Choosing the right rice noodles can be tricky, but consider the shape, quality, and whether you want fresh or prepackaged. Check the ingredients to avoid confusing them with mung bean noodles, and choose products made in Asia for authenticity. Fresh noodles are the tastiest but require different preparation.
Rice noodles are a staple in Asian cuisine. They are made with rice that is ground, then mixed with water and steamed before shaping. Knowing which rice noodles to choose can be tricky, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind while shopping and you shouldn’t have a problem. Some things to consider when choosing rice noodles are the shape of the noodles, the quality of the noodles, and whether you prefer fresh or prepackaged noodles.
The most important consideration is the shape of noodle you need for the dish you’re preparing. For example, you may need thin, spaghetti-like noodles or flat, wide noodles. Some dishes will turn out better if you use a specific type of noodle, but many recipes don’t specify which shape is best. If so, choose the shape you like best. Spaghetti is usually packaged in transparent packaging, so you can easily see what it looks like before you buy it.
Make sure you choose rice noodles. It’s easy to confuse rice noodles and mung bean noodles — also called glass noodles or cellophane noodles — because they look nearly identical, especially if you’re shopping at an Asian market. Double check the ingredients list on the package to be sure you have the correct product. Not only do green bean noodles taste different, the preparation is also different, and your dish may not work if you use the wrong noodle.
When deciding which brand to purchase, products made in Asia are likely to be the most authentic in taste. Whenever possible, select these. Check the expiration dates and choose the packages that have a transparent packaging, so you can be sure that the noodles are in good condition. Avoid rice noodles that have broken strands or appear to be uneven in thickness or texture. They don’t cook evenly, resulting in portions of pasta that are overcooked or undercooked.
The tastiest option is always fresh pasta. Many Asian markets have freshly made rice noodles in a variety of shapes in the refrigerated section. Like fresh pasta, these noodles cost a little more, but many people count that as a price tag.
Keep in mind that preparing fresh rice noodles is different from cooking dry noodles. Most recipes call for the noodles to be cooked before using them, unless you’re making soup. Fresh tagliatelle cooks in a much shorter time than dried tagliatelle.
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