How to Prepare Dried Rice Noodles
Dried rice noodles do not need to be boiled like wheat pasta; they are cooked through a brief soak in near-boiling water, which prevents them from turning into a gummy, broken mess.
Watch the clock, not the pot.
Rice noodles continue to soften even after they are drained, so pull them from the water while they still have a slight bite.
- large mixing bowl
- tongs
- colander
What goes in.
- 8-10 ozdried rice noodles (vermicelli or flat)
- 2 qtswater, near boiling
Residual Heat Cooking
Submerge the noodles in hot water off the heat source. This controlled temperature allows the starch to hydrate evenly without the agitation of boiling water shredding the noodles.
The method.
Boil the water
Bring a kettle or pot of water to a boil, then remove it from the heat source and let it sit for 30 seconds to settle.
Submerge
Place the dry noodles into a heat-proof bowl and pour the hot water over them until completely covered.
Wait
Set a timer for 5 to 7 minutes. Use tongs to gently stir the noodles once after a minute to ensure none are clumped together.
Test
Pull one strand out at the 5-minute mark. It should be flexible and opaque but firm enough to resist a light pull.
Drain and rinse
Drain immediately into a colander and rinse under cool running water to stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch.
Other turns to take.
Stir-fry ready
Soak the noodles for two minutes less than the package instructions suggest; they will finish cooking in the hot wok with the sauce.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If you are adding noodles to a soup, soak them for the minimum time so they do not disintegrate in the hot broth.
Do not crowd the bowl; if you are cooking a large batch, do it in two separate bowls so the noodles hydrate evenly.
Rinsing is vital if the noodles are going into a salad, as it removes surface starch and keeps them from sticking into a solid block.
The ones that keep coming up.
Why are my noodles mushy?
You likely left them in the hot water for too long or used a rolling boil instead of a soak.
Can I store them after soaking?
Yes, toss the rinsed noodles with a teaspoon of neutral oil to prevent sticking and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days.
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