Introduction
For those unfamiliar, vermicelli noodles are thin, translucent noodles that originate from China and Southeast Asia. Also known as cellophane noodles, they are made from different ingredients such as rice, mung beans, or tapioca starch, depending on the region they come from and their intended use. Although they are most commonly associated with Asian cuisine, vermicelli noodles are also found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
Whether you are a culinary professional seeking inspiration, a foodie looking to experiment with new ingredients, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, understanding and incorporating vermicelli noodles into your diet is essential.
Vermicelli 101: Understanding the Origins and Uses of this Thin Noodle
In China, vermicelli noodles were created during the Han dynasty more than 2,000 years ago. Traditionally made from rice flour and water, the noodles were dried in the sun and then stored for later use. Nowadays, vermicelli noodles can be made with a variety of ingredients, including rice, mung beans, and even potato starch.
One of the most significant uses of vermicelli noodles is in Asian cuisine, where they are a common base ingredient for dishes like pho, spring rolls, pad Thai, and even desserts. They are popular due to their ability to absorb the flavors of various ingredients they are cooked with while retaining their texture.
From a nutritional standpoint, vermicelli noodles are gluten-free, low in fat and calories, and offer a healthy source of carbs protein, and fiber.
Breaking Down Vermicelli: The Lowdown on This Popular Asian Noodle
There are several types of vermicelli noodles available, each with its unique set of features that makes them suitable for different dishes.
Mung Bean Vermicelli
As its name suggests, this variety of vermicelli noodle is made from mung beans and is typically very thin. They are best suited for pho, stir-fries, and salads.
Tapioca Vermicelli
Also known as glass noodles, these noodles are made from tapioca starch and are slightly thicker than mung bean strands. Known for their translucent appearance, they are best used in soups where they can absorb the savory broth.
Rice Vermicelli
As the name suggests, this noodle is made from rice and is the thickest of the three. It’s perfect for salads and stir-fries.
Most varieties of vermicelli noodles are gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
From Soup to Salad: All You Need to Know About Vermicelli Noodles
One of the best features of vermicelli noodles is their versatility, which means they can be enjoyed in various cuisines and dishes. They are perfect for adding texture and flavor to both hot and cold dishes, and can be used as a substitute for rice in many dishes. For example, vermicelli noodles are widely used in Vietnamese salads like Bun Cha and Goi Ga, where they add a unique crunch and texture. They can also be found in cold Japanese noodle dishes like Somen and Hiyamugi.
Here’s an easy and tasty Vietnamese-inspired shrimp salad recipe using vermicelli noodles:
Shrimp Vermicelli Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 oz vermicelli noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ΒΌ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and vegetable oil.
- Heat up a skillet over medium heat and add the shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes on each side or until pink and cooked through.
- In a large bowl, mix the vermicelli noodles, red bell pepper, carrot, green onion, and cilantro. Toss with the dressing, top with the cooked shrimp, and sprinkle peanuts on top. Serve and enjoy.
Exploring the Versatility of Vermicelli: A Comprehensive Guide
Other than using vermicelli noodles as a base for salads or soups, they can also be used in unexpected dishes like spring rolls, dumplings, and even desserts. In Chinese cuisine, for example, vermicelli noodles are used in a dessert called “Tang Shui” that is commonly served in the summer.
Vermicelli noodles also offer a unique texture and flavor when used in stir-fries. The best way to cook them when using stir-fry is to pre-soak them in hot water for five minutes before stir-frying with other ingredients. This time pre-soak will prevent the noodles from soaking up all the sauce from the stir-fry dish itself.
Beyond Spaghetti: Discovering the World of Vermicelli and its Many Forms
Besides the three most popular varieties of vermicelli noodles, there are other forms available for those who are looking for something different. Here are three examples:
Bean Starch Vermicelli
Bean starch vermicelli could be the best option for those looking for a gluten-free alternative to wheat-based pasta. This type of vermicelli is made from mung beans or green beans, which gives it a unique taste.
Yellow Bean Vermicelli
This bean and wheat flour-based vermicelli is commonly used in Thai cuisine. It has a slightly yellow tint and a firm texture, which makes it great for stir-fries.
Hokkien Noodles
These thick, wheat-based vermicelli noodles have a texture similar to pasta and are used in Chinese, Malaysian, and Singaporean cuisine. They are thicker than other vermicelli strands, which makes them perfect for soups and stir-fries.
Cinnamon Apple Vermicelli
If you’re in the mood for something sweeter, cinnamon apple vermicelli is a unique and tasty option. Made with apple juice and cinnamon, this dessert vermicelli can be served hot or cold and can be topped with fruits and nuts.
The Ultimate Vermicelli Handbook: Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Recipes
When it comes to cooking with vermicelli noodles, there are several tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Always soak the noodles in hot water for five minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the noodles, or they can become too soft and mushy.
- When using vermicelli in stir-fries, pre-soak them to keep them from soaking up all the stir-fry sauce.
- Add the noodles to the dish at the end of the cooking process, so they don’t become overcooked.
- Combining vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs and spices add a unique flavor.
Here is a quick and delicious recipe for cooking vermicelli noodles:
Garlic and Ginger Stir-Fry with Vermicelli Noodles
Ingredients:
- 6 oz vermicelli noodles
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Soak vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat and add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the mushrooms, carrot, and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Add noodles to the wok and stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through, and sauce is all over them.
- Serve hot, and if desired, top with additional herbs like cilantro or chopped peanuts.
Conclusion
Overall, vermicelli noodles offer an excellent alternative to traditional pasta. Not only are they versatile and tasty, but they are also gluten-free and offer a myriad of health benefits.