How To Cook Bean Thread Noodles

Maybe you have come across these noodles in a dish before and just were not sure what they were, or what they were made of. These incredibly versatile noodles can be found in dishes all over Asia, and can be found in dishes ranging from stir-fries, soups, salads, and even desserts.

Noodles Around The World

Bean thread noodles are also known as Chinese vermicelli, bean threads, crystal noodles, and glass noodles. Though commonly found in Chinese cuisine in stir fries hot pot meals, these noodles can also be found as an ice cream topping in India, and in Thai cuisine in a spicy and sour seafood salad. In Korea and Japan, they have similar noodles that are made with potato starch and have a slightly sweeter flavor.

What are Bean Thread Noodles?

Bean thread noodles are made from mung beans, which are from the heads of bean sprouts. Some are made from ground mung beans, and others are made from mung bean flour. The ground mung bean type is much better in quality and healthier than the flour ones as the mung bean flour usually affects the purity and texture of the noodles.

The noodles are flavorless making it a perfect blank canvas to hold and absorb the flavors of a dish. The texture can range from being quite chewy to smooth and soft depending on how long it was soaked in water or boiled in broth. The noodles can also be found in other shapes, such as sheets, square-cut, and thin noodles. You can find them in their different shapes in dried form at supermarkets.

How Are Bean Thread Noodles Made?

Bean thread noodles are made from mung beans, which are made from the heads of bean sprouts. Some are made from ground mung beans, and others are made from mung bean flour. The ground mung bean type is much better in quality and healthier than the flour ones as the mung bean flour usually affects the purity and texture of the noodles.

Are Bean Thread Noodles The Same As Rice Noodles?

No. While these two noodles are often stocked near each other in grocery stores, bean thread noodles are made from mung beans while rice noodles are made from rice. In a pinch, if you cannot find bean thread noodles you can substitute thin rice noodles in a recipe.

How to Serve Bean Thread Noodles

If you are preparing the noodles in a salad or in soup, serve them immediately. The noodles tend to soak up all liquids and can change texture quickly if not served and enjoyed right away.