However, vermicelli isn’t just delicious in Chinese and Vietnamese recipes. Several cuisines in the world use vermicelli, and even Mexico has a delicious simple soup that they make with vermicelli and tomato sauce. Vermicelli noodles are great because of how quickly they cook. They’re also super versatile.
Vermicelli noodles are fast-cooking noodles that have a wonderful texture.
Vermicelli has long been a beloved staple in culinary traditions from around the world. With its thin, noodle-like appearance and versatile nature, vermicelli provides an exceptional foundation for various dishes. The following article will explore several mouthwatering vermicelli recipes that showcase the ingredient’s adaptability in numerous culinary contexts.
Originating in Italy, vermicelli has since transcended international borders, becoming a favorite ingredient in cuisines such as Vietnamese, Indian, and Mediterranean. Vermicelli’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its ability to absorb and enhance the flavors of various ingredients, making it a perfect addition to soups, salads, and stir-fries alike.
These recipes demonstrate that with creativity and a few simple ingredients, vermicelli can be transformed into a variety of dishes, each boasting unique flavors and textures. The following selections will inspire both novice and experienced cooks to experiment with this versatile noodle and elevate their culinary repertoire.
What Is Vermicelli?
Vermicelli noodles are a type of thin rice noodles because they are made from rice. Vermicelli noodles are thinner than spaghetti noodles and are round. Also, spaghetti pasta is traditionally made with flour.
Although rice vermicelli noodles are used primarily in Asian cuisine, you can also use vermicelli noodles as an alternative to pasta. Vermicelli noodles are similar to angel hair pasta, but angel hair pasta is made with wheat flour.
The Difference Between Rice Noodles and Vermicelli
However, the difference between rice vermicelli noodles and traditional rice noodles is that traditional rice noodles are flat and thin instead of round.
Are Vermicelli Noodles Gluten Free?
If you’re following a keto diet, paleo, or a gluten free diet, you will be pleased to know that vermicelli noodles are totally gluten free. Since they are made with rice and not flour, you can enjoy vermicelli noodle recipes to your heart’s content.
Are Rice Vermicelli Noodles Healthy?
Vermicelli pasta is made from rice, so they are lower in calories than traditional pasta that is made with flour. Also, rice vermicelli noodles have very little fat and zero cholesterol.
If you love Cantonese takeout food, this rice vermicelli noodles recipe for Singapore noodles may be just what you’ve been looking for.
To make this recipe, you can use ham, Chinese sausage, or roast pork (char siu). This recipe calls for shrimp and Chinese roast pork.
This recipe is loaded with delicious shredded napa cabbage, red onion, green onions, and carrot. You can also add other veggies, including celery, bell pepper, green beans, or mushrooms.
The flavor comes from red chili peppers, garlic, Shaoxing wine, and curry powder.
In Lebanese homes, this vermicelli recipe is a staple. Even better, this recipe is made with only three ingredients: vermicelli noodles, long-grain rice, and extra virgin olive oil.
Also known as Pad Mee, this vermicelli dish is sort of a spicy cousin to Pad Thai. Pad Mee is also a lot simpler to make than Pad Tha because it has fewer ingredients.
This dish originated in Northeast Thailand in the area of Korat.
Unlike Pad Thai, Pad Mee doesn’t call for peanuts.
Ground pork is used to make this dish, and the red chilis and garlic add tons of flavor.
When your dish is ready, squeeze fresh lime juice over it.
Use whatever veggies you have. The recipe calls for onion, garlic, Asian greens or choy sum, bell pepper, mushrooms, and carrots.
When you’re cooking with rice noodles or soaked noodles, be sure to not cook or soak noodles any longer than the package says. Otherwise, they will fall apart.
Below, you can watch a great video that shows you exactly how to cook vermicelli. The video also gives a good overview of the different brands of vermicelli.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
