We know that cooking rice noodles can be a bit tricky, but fear not – we’ve got you covered with some simple yet effective tips that will have you mastering rice noodle dishes like a pro. So, let’s dive in!
1. Know Your Rice Noodle
First things first, the key to a fantastic rice noodle dish lies in choosing the right type of noodle for your recipe. If you’re unsure about the different types of rice noodles available, check out our blog post titled “The Different Types of Rice Noodles Explained!“
Now, thin rice noodles are ideal for stir-fries and soups, while thicker rice noodles work well in dishes with heavier sauces.
And why is that you ask ? It’s because thin noodles blend well with soups as they have smaller surface area, so the soup can seep in its flavour in the noodles easily and you can have a refreshing taste with the noodle texture. On the other hand, Thick noodles in soups will feel more tasteless and will be better for sauces which can stick to their bigger surface area to give them a flavourful taste.
2. Soaking or Boiling – What’s Your Method?
Now to the main event! Once you have chosen what dish to make, soaking or boiling will depend on your method of preparation accordingly. Thin noodles are ready just by soaking them for about 15 to 45 minutes depending on the quantity. And how do you know when the noodles are ready and completely rehydrated, you can check by picking them up and checking if they have lost their previous shape. If the noodles are loose and soft, know that they are now ready to be used.
But, if you forgot to soak the noodles or are in a hurry you can boil the thin ones as well but for only 2 to 4 minutes. Just let them soften and rehydrate and they are good to go.
Thick Noodles or flat noodles on the other hand, need a little boiling time. You can cook them by simply boiling them for 10 to 15 minutes again depending on its quantity.
3. Rinse in Cold water
After cooking your rice noodles, it’s essential to rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming overcooked. If you’re worried about them sticking together, a splash of oil will do the trick.
4. Soup or Stir-fry? The Choice is Yours
To create the perfect noodle dish, you need to adjust your noodle cooking based on the specific recipe.
For saucy dishes or noodle soups,
It’s best to slightly undercook the noodles, allowing them to finish cooking when combined with the soup or sauce. This prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy when immersed in the liquid base.
For stir-fry dishes,
Pre-cook the noodles entirely using the soaking or boiling method above. This ensures that your stir-fry experience is nothing short of delightful with well-cooked and flavorful noodles.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of cooking perfect rice noodles is easier than you might have thought. By understanding the right type of noodle for your dish, whether it’s thin noodles for soups or thicker ones for stir-fries, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your creations. So go ahead, indulge in the world of rice noodles, and create your own mouth watering masterpieces! Happy cooking!
