my taste.

9. Yaki Udon

Yaki Udon is a popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thick, chewy udon noodles. It often includes a mix of vegetables and protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu. This dish is quick and easy to prepare.

To make Yaki Udon, I start by gathering my ingredients. I need udon noodles, soy sauce, vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, and a protein of my choice.

Here’s a simple process to cook Yaki Udon:

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the udon noodles according to the package directions, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced vegetables and protein, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and stir everything together for another 2-3 minutes.

The result is a delicious, satisfying dish that can be customized with different flavors and ingredients. I enjoy it for its versatility and ease of preparation.

10. Kimchi Udon Stir Fry

Kimchi Udon Stir Fry is a flavorful dish that combines chewy udon noodles with spicy, tangy kimchi. Udon noodles are thick, wheat-based noodles popular in Japanese cuisine. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick meal.

To cook Kimchi Udon Stir Fry, I follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Ingredients: I gather 2 cups of cooked udon noodles, 1 cup of chopped kimchi, and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil. I also like to add onions, garlic, and any veggies I have on hand.
2. Heat the Pan: I heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Sauté Veggies: I add sliced onions and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re soft, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Kimchi: I toss in the kimchi and stir it for another 2-3 minutes to mix the flavors.
5. Mix in Noodles: Finally, I add the cooked udon noodles, stirring everything together for about 3-4 minutes.

I can adjust seasoning to my taste by adding soy sauce or chili paste if I like more heat. This dish is quick, delicious, and packed with flavor.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Rice Noodles?

Rice noodles offer a wealth of nutritional benefits that can enhance any meal. They are versatile and can fit into various dietary needs while providing essential nutrients.

Why Are Rice Noodles a Low-Calorie and Gluten-Free Option?

Rice noodles are a low-calorie option compared to many other types of noodles. They generally contain around 190 calories per 100 grams when cooked. This makes them an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.

Additionally, rice noodles are gluten-free. This makes them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many pasta alternatives contain wheat, which can be harmful to those avoiding gluten. Rice noodles allow me to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the risk.

What Essential Nutrients Are Found in Rice Noodles?

Rice noodles provide important nutrients vital for my health. They are a source of carbohydrates, which give me energy. Depending on the type, some rice noodles also include beneficial compounds from whole grain or germinated rice.

For instance, germinated brown rice noodles can be particularly nutritious. These noodles contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to research, the nutritional value of rice noodles improves significantly when made from whole or fortified grains. They can also be enriched with ingredients like rice protein isolate, boosting their protein content.

Incorporating rice noodles in my diet can support my nutritional needs while enjoying a variety of dishes.

What Are Tips for Cooking Perfect Rice Noodles?

Getting the perfect rice noodle texture and flavor is essential for an enjoyable dish. I focus on selecting the right type of noodle and preventing them from sticking together. Here are my key tips for successful rice noodle preparation.

How Do You Choose the Right Type of Rice Noodle?

Rice noodles come in various shapes and sizes, and each type serves different dishes. When selecting, I consider the recipe I’m making.

• Thin Rice Vermicelli: Great for salads and soups. It cooks quickly in hot water.
• Wide Rice Noodles: Perfect for stir-frying. They provide a satisfying chewiness.
• Banquet-Style Noodles: Thicker and chewy, these work well in hearty soups.

I always read the package instructions for cooking times. Each type may require different soaking or boiling methods. For example, thin noodles might need only a few minutes, while wide noodles may benefit from a longer soaking time in warm water.

How Can You Prevent Rice Noodles from Sticking?

Preventing rice noodles from sticking together is crucial for achieving that perfect dish. Here are my tested strategies:

1. Use Plenty of Water: When boiling, I make sure to use enough water. A good rule is to use at least 10 times the weight of the noodles.
2. Rinse with Cold Water: After cooking, I rinse the noodles under cold water immediately. This helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch that causes sticking.
3. Add Oil: A little oil can go a long way. I add a few drops to the noodles after rinsing to keep them separate.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: When stir-frying, I use a large pan. Crowding can lead to sticking and uneven cooking.

By following these tips, I ensure my rice noodles turn out perfectly cooked every time.