Vermicelli noodles are a versatile ingredient that can transform simple meals into tasty dishes. These thin rice noodles work well in many Asian-inspired recipes, from stir-fries to soups and salads.
You can create quick and easy meals using vermicelli noodles in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or dishes with meat, vermicelli noodles offer plenty of choices. They pair nicely with vegetables, proteins, and various sauces and spices.
With these recipes, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy vermicelli noodles and add more variety to your weekly meal plans.
1. Vermicelli Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Vermicelli stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. Start by soaking the rice noodles in hot water to soften them.
While the noodles soak, chop your veggies. Cabbage, carrots, and onions are popular choices. Cut them into thin strips to match the noodles’ shape.
Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Stir-fry the veggies until they’re crisp-tender. Add garlic for extra flavor.
Drain the noodles and add them to the pan. Pour in a simple sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
2. Lemon Vermicelli with Shrimp
This zesty dish combines tangy lemon flavors with succulent shrimp and light vermicelli noodles. You’ll love how quickly it comes together for a refreshing meal.
Start by cooking the vermicelli according to package directions. While the noodles cook, sauté shrimp in a pan with garlic and lemon juice.
Toss the cooked noodles with olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Add the shrimp and mix gently.
Serve your lemon vermicelli with shrimp warm or chilled. It’s perfect for hot summer days or as a light dinner option any time of year.
3. Coconut Vermicelli Pudding
Coconut vermicelli pudding adds a tropical twist to this classic dessert. You’ll need roasted vermicelli, milk, sugar, and desiccated coconut.
Start by melting some ghee in a pot. Add the vermicelli and cook until lightly golden. Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
Stir in sugar and desiccated coconut. Cook until the vermicelli is soft and the pudding thickens. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools.
For extra flavor, try adding cardamom or cinnamon. You can also top it with toasted almonds or raisins before serving.
4. Vermicelli Salad with Avocado and Chicken
This refreshing salad combines vermicelli noodles with tender chicken and creamy avocado. You’ll love the mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water. Slice cooked chicken breast and ripe avocado.
Toss the noodles with the chicken, avocado, and your choice of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, or basil. Add crunchy vegetables such as cucumber or bell peppers for extra texture.
Drizzle the salad with a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. This light yet satisfying dish is perfect for warm days or as a quick meal.
5. Garlic Butter Vermicelli Pasta
Garlic Butter Vermicelli Pasta is a simple yet tasty dish you can whip up in no time. Start by cooking vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
In a pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant. Toss the cooked noodles in the garlic butter mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.
This quick and easy recipe makes a great side dish or light meal. You can also add cooked vegetables or protein to make it more filling.
6. Spicy Vermicelli with Tofu
Spicy vermicelli with tofu is a tasty dish that combines thin rice noodles with crispy tofu and a spicy sauce. You can make this meal in one pan for easy cleanup.
Start by pan-frying cubed firm tofu until golden brown. Remove the tofu and set aside. In the same pan, stir-fry garlic, ginger, and chili peppers.
Add cooked vermicelli noodles to the pan along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. Toss everything together and return the tofu to the pan.
Finish the dish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime juice. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili oil.
7. Lemon Grass Vermicelli Soup
This soup combines the tangy flavor of lemongrass with delicate vermicelli noodles. You’ll love its refreshing taste and comforting warmth.
To make it, sauté chopped lemongrass, onions, and ginger in a pot. Add vegetable broth, mushrooms, tomatoes, and tofu. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in soy sauce and lime juice for extra flavor. Cook your vermicelli noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
This light yet satisfying dish is perfect for chilly days. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins.
8. Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Pork
This Vietnamese dish combines thin rice noodles with flavorful grilled pork. You’ll love the mix of textures and tastes in each bite.
To make it, marinate thinly sliced pork in a blend of garlic, shallots, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce. Let it sit for at least an hour to soak up the flavors.
Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Rinse them with cold water and drain well.
Grill or bake the marinated pork until cooked through. Slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble your bowl by placing cooled noodles at the bottom. Top with the grilled pork, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Add a sprinkle of peanuts and a drizzle of dressing for extra flavor.
9. Curried Vermicelli and Chicken
Curried vermicelli and chicken is a tasty dish that combines tender meat with thin rice noodles. The curry sauce gives it a rich, spicy flavor.
