I’ve been wanting to share this recipe for homemade rice noodles ever since Bill shared his recipe for homemade cheung fun a while back.
For stir-fried rice noodle dishes like Beef Chow Fun, it’s ideal. The majority of the readers of this recipe, however, do not live close to an Asian market. If you do have access to an Asian market nearby, we suggest saving yourself some time and purchasing the fresh rice noodles that have already been prepared in the Asian market’s refrigerator.
But we hope you’ll find this recipe helpful if you don’t have access to a constant supply of fresh noodles!
Are Rice Noodles Good For You?
Since rice noodles are primarily made of white rice, they are primarily a source of carbohydrates and provide few other macro- or micronutrients. However, anyone who avoids consuming gluten may prefer rice-based noodles to wheat noodles; just make sure to read the labels. Brown rice noodles are a better option if you’re looking for something more nutrient-dense because this whole grain has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and contains more vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fiber than polished white rice. 10, 11.
There are countless ways to prepare a filling rice noodle dish, from savory and spicy to sweet and fresh. Make vermicelli cakes to dip into sweetened coconut milk like Idiyappam from South India, or take a cue from the Philippines and stir-fry some vermicelli with soy sauce and citrus. Even more straightforward, boil your noodles in a clear, flavorful broth with your preferred toppings. This is how it has been done for thousands of years and is likely to be done for another thousand.
Tell us about your favorite rice noodle dish in the comments section below!
What Are Rice Noodles Made Of?
Rice is used to make rice noodles, as the name suggests, but additional work and processing are necessary to give them their characteristic noodle shape.
Rice noodles require a rollercoaster-like process to transform from a solid to a liquid to a semi-solid and back to a solid, unlike wheat noodles where the dough is first kneaded before being pressed and cut into noodle shapes.
However, making rice noodles at home is possible and isn’t that difficult (more on this below).
Let’s look at how rice noodles are produced commercially.
The preparation of the rice is the first step in making rice noodles. Rice noodles can typically be made with any kind of rice, but the fragrant jasmine variety is the most common.
Due to their extensive cultivation of jasmine rice, Thailand is renowned for producing a wide variety of rice noodles, many of which are of exceptionally high quality.
At the factory, the rice sacks are divided by type. Brown or white rice can be used to make noodles, and each variety is soaked and processed separately.
Following washing and soaking, the rice is put into a big machine that presses and grinds the grains until they resemble a rice smoothie.
Following that, the slurry is filtered through a very fine mesh filter to remove the impurities and leave only the pure, starchy rice paste behind.
The necessary ingredients or additives are then added to the paste in order to improve the noodles’ overall texture and flavor.
To enhance the texture and transparency of the noodles, you could, for instance, add cornstarch or tapioca starch.
Conveyor belts are used to transfer the contents of a presser after the final mixture has been blended and homogenized.
A single sheet of processed rice is created by pressing and steaming the paste, which binds the thin layer of rice.
The rice sheet is then divided into noodles or strands, which are then weighed, packaged, and delivered to eateries or stores!
Here are some common types of rice noodles, which come in many variations:
We’ll examine each to comprehend how they are used and how they compare, as these four make up the majority of the rice noodle market in Thailand and around the world.
This is the original rice noodle dish, and it’s a great introduction to Thai food as well!
When compared to other varieties of flat noodles, particularly Sen Yai, Pad Thai noodles are made of flat rice noodles that are the perfect width.
These noodles are served all over the world and combined with bean sprouts, herbs, spices, and tons of protein!
We strongly advise starting here if you do want to try rice noodles!
These rice noodles are arguably the thinnest and smallest ones available. These delicate, tender noodles can be made from scratch or purchased from a store.
Sen Mee noodles can be substituted for wheat noodles in some recipes and can be used in a variety of popular noodle dishes.
Because of their thickness, Sen Mee is the best option for people looking for a new comfort food dish, even though their texture and mouthfeel are completely different even from other varieties of rice noodles.
Because Sen Lek has a chewier texture than Sen Mee and is most comparable to wheat noodles, it is regarded as the best variety of rice noodle.
The many sub-varieties of Sen Lek almost all have a medium thickness, a chewy texture, and varying levels of tenderness.
