This straightforward beginner’s guide to Asian noodle varieties offers an easy way to comprehend the differences between the most popular varieties, how to use each, and how to prepare them.
One of the best foods in the world, noodles are a cheap mainstay of many different cuisines and are available in almost every country. Spaetzle, orzo, pierogi, dumplings, fideos, spaghetti — everyone loves noodles!.
Noodles are the ideal foundation for so many dishes with sauces, they also make great additions to soups, and they are very kid friendly, so it’s not hard to understand why. Read how to teach kids to love international food.
However, Asian noodles can sometimes seem so similar (yet so different), making it difficult to know which to use when.
The information in the following simple breakdown will help you choose the best noodles for your recipe when you visit the grocery store.
How Long Do Fresh Noodles Last?
In the refrigerator, fresh noodles will stay fresh for three to four days. Noodles that are freshly frozen can be purchased; they will keep for a while in your freezer.
Asian Noodles vs. Italian Pasta
Asian noodles and Italian pasta have some significant differences despite the fact that some varieties resemble each other. Asian noodles are different from most pastas in that they are not meant to be cooked to the same al dente consistency. Some are soft; others have a firm bite. Others, like ramen, have a more springy resistance to the teeth while some are chewy.
In addition to wheat flour, rice, yam, and mung beans can also be used to make Asian noodles, though even that wheat is a different variety than the durum wheat used to make pasta. Due to all of these texture and flavor differences, Asian noodles cannot usually be substituted for Italian pasta.
Finding Your Noodles
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Most Asian markets group noodles according to country of origin, placing soba near udon and lo mein near misua. So consider the country of origin of the dish you intend to prepare before looking there. You will see repetitions under different names because many noodles are used in different cuisines, so don’t overthink it. And remember, the hunt is half the fun!.
FAQ
What are the different oriental noodles?
- Ramen Noodles. Ramen soup, a brothy, umami-rich dish packed with proteins, vegetables, and spices, is what first made ramen noodles popular.
- Udon Noodles. …
- Rice Noodles. …
- Soba Noodles. …
- Glass Noodles. …
- Chow Mein Noodles. …
- Vermicelli Noodles. …
- Somen Noodles.
Are oriental noodles healthy?
Because they have a moderate amount of calories and little fat, rice noodles are a healthy choice. Try serving them with flavorful sauces, high-fiber vegetables, and a few high-sodium ingredients like soy sauce.
Are oriental noodles pasta?
In addition to wheat flour, rice, yam, and mung beans can also be used to make Asian noodles, though even that wheat is a different variety than the durum wheat used to make pasta. Due to all of these texture and flavor differences, Asian noodles cannot usually be substituted for Italian pasta.
What are the healthiest oriental noodles?
Although our Neds Udon noodles are 95% fat free, Soba noodles are thought to be significantly healthier than other Asian varieties like Udon. Soba noodles are originally from Japan. Typically, buckwheat is used to make soba noodles, which has a number of health advantages.
