20 Rice Noodle Recipes You Can Slurp

Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish. Its main ingredients include rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, green onions, and crushed peanuts.

The sauce is a mix of tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice, providing a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. Garnishes often include lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Preparing Pad Thai at home takes about 30-45 minutes, including time for ingredient prep and cooking. The process involves soaking the rice noodles, stir-frying the protein and tofu, scrambling the eggs, and then combining everything with the sauce and noodles for a flavorful, hearty meal.

This Vietnamese soup is renowned for its rich, aromatic broth made from simmered beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other spices. Vietnam, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is renowned for making this dish.

Preparing Pho involves cooking flat rice noodles with thinly sliced beef or chicken, fresh herbs (like cilantro and basil), bean sprouts, lime, and chili. Always char the onions and ginger before adding them to the broth; this enhances the depth and complexity of the soup's flavor.

Singapore Noodles develop a distinct flavor profile from the addition of curry powder. This dish is a stir-fry of rice vermicelli noodles combined with a medley of ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, barbecued pork, bell peppers, onions, and scrambled eggs. Despite the name, Singapore Noodles are considered to be Cantonese cuisine rather than traditional Singaporean fare.

As an authentic Asian dish, this food embodies the fusion of flavors typical of Southeast Asian cuisine. The curry powder gives it a unique spiciness, balanced by the sweetness of the vegetables and the savory notes from the meats.

Pad See Ew is a healthy noodle made with fresh ingredients and minimal oil. It consists of wide rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, and a protein source such as chicken, beef, or tofu. Eggs are often scrambled into the mix, and the dish is flavored with garlic and sometimes a touch of sugar.

Despite its unique flavor and texture, the Pad See Ew is often confused with Pad Thai. However, the key difference lies in their choice of spices and noodle size. Pad Thai uses thinner rice noodles and features a slightly sweet and nutty flavor derived from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and peanuts. In contrast, Pad See Ew's flavor is more straightforwardly savory and less complex.

Bun Thit Nuong is a Vietnamese dish characterized by rice noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh vegetables, and herbs. The nutrient and flavor profile are further enhanced by the use of rice vermicelli, marinated pork, lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, carrots, mint, and cilantro.

To prepare Bun Thit Nuong, marinate the pork for at least an hour to infuse it with flavor. Then, grill or pan-fry until cooked and slightly charred. Assemble the dish by placing a bed of cooked rice noodles in a bowl. Then, add fresh vegetables and herbs on top, layering the grilled pork over the vegetables.

Serve the Bun Thit Nuong with crushed peanuts and a side of nuoc cham, a tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce.

A spicy Thai stir-fry, Pad Kee Mao is also referred to as Drunken Noodles. The reason behind this strange nickname is its intense heat and bold flavors, which are said to be a perfect match for a late-night meal. The dish is also believed to have the ability to sober up an intoxicated person.

Pad Kee Mao is a relatively easy dish to make, using ingredients like rice noodles, fresh basil, garlic, chili, onions, vegetables, and chicken or seafood. Meanwhile, the sauce typically includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.

We highly recommend trying Pad Kee Mao at home. The combination of spicy, savory, and aromatic ingredients offers a deliciously complex taste experience you'll forget for long.

Cheung Fun showcases the delicate art of Cantonese cuisine. Also known as Cantonese steamed rice noodle rolls, These silky-smooth, translucent rice noodles are filled with shrimp, beef, or barbecue pork, and are often enjoyed at dim sum restaurants.

The dish is usually served with a light soy sauce, which enhances the subtle flavors without overwhelming them. Cheung Fun is also versatile, as it can be customized with various fillings and sometimes even enjoyed plain with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. This dish is a must-try for every foodie as it provides a true taste of traditional Cantonese culinary craftsmanship.

Any rice noodle recipe list is incomplete without Char Kway Teow. This beloved street food dish originated from Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia and Singapore. The stir-fried noodle dish holds cultural significance as a staple in hawker centers, symbolizing the diverse culinary heritage of the region.

Char Kway Teow is cooked with rice noodles, stir-fried with garlic, eggs, Chinese sausage, shrimp, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce and sometimes chili paste. The addition of lard or pork fat often enhances its savory depth. Despite its rich ingredients, it remains a quick dish to prepare, averaging around 15-20 minutes of cooking time.

A comforting Thai noodle dish, Lad Na is hugely popular due to its deliciously thick gravy. The dish includes a variety of ingredients, including rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and your choice of protein such as chicken, pork, or shrimp. It is normally served with a flavorful sauce, made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth, thickened with a bit of cornstarch.

Begin by stir-frying the noodles in a pan with a little oil until they achieve a slightly crispy texture. In the same pan, cook your chosen protein until it’s nearly done, then add the Chinese broccoli.

Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer until the protein is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Finally, pour the savory gravy mixture over the stir-fried noodles.

Originating from Malaysia and Singapore, Hokkien Mee refers to a mix of yellow egg noodles and rice vermicelli fried with with prawns, squid, pork, and a rich prawn stock. The dish has an umami flavor, enhanced by the seafood and garnished with pork lard and lime. The taste is a delightful blend of seafood sweetness and smoky char from the stir-fry process.

While generally considered a healthy dish, Hokkien Mee contains a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the inclusion of seafood and pork. Similarly, individuals with egg allergies or dietary restrictions should also skip this meal. However, you can substitute the egg-based noodle with an entirely rice-based noodle without compromising its taste and flavor.

