If you are an Asian cuisine lover, you probably have tried rice noodles. They are delicate, flavorsome, and a widely used ingredient in Asian cuisine. They are super quick to make, but they have a tiny drawback. Rice noodles tend to stick a lot which makes them gummy and gives them a weird texture. There are a few reasons that cause rice noodles to stick together, and if you keep them in mind, you can cook rice noodles like a pro.
So if you are wondering how to cook rice noodles without sticking? We have a few tips for you!
What are rice noodles?
Rice noodles, as the name suggests, are noodles made from rice flour. These noodles have been used in various dishes throughout Southeast Asia for centuries, and their popularity has spread across the globe. Rice noodles come in various shapes and sizes, from thin and vermicelli-like to wide and flat. They are versatile ingredients that can be used in many different dishes, from soups to stir-fries. They are also a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat noodles.
Why do rice noodles stick together?
Rice is widely known for its starch content. Because these noodles are made primarily with rice, you will find starch in rice noodles as well. As you cook them in hot water, the starch activates. This starch is responsible for making the noodles stick together. So the next time you wonder what cause the rice noodles to stick together, know that starch is the culprit.
Can you cook rice noodles without sticking?
Absolutely! Every professional cook or every delicious rice noodle dish you enjoy at your favorite restaurant will have rice noodles that don’t stick together. Even if the ones you cook at home are sticky, cooking rice noodles without sticking is possible. In fact, it is how the noodles should be. To achieve the right consistency, all you have to do is keep a few tips and tricks in mind.
Tips to Remember
To ensure you cook rice noodles without sticking, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Rinsing: Once the rice noodles are done, drain them and run cold water over them instantly. Cold water will stop the rice noodles from cooking and will get rid of extra starch that may make the noodles clumpy.
- Using oil: Once you have rinsed the rice noodles, drizzle oil over them; you can use any vegetable oil or even melted butter. Oil’s slippery texture will ensure the rice noodles don’t stick together. You can also add oil when boiling the noodles.
- Tossing frequently: Another way to ensure the rice noodles don’t stick together is tossing them frequently. This way, the trapped heat will escape, and the starch will distribute evenly. As a result, the noodles won’t stick.
- Using a sauce: You can add sauce like soy sauce and oyster sauce to the noodles. They will also ensure the noodles don’t stick together.
- Add them to the broth: Adding the noodles to the broth also prevent them from sticking. That’s because the broth will act as a medium to soak in starch.
How to serve rice noodles
There are so many ways you can serve rice noodles. Here are a few ideas for you to try:
- Stir fry: The easiest way to enjoy a wholesome rice noodle dish is by stir-frying it. You can stir-fry it with vegetables, beef, or chicken. It is a quick and delicious way to enjoy noodles.
- Soup: Adding rice noodles to soup is yet another great way to enjoy the ingredient. The rich, hearty broth is a perfect vessel for the noodles.
- Salad: You can also add rice noodles to the salad. The cold salad is a good choice for an appetizer or side dish.
- Spring rolls: Fill spring rolls with rice noodles. It is a unique easy of enjoying two things at once.
How to Cook Rice Noodles without Sticking
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 5 – 6 oz chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 3.5 oz dried rice noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, cut in half lengthwise
For The Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil,
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Mirin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp water
- finely sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, mirin, black pepper, and water. Mix well and set aside.
- Fill a large bowl with hot water and add dried rice noodles to it. Let them sit according to the package instructions. Drain, run cold water over them and a tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
- Place a wok over medium heat and add oil.
- Once the oil heats up, onion and cook for a minute.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and cook for a minute or until it turns white.
- Add slices of carrots and bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add drained rice noodles, and pour sauce.
- Stir well until everything combines well.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve.
How to Cook Rice Noodles without Sticking
Ingredients
- 5 - 6 oz chicken breast cut into thin strips
- 3.5 oz dried rice noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper sliced
- 1 carrot cut in half lengthwise
- For The Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Mirin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp water
- finely sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, mirin, black pepper, and water. Mix well and set aside.
- Fill a large bowl with hot water and add dried rice noodles to it. Let them sit according to the package instructions. Drain, run cold water over them and a tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
- Place a wok over medium heat and add oil.
- Once the oil heats up, onion and cook for a minute.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and cook for a minute or until it turns white.
- Add slices of carrots and bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add drained rice noodles, and pour sauce.
- Stir well until everything combines well.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and serve.