How Long to Cook Rice Noodles
Rice noodles come in many widths. Cooking time depends on thickness and whether they are dried or fresh.
How long to cook rice noodles?
Rice noodles take 3-10 minutes to cook depending on thickness. Thin vermicelli cooks in 3-5 minutes, medium rice sticks in 6-8 minutes, and wide flat noodles in 8-10 minutes. Fresh rice noodles only need 1-2 minutes.
Rice Noodle Cooking Times by Type
Rice noodles come in many widths. Cooking time depends on thickness and whether they are dried or fresh. Always rinse with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking.
| Noodle Type | Cook Time | Water | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin/Vermicelli | 3-5 min | Boiling | Soak in hot water or quick boil |
| Medium Rice Sticks | 6-8 min | Boiling | For pad thai, stir fry after |
| Wide/Flat Noodles | 8-10 min | Boiling | Or soak 30 min in room temp |
| Fresh Rice Noodles | 1-2 min | Boiling | Just heat through |
| Pho Noodles | 5-7 min | Boiling | Cook separately, add to broth |
How Long to Cook Vermicelli Rice Noodles?
Vermicelli rice noodles take 3-5 minutes in boiling water. These are the thinnest rice noodles, often used in spring rolls and Asian salads.
Two Methods for Vermicelli:
- Boiling: Cook 3-5 minutes in boiling water until soft
- Soaking: Place in hot water 10 minutes until pliable
Drain immediately and rinse with cold water. Toss with oil to prevent clumping.
How Long to Cook Rice Sticks?
Rice sticks take 6-8 minutes in boiling water. These medium-width noodles are the most common type for stir-fry dishes.
- Boil 6-8 minutes for soft noodles
- Boil 4-5 minutes if stir-frying after
- Or soak in room temperature water 30 minutes
How Long to Cook Pad Thai Rice Noodles?
Pad thai noodles take 6-8 minutes to boil or 30 minutes to soak. For authentic pad thai, noodles should be pliable but firm before stir-frying.
Pad Thai Method:
- Soak noodles in room temperature water 30 minutes
- Drain well
- Add to hot wok with sauce
- Stir-fry 2-3 minutes until tender
How Long to Cook Rice Noodles for Pho?
Pho rice noodles take 5-7 minutes in boiling water. Cook them separately from the broth for best results.
- Boil noodles 5-7 minutes until soft
- Drain and portion into bowls
- Pour hot pho broth over noodles
- Add toppings and serve immediately
How Long to Cook Flat and Wide Rice Noodles?
Flat and wide rice noodles take 8-10 minutes in boiling water. These thick noodles need more time than thin varieties.
How Long to Cook Fresh Rice Noodles?
Fresh rice noodles only take 1-2 minutes. They are already cooked and just need to be separated and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rice noodles take 3-10 minutes depending on thickness. Thin vermicelli takes 3-5 minutes. Medium rice sticks take 6-8 minutes. Wide flat noodles take 8-10 minutes. Fresh noodles only need 1-2 minutes.
Vermicelli rice noodles take 3-5 minutes in boiling water or 10 minutes soaked in hot water. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Rice sticks take 6-8 minutes in boiling water. For pad thai, cook until just pliable but still firm. They will continue cooking when stir-fried.
Pad thai noodles take 6-8 minutes to boil, or soak in room temperature water for 30 minutes. They should be pliable but not fully soft before stir-frying.
Pho rice noodles take 5-7 minutes in boiling water. Cook separately from the broth, drain, and add to bowls before pouring hot broth over them.
Dried rice noodles take 3-10 minutes depending on width. Thin noodles cook faster. Always check package directions as brands vary. Rinse with cold water after draining.
Fresh rice noodles only take 1-2 minutes in boiling water. They are already cooked and just need to be heated through and separated.
Rice noodles need 1-3 minutes of cooking after soaking in room temperature water. If soaked in hot water, they may not need additional cooking at all.