Are you looking for a delicious and versatile ingredient to add some excitement to your meals? Look no further than rice noodles! These thin, delicate strands are made from rice flour and water, making them a great option for those who are gluten-free or following a vegetarian diet. But don’t let their simplicity fool you – rice noodles can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from spicy stir-fries to comforting soups.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the flavor and versatility of rice noodles. From classic Thai dishes like Spicy Thai Basil Rice Noodles to creamy curries like Coconut Curry Rice Noodles, there’s something for everyone on this list. So grab your wok or saucepan and get ready to cook up some deliciousness with these 18 flavorful recipes with rice noodles!
Spicy Thai Basil Rice Noodles
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this spicy and aromatic rice noodle dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of Thai basil with the kick of chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked noodles, Thai basil leaves, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and lime juice. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vietnamese Pho with Rice Noodles
Savor the rich flavors of Vietnam’s national dish, Pho, a hearty and comforting noodle soup made with fragrant beef broth, tender beef, and soft rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef bones (preferably oxtail or brisket)
– 2 pounds beef chuck or shank, sliced thinly
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 cup rice noodles
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro)
– Bean sprouts and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, sliced beef, fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Pour in beef broth and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or overnight.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Strain the broth and discard solids. Slice cooked beef into thin strips.
5. Assemble Pho bowls by placing noodles in a bowl, adding sliced beef, and ladling hot broth over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Rice Noodles
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp with savory garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the shrimp mixture over the cooked rice noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemongrass Chicken Rice Noodle Bowl
This flavorful and refreshing bowl combines the brightness of lemongrass with the comfort of chicken, rice, and noodles. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup cooked rice noodles (such as soba or udon)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add lemongrass, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add cooked rice noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the lemongrass mixture.
6. Slice cooked chicken into thin strips and add to the skillet. Stir to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetarian Pad Thai with Rice Noodles
A classic Southeast Asian dish gets a plant-based twist in this recipe for Vegetarian Pad Thai with Rice Noodles. This flavorful and nutritious stir-fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts)
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped peanuts and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, soy sauce, and honey. Pour the mixture into the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Add cooked noodles to the wok; toss everything together until well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped peanuts and lime wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Curry Rice Noodles
A flavorful and aromatic twist on traditional noodles, this recipe combines the warmth of coconut curry with the comfort of rice noodles.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. In a separate pan, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat.
4. Combine cooked noodles with the vegetable mixture and pour in the curry sauce. Stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodle Stir-Fry
Quickly cook a flavorful stir-fry with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and nutty rice noodles. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked rice noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add broccoli and garlic; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Add cooked beef back into the skillet with broccoli. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked rice noodles with beef and broccoli mixture.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Chili Lime Rice Noodles
Elevate your noodle game with this sweet and spicy fusion dish that combines the comfort of rice noodles with a tangy and refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Add the sauce mixture to the cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon Rice Noodle Bowl
This flavorful bowl combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the savory flavor of salmon, served atop a bed of fluffy rice and noodles. A perfect balance of Asian-inspired flavors in one delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 cup cooked soba noodles
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 green onion, thinly sliced
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets.
3. Brush teriyaki sauce evenly over the salmon, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Drizzle vegetable oil on the salmon and sprinkle with green onion slices.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Cook rice and soba noodles according to package instructions.
7. Assemble bowls by placing a piece of salmon on top of rice and noodles, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Kimchi Fried Rice Noodles
A spicy twist on traditional noodles, this Kimchi Fried Rice Noodles recipe combines the bold flavors of Korean kimchi with the comfort of a warm bowl of fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 cup noodles (such as ramen or udon)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped kimchi and cooked rice; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook the noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
5. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Combine the noodles with the fried rice mixture; toss to combine.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peanut Sesame Rice Noodles
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of peanuts with the crunch of sesame seeds and the comfort of rice noodles, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect as a main course or as a side to complement your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup peanuts
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, combine peanut butter, sesame oil, peanuts, and sesame seeds. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan and toss with the peanut-sesame mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional peanuts and sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Singapore-Style Rice Noodles
Experience the bold flavors of Singapore with this classic rice noodle dish, infused with the aromatic spices and savory goodness of Southeast Asian cuisine. A staple in many Singaporean households, these noodles are a delicious accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 200g rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 1 cup cooked chicken or pork, diced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and bean sprouts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cooked meat; stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper; stir-fry to combine.
5. Combine cooked noodles with the vegetable mixture; toss to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and bean sprouts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Szechuan Rice Noodles
This recipe combines the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine with the comforting warmth of rice noodles, creating a spicy and savory dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, Szechuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grilled Chicken Satay Rice Noodles
Get ready to savor the flavors of Southeast Asia with this easy and delicious recipe! Grilled chicken satay, served over fluffy rice noodles, is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup peanut sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with peanut sauce and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
7. Combine cooked chicken, rice noodles, and onion mixture. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tom Yum Rice Noodle Soup
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this comforting and spicy Tom Yum rice noodle soup recipe. This popular street food dish is a staple of Thai cuisine, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon Tom Yum paste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine broth, lime juice, garlic, ginger, Tom Yum paste, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add cooked noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Miso Glazed Tofu Rice Noodles
A flavorful and nutritious fusion of Japanese-inspired flavors, this Miso Glazed Tofu Rice Noodles dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Pan-seared tofu, sweet and savory miso glaze, and springy rice noodles come together in harmony to create a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style rice (short-grain)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Toss tofu with the miso glaze until coated.
4. Pan-sear tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve pan-seared tofu on top of cooked rice noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Cashew Chicken Rice Noodles
A flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the creaminess of cashews with the savory taste of chicken, served on a bed of fluffy rice noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cashews
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 8 oz rice noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add cashews, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until nuts are toasted.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice noodles, garnished with scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice Noodles
Elevate your noodle game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the comfort of fried rice with the excitement of pineapple. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup cooked noodles (e.g., rice noodles or soba)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, mixed vegetables, and pineapple; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
4. Add cooked noodles and stir-fry until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to slurp up a world of flavors with these 18 mouth-watering recipes featuring rice noodles! From spicy Thai basil and Vietnamese pho, to garlic butter shrimp and lemongrass chicken, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarians will love the vegetarian Pad Thai, while meat-lovers will devour the beef and broccoli stir-fry or teriyaki salmon bowl. And don’t forget the sweet treats like coconut curry and pineapple fried rice noodles. With these recipes, you’ll be cooking up a flavorful storm in no time!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
