Sign Up
Log In
width="24" height="24" My Account
My Bookmarks
Log Out
There are different types of noodles we use for our favorite Asian recipes. Understanding how to cook and store them is also important. Learn more here.
or
Different Types of Noodles
Log in to watch this premium content and more!
Types of Noodles Popular in Asia
Noodles are one of the common staples in Asian cuisine alongside our favorite rice. Certain types of Asian dishes make use of specific types of noodles necessary for the balance of flavor and texture, while others are open to experimentation, just like how you get to choose your noodles at your favorite noodle soup stall!
You can find noodles almost anywhere and they are perfect for soup dishes, stir-fry, salads, spring rolls and fried pastries. While there are over 10 types of noodles used across the continent, we narrow down to the 5 most popular ones that deserve a mention.
How to Use: Different Types of Asian Noodles
Udon Noodles
Udon noodles facts:
White wheat noodles
Thickest of all Japanese noodles
Fat in size
Offers a chewy texture to each bite and the distinct bounce as they dangle from the chopsticks
Has a neutral flavor and pairs amazingly well with stronger ingredients such as ginger and soy sauce
How to cook udon noodles:
For 2 to 3 minutes, soak fresh udon noodles in a bowl of well-salted boiling water until just tender. If noodles are dry, soak them for 8 minutes
Drain noodles and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the noodles from cooking further and remove some starch from the surface so that noodles do not stick together
How to store udon noodles:
Fresh udon noodles should be kept in the refrigerator and used by the date of expiry
Dried udon noodles will last for a longer period of time on the shelf away from sunlight
Ramen noodles
Ramen noodles facts:
Yellow Chinese-style curly egg and wheat noodles
Thin and very long
Springy texture due to alkalized water used in the dough
How to cook ramen noodles:
For 1 to 2 minutes, cook fresh ramen noodles in hot water or the boiling broth
Dried ramen noodles will need to be cooked longer till tender
How to store ramen noodles:
- Homemade ramen noodles can be placed on a floured baking sheet. Cover and freeze until solid up to 2 weeks. There is no need to thaw before cooking
- Dried noodles bought from the store can be kept till expiry date away from heat
Wonton noodles
Wonton noodles facts:
Originated from Canton, now called Guangzhou
Very popular in Hong Kong dishes
Come in thin and wide variety
How to cook wonton noodles:
Cook wonton noodles in a boiling pot of salted water for 30 to 40 seconds without going over a minute
Run them under cold water and drain well to avoid overcooking before using them for soups or stir-fried dishes
How to store wonton noodles:
Dried wonton noodles bought from the store in packs can be kept in a dry and cool place away from sunlight
Rice noodles
Rice noodles facts:
Made from rice flour and water, sometimes with added tapioca or cornstarch to elevate chewy texture and transparent appearance
Popular ones used in Asia are flat rice noodles and rice vermicelli
Thick rice vermicelli is used as a staple ingredient for the famous Laksa
How to cook rice noodles:
Rice vermicelli is cooked by pouring water over them and letting it soak till soft
Flat rice noodles are cooked like pasta in boiling salted water
How to store rice noodles:
Fresh rice noodles can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days
Dried noodles bought from supermarkets can be kept till expiry date in a cool and dry place
Glass noodles
Glass noodles facts:
Also called cellophane noodles
Made from starch, such as mung bean, yam or sweet potato
Turn transparent when cooked
Springy and do not carry any taste by themselves, so they pair well with a range of sauces and dressings
How to cook glass noodles:
Before cooking in soups or stir-fry, glass noodles must be soaked in hot water for 5 to 15 minutes, during which they will expand.
Follow our Pan Seared Scallops with Glass Noodles recipe to give the noodles a try
How to store glass noodles: