Asian noodles might seem intimidating to make. But these rice noodle recipes are actually easy to perfect.
Rice noodles are the ideal solution for healthy and quick meals. They cook in minutes and you can doctor them up in so many ways.
You can serve them hot or cold or make them savory or spicy. Rice noodles act as a neutral base that takes on whatever flavors inspire you just like the best rice recipes.
Grab your chopsticks because you are going to want to chow down on these 15 rice noodle recipes until every last noodle is gone.
1. Asian Noodle Bowls
This is the ideal recipe if you would rather skip the turf for shrimp. It is full of juicy shrimp along with zucchini and scrambled eggs and soft rice noodles.
It features a wonderful blend of ginger and garlic with a fresh burst of cilantro. I particularly like how the peanuts add crunch to enhance the textures and flavors.
You can easily leave these out if you have a nut allergy.
2. Stir-Fried Ho Fan
Ho fan refers to the incredible tender flat and wide rice noodles that make up this dish. They are so juicy and slurp worthy that you almost do not need anything other than a sauce.
However a little bit of veggies certainly does not hurt. This recipe uses mushrooms and bell peppers and Chinese chives which go together perfectly.
I strongly recommend using tongs and a wok if you have them. It makes it easier to keep all the ingredients hot while cooking the veggies and noodles.
3. Chicken Stir-Fry With Rice Noodles
You will want to add this one to your list of quick chicken dinner recipes. Chicken breast and a veggie medley fill this meal with tons of nutrition.
This gets even better thanks to the tender rice noodles and four ingredient sauce. You can pull the whole stir fry together in just 30 minutes.
That makes it great for weeknights.
4. Coconut Lime Noodle Soup
This noodle soup knocks it out of the park. It is creamy and tropical and fresh and spicy and citrusy and savory all in one bowl.
It is similar to tom kha which is a Thai coconut soup. You can mix and match the proteins like this recipe which uses chicken and shrimp.
You can also scale down the spice level by using fewer chilis if Thai hot is too much heat. You may want to grab a spoon and some chopsticks for this soup so you can get the perfect bite.
5. Singapore Rice Noodles
Have them both with this savory recipe if you cannot decide between seafood or meat. Shrimp is the surf while pork roast is the turf.
A scrambled egg is added to the mix for an additional savory protein boost. You can substitute ham if you cannot find a Chinese pork roast.
Be forewarned that there is a long list of ingredients to create the well rounded flavors of this dish. This includes curry powder and Shaoxing wine and soy sauce.
6. Vegan Drunken Noodles
I have to get veggie drunken noodles every time I order Thai takeout. They are just so good that I can never talk myself into ordering something else.
But I make these at home instead when I do not feel like going out. This recipe is stuffed with a colorful mix of veggies including green cabbage and bell peppers and green onions.
Tofu is the protein of choice which makes this meal vegan friendly. It is even got a handful of Thai basil.
You can have this dish ready in a snap. Dare I say they may be even better than takeout.
7. 15-Minute Garlic Fried Noodles
Whip up this simple 15 minutes meal if you want dinner ready even faster. You will stir fry garlic and green onions until they are fragrant.
This only takes a couple of minutes. Then toss in the rice noodles with some soy sauce and coconut sugar.
Sugar may sound like an odd choice but the best Asian noodles balance out a whirl of flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness. I like to serve this with a dash of Sriracha and a squeeze of lime.
8. Pad Thai
It would not be a proper rice noodle list without a yummy pad Thai recipe. Pad Thai is a classic rice noodle dish that is a cinch to make.
This recipe is a slight variation from authentic pad Thai but it is sensational nonetheless. The secret to getting the sauce just right is using brown sugar and fish sauce.
Mix that in with the other ingredients and pour it over your noodles. You will have one of the best pad Thais around with some scrambled eggs and carrots and bean sprouts and peanuts.
9. Rice Noodles With Egg and Shrimp
This recipe is perfect for when you want fresh and light noodles. It is a terrific balance of flavors with succulent ingredients.
I love how a squeeze of lemon makes all the flavors pop. That and it is jam packed with juicy shrimp.
Be sure to de vein the shrimp before cooking when making this dish. Otherwise this dish will take on a not so fresh taste.
10. Beef Stir-Fry With Flat Rice Noodles
Velvety wide rice noodles are the main star of this dish. The noodles are swimming in a spicy and tangy and umami marinade.
Add in marinated sirloin steak and crunchy bean sprouts and fresh green onions for some extra oomph. A bowl of these tender noodles will satisfy your noodle cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen.
11. Hoisin Pork With Rice Noodles
Hoisin pork and noodles are the ultimate duo for a comforting noodle dish. The pork is so juicy and flavorful thanks to spending hours in a creamy sweet and salty marinade.
The noodles on the other hand only take a couple of minutes to cook. This recipe has plenty of room for interpretation.
You can add in fresh veggies like carrots or bell peppers. You can omit the peanut butter if you are feeling more tangy than creamy.
You can come up with endless tasty variations as long as you have pork and noodles as your base.
12. Vietnamese Noodle Salad
All I want are Vietnamese summer rolls on hot days. The thing I do not like is how much work it entails to make each roll.
That is why I am a huge fan of this recipe. It takes all the summer roll fixings and turns them into a light and refreshing salad.
So there is zero rolling required. Plus the noodles practically cook themselves because all you need is a bowl of hot water.
There are so many wonderful flavors in this dish that you will not even realize it is vegan too.
13. Garlicky Pad See Ew
You will probably see pad see ew on the menu if you walk into any Thai restaurant. This is a popular Thai dish featuring wide rice noodles.
While it is great to order it is even better when you make it at home. All you will need is some Chinese broccoli and wide rice noodles and chicken.
What really makes this taste restaurant style is the sauce. It is a blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce and fish sauce.
Fish sauce has a very potent odor which can take some getting used to. However it is a must.
14. Sesame Thai Rice Noodles
Nutritious meets savory in this rice noodle recipe. Like the recipe before this is a gorgeous blend of vibrant veggies that pack a refreshing flavorful punch.
I find the Thai basil and serranos are what truly make this dish. Of course I have to give credit to the chewy noodles and phenomenal sauce.
Gluten free and vegetarian means you can enjoy sesame Thai rice noodles hot or cold.
15. Chili Garlic Rice Noodle Salad
You might be beginning to wonder if you can eat rice noodles cold. The answer is of course.
This is one of my favorite cold rice noodle recipes. It turns chewy noodles into a salad feast that is gleaming with colorful crunchy veggies.
The sweet and spicy dressing is what pulls this dish together. The recipe does not call for a specific protein but I think chicken or shrimp or tofu all pair well.
Vegan or vegetarian or carnivore can choose a protein that fits your taste and dietary restrictions.