This Northern Thai curry noodle features a rich, creamy broth and unique blend of ingredients. To prepare these rice noodles meals, you'll need coconut milk, red curry paste, chicken thighs, egg noodles, and a mix of spices including turmeric and coriander.

Fresh garnishes such as lime wedges, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and cilantro add brightness and texture to the dish. Whereas, crispy fried egg noodles are used as a topping, adding a delightful crunch.

Start by sauteing the red curry paste in oil until fragrant, then add the chicken thighs and brown them. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, along with turmeric and coriander, and let the mixture simmer until the chicken is tender.

Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Divide the noodles between bowls, then ladle the rich curry soup over them. Top with crispy fried noodles and season with lime wedges, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and cilantro. Your Khao Soi is ready to be served!

Originating from Indonesia, these rice noodle meals are prepared by cooking yellow noodles with vegetables, tofu, and shrimp or chicken. Try it with a special sauce made from sweet soy sauce, garlic, and chili paste. Its savory taste has made it a beloved street food staple in cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

Despite its rich flavors, Mee Goreng is surprisingly affordable and often enjoyed as a quick meal by locals and tourists alike. The dish is also quick to prepare, taking around 20-30 minutes from start to finish.

Mee Goreng goes best with crispy prawn crackers, a sunny-side-up egg, or a side of tangy pickled vegetables. Bring the taste of Southeast Asia into your kitchen in less than an hour.

Also known as Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, Goi Cuon is celebrated for its fresh, light, and healthy composition. These translucent rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and a mix of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, all wrapped in rice paper. Often served with a peanut hoisin dipping sauce or a nuoc cham sauce, this dish offers a refreshing and flavorful appetizer or snack.

If you plan on traveling to Vietnam, don't forget to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. You will find the best Goi Cuon at local street vendors and eateries. Alternatively, you can also easily cook this dish at home, though it requires some practice to master the delicate rolling technique.

Sen Lek Tom Yum is a tantalizing Thai noodle soup that captures the perfect combo of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. The key ingredients include thin rice noodles (sen lek), shrimp or chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, and a fragrant broth made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili paste.

Start by simmering the broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to infuse it with aromatic flavors. Add the chili paste for a spicy kick, followed by mushrooms, tomatoes, and a protein source.

Once the shrimp or chicken is cooked through, add the rice noodles and let them soften in the flavorful broth. Finally, season with fish sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Laksa noodles are renowned for their creamy coconut milk broth infused with aromatic spices and herbs. The combination of tender rice noodles, succulent shrimp or chicken, and fresh bean sprouts creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

Preparing Laksa noodles at home is a breeze. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of this exquisite dish ready to enjoy. It's perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something exotic yet comforting. 

Moreover, Laksa is a versatile dish that caters to various dietary preferences. Whether you prefer it with seafood, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian twist, Laksa noodles are the perfect base for a satisfying meal.

This popular Korean dish is made from sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon), stir-fried with various vegetables, meat (typically beef), and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. You can prepare Japchae with locally available resources, such as carrots, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and eggs.

Japchae is as healthy as it is tasty, packed with a variety of vegetables and lean protein. These rice noodle dishes are low in fat and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

To prepare Japchae, fry the vegetables and meat separately, then cook the noodles until soft. Combine everything in a pan, season with soy sauce and sesame oil, and toss until well mixed.

Originating from Japan, Yaki Udon is a popular comfort food found in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and street food stalls. These meals with rice noodles are perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners due to their simple preparation and distinct taste.

Additionally, Yaki Udon can be nutritious when loaded with vegetables and lean proteins. However, the sodium content from soy sauce should be monitored for a balanced diet.

Yaki Udon is often confused with another Japanese stir-fried noodle called Yakisoba. However, the two are vastly different from one another. While Yaki Udon uses thick udon noodles, Yakisoba uses thinner wheat-based noodles.

Moreover, Yakisoba often has a slightly tangier flavor due to the Worcestershire-based sauce, whereas Yaki Udon has a more straightforward savory taste from soy and oyster sauce.

A Sichuan classic, this dish features thin wheat noodles dressed in a spicy, sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and sesame paste. Topped with minced pork, preserved vegetables, and green onions, each bite offers a delightful combination of heat, tang, and umami.

What's most intriguing about these recipes with rice pasta is their perfect balance of flavors – the numbing spiciness from the Sichuan peppercorns, the rich umami from the soy sauce and pork, and the nutty depth from the sesame paste. These components come together to create a truly addictive dish that stands out in the world of noodles.

This traditional dish comes from the Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam. Often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions, it is renowned for its rich, aromatic broth made from simmered pork and shrimp.

The taste of Mi Quang is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, accented by fresh herbs and textures. The dish typically includes wide rice noodles, topped with pork, shrimp, and sometimes quail eggs.

Fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and crispy rice crackers add complexity and crunch, while a splash of lime juice and chili paste provides a refreshing zing.

Cooking Hunan Rice Noodles is pretty straightforward. Begin by cooking the thick rice noodles until they are just tender, then fry them with the sliced pork and vegetables in a hot wok. The key to this dish lies in the spicy sauce, which adds a fiery kick and a tangy twist to each bite. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Serve the Hunan Rice Noodles alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy to complement the spicy flavors. A side of steamed rice can also help balance the heat, while also providing a fulfilling meal.