Street vendors and restaurants frequently sell and use these noodles. These noodles are viewed as a direct substitute for wheat noodles because of their superior mouthfeel and texture.
Sen Lek is delicious in stir-fries, salads, and with straightforward broth-based sauces. Additionally, they are frequently present in any delectable bowl of pho!
Compared to other varieties of rice noodles, these ones are wider, flatter, and have a larger surface area. Sen Yai is frequently used in soups, and it also works well in stir-fries.
Similar to Sen Lek, they have a velvety texture and provide roughly the same chewiness. Numerous methods can be used to prepare these noodles, and they pair well with almost any kind of protein.
This variety of noodle is unquestionably the one to choose if you want something with a little bite.
Rice noodles are incredibly easy to make at home. All they require is a bit of effort!.
We strongly advise that you involve your family in this endeavor as it is typically more enjoyable to prepare large quantities of noodles in the presence of others. You and your family will adore this do-it-yourself project, we promise!
Rice Noodles: Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, tapioca starch (or cornstarch), salt, and water. Mix and dissolve everything together well. Add one teaspoon of oil, then pour the mixture into another bowl after passing it through a fine-mesh strainer. Cover the liquid and let rest for 30 minutes.
Fill your wok with water while the mixture is resting (but first, make sure your flat-bottomed pan fits comfortably inside!). Use a large, deep cooking pot with a wide opening and a lid if you don’t have a wok. Bring the water to a boil. (During the cooking process, you might need to add more water. The intention is for the pan to float above the boiling water. ).
Place the pan on top of the boiling water, add 1/4 cup of the rice liquid, and brush a thin layer of oil on the bottom of the flat-bottom pan. Lean it slightly so that the liquid from the rice covers the pan’s bottom.
Now, cover the pot/wok with the lid and cook for 5 minutes on high heat. If the bottom of the flat bottom pan you use is thicker, e g. Increase the cooking time for Pyrex to 7 or 8 minutes. While it’s cooking, brush the second pan lightly with oil.
5 minutes later, take off the lid, remove the first pan, and put it aside. Add a 1/4 cup of the rice mixture to the second pan and place it atop the water in the wok. Letting it cook, tilt it slightly so the liquid rice covers the bottom evenly.
While it’s cooking, attend to the first pan. We’ll remove the noodle sheet and set it on a cutting board. To stop the cutting board from sticking, lightly oil it. Then, slowly raise the sheet of noodles off the pan by loosening all of its edges with a rubber spatula. Lay it flat on your cutting board.
By now, your second pan is probably ready. To avoid sticking, don’t forget to lightly oil the first layer before placing the second sheet on top.
Prepare to make your third batch by brushing some oil on the bottom of the first pan. Up until all of the rice noodle batter is consumed, repeat the previous steps. I cut the finished noodle sheets into pieces that are 1/3 inch wide, but you are free to cut them into any other sizes or shapes. I then shake the noodles to separate them by loosening each layer. Now the rice noodles are ready to be used!.
These noodles can be kept in the refrigerator for a day or two. Once heated, they may slightly harden but should rebound nicely. Enjoy your homemade noodles!.
Another simple recipe for serving noodles is to toss them with some black vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and some raw garlic that has been chopped.
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FAQ
What is rice noodles made out of?
Rice noodles are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine. Some products also incorporate cornstarch and tapioca to enhance the texture and appearance of the noodles, which are primarily made from rice flour and water. You can purchase these gluten-free noodles fresh, frozen, or dried.
Are rice noodles healthy for you?
In almost all traditional Asian dishes, rice noodles can be used as a healthy substitute for yellow egg noodles. They are gluten-free and suitable for anyone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease because they don’t contain any wheat flour.
Are rice noodles healthier than pasta?
Regular Pasta. When it comes to calories, fat, and carbs, pasta and rice noodles are almost tied (if you’re following a low-carb diet like the keto diet, stick to zoodles). The average serving of regular pasta contains about 2 grams of sugar, while rice noodles are almost sugar-free. Both are also free of cholesterol .
Where do rice noodles come from?
Rice noodles originated during the Qin dynasty (259–210 b. c. ) and have been consumed in China for over 2,000 years. According to historical accounts, when northern Chinese invaded the south, they preferred wheat-flour noodles because they were not used to eating rice.
