introduction
Chinese vermicelli is like thin, see-through noodles made from rice. You might not notice it, but it’s super important in lots of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese food. People usually know fried rice and dumplings, but vermicelli is a quiet hero.
You can use it in many dishes because it’s flexible. This article will show you cool ways to cook with Chinese vermicelli and give you tips to make tasty meals. So, next time you eat Chinese food, remember those see-through noodles – they’re doing more than you think!
What is Chinese Vermicelli?
A Brief History
Long ago in China, people started making vermicelli, a type of noodle. This happened during a time called the Han dynasty, which was a long time ago, over 2,000 years ago! They made these noodles using wheat flour. Later, during another time called the Song dynasty, which was also a super long time ago, they switched to using rice flour because it was easier to get.
Today, vermicelli is made using a mix of rice flour and water. They steam it and make thin noodles. People love using vermicelli in their cooking, especially in Chinese dishes. You can find it in stir-fries, soups, and salads. It’s like a yummy and thin noodle that has been a part of Chinese food for a super, super long time!
Types of Vermicelli
There are several types of vermicelli available in Chinese cuisine, each with its unique characteristics and uses.
- Rice Vermicelli: This is the most common type of vermicelli and is made from rice flour. It is used in stir-fries, soups, and spring rolls.
- Mung Bean Vermicelli: Also known as glass noodles, these vermicelli noodles are made from mung bean starch. They are thicker and have a chewier texture compared to rice vermicelli. They are used in hot pot dishes and salads.
- Sweet Potato Vermicelli: These vermicelli noodles are made from sweet potato starch and have a sweet flavor. They are thicker than rice vermicelli and are used in stir-fries and soups.
Cooking with Chinese Vermicelli
Preparation
Before cooking with vermicelli, it is important to prepare the noodles. Unlike other types of noodles, vermicelli does not need to be boiled in water. Instead, it is soaked in hot water until it becomes soft and pliable.
To prepare vermicelli, follow these steps:
- Place the desired amount of vermicelli in a large bowl.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and pour it over the vermicelli, making sure it is completely submerged.
- Let the vermicelli soak for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Use the vermicelli immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Cooking Tips
Now that you know how to prepare vermicelli, let’s explore some cooking tips to help you make the most out of this versatile ingredient.
- Stir-Fry: Vermicelli is a great addition to stir-fries as it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients. To prevent the noodles from sticking together, add a small amount of oil to the pan before adding the vermicelli.
- Soups: Vermicelli is used in soups, such as hot and sour soup and wonton soup. To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, add them to the soup before serving.
- Salads: Vermicelli is a great addition to salads as it adds texture and absorbs the dressing. To prevent the noodles from becoming soggy, rinse them with cold water after soaking and drain them well before adding them to the salad.
- Fried Noodles: Vermicelli can also be fried to create a crispy and flavorful dish. To do this, soak the vermicelli as usual and then drain and pat it dry. Heat oil in a pan and add the vermicelli, stirring until it becomes crispy.
Delicious Vermicelli Recipes
Now that you know how to use vermicelli, let’s make tasty dishes! First, boil vermicelli until soft. Then, stir-fry veggies like carrots and peas in a pan. Mix them with the cooked vermicelli. You can also toss in some cooked chicken or tofu if you like. Another easy recipe is to make a vermicelli salad. Boil vermicelli, cool it, and mix with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. These recipes are quick and yummy for you to enjoy at home!
Stir-fried vermicelli with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice vermicelli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Soak the vermicelli in hot water for 5-7 minutes, or until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they are softened.
- Put the skinny noodles and the saucy mix into the pan. Mix it all up while cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is mixed well and warm.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Glass Noodle Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz mung bean vermicelli
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions:
- Soak the vermicelli in hot water for 5-7 minutes, or until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes.
- In a large bowl, combine the vermicelli, shrimp, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with chopped peanuts and serve cold.
Conclusion
Chinese vermicelli is a special noodle that can make your food taste good! You can use it in many kinds of dishes, like stir-fries and salads. It’s very easy to cook and makes everything delicious.
To cook it, boil some water and put the vermicelli in for a few minutes. Then, pour out the water, and it’s ready! You can mix it with stir-fried vegetables or add it to your favorite salad ingredients.
You can surprise your friends and family with your new cooking skills. They’ll be amazed and think you’re a kitchen wizard! So, next time you want to make a tasty meal, grab some Chinese vermicelli and have fun cooking!