To make this meal, cook the chicken and set it aside. Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to the package directions.
In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add curry powder and coconut milk to create a sauce. Mix in the cooked chicken and noodles.
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and color. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or green onions if you like.
10. Ginger Vermicelli with Scallions
Ginger vermicelli with scallions is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll need rice noodles, fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions.
Start by soaking the vermicelli noodles in warm water until soft. While they soak, mince the ginger and garlic.
Heat oil in a wok or large pan. Fry the ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add sliced scallions and stir-fry for a minute.
Drain the noodles and add them to the pan. Pour in some soy sauce and stir everything together. Cook for a few minutes until the noodles are done.
This simple recipe gives you a flavorful meal with a nice ginger kick. It’s perfect as a side dish or light main course.
11. Vermicelli with Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes add a rich, sweet flavor to vermicelli dishes. To make this recipe, start by roasting cherry tomatoes in the oven with olive oil and garlic.
While the tomatoes roast, cook your vermicelli according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and toss them with the roasted tomatoes.
Add some fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to finish the dish. You can also include other roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
This simple yet delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The roasted tomatoes create a light sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.
12. Lemon and Herb Vermicelli Pilaf
Lemon and herb vermicelli pilaf adds zesty flavor to a classic rice dish. Start by toasting vermicelli in butter until golden brown. Add rice and stir to coat in the butter.
Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs like parsley, dill, or mint. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
Let the pilaf rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Fluff with a fork and add a pat of butter for extra richness. This bright, fragrant side dish pairs well with grilled meats or fish.
13. Thai-Style Vermicelli Noodle Salad
This refreshing salad combines soft vermicelli noodles with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Start by soaking the noodles in cold water for about 5 minutes until they soften.
While the noodles soak, prepare the dressing. Mix fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar in a bowl. Add minced garlic, chopped cilantro stems, and Thai chilies for extra flavor.
Toss the noodles with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir well. Top with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
This light and zesty salad is perfect for warm days. You can customize it by adding grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
14. Vermicelli with Sesame Sauce
This quick and tasty dish combines vermicelli noodles with a rich sesame sauce. You’ll love the nutty flavor and creamy texture.
To make the sauce, mix tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey. Add minced garlic and ginger for extra zing.
Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Toss the noodles with the sesame sauce. Add sliced cucumbers, carrots, and green onions for crunch and color.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
15. Mediterranean Vermicelli with Olives
This tasty dish brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. You’ll love the mix of vermicelli pasta, olives, and aromatic spices.
Start by toasting vermicelli in olive oil until golden brown. Add capers, sliced olives, and pine nuts for a rich flavor and texture.
Sauté the mixture with garlic and anchovies for extra depth. Toss in some raisins for a touch of sweetness that balances the salty olives.
Cook the vermicelli in salted water until al dente. Drain and combine with the olive mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs before serving for a nice crunch.
Nutritional Benefits of Vermicelli
Vermicelli provides several important nutrients while being relatively low in calories. It can be a good choice for those watching their weight or looking to add more variety to their diet.
Caloric Content
Vermicelli is a low-calorie pasta option. A 1-cup serving of cooked rice vermicelli contains about 190-200 calories. This makes it a good choice if you’re trying to manage your calorie intake.
Rice vermicelli has fewer calories than egg or wheat-based noodles. It’s mostly carbohydrates, with very little fat or protein.
For a more balanced meal, you can pair vermicelli with vegetables and lean proteins. This adds nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count.
Nutrient Profile
Vermicelli offers some beneficial nutrients, though amounts vary based on the type. Rice vermicelli provides:
- B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and folate
- Small amounts of iron and zinc
- Some fiber, especially if made from whole grains
Enriched vermicelli may contain added vitamins and minerals. Check the label to see what’s been added.
While not high in protein on its own, vermicelli can be part of a protein-rich dish. Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp to boost the protein content of your meal.
For more nutrients, try bean-based or whole grain vermicelli varieties. These offer extra fiber and protein compared to white rice versions.
Methods of Cooking Vermicelli
Vermicelli noodles are quick and easy to prepare. You can cook them in different ways to achieve the perfect texture for your dishes.
Boiling Techniques
To boil vermicelli, start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. Keep an eye on them, as they cook fast.
For cold noodle salads, cook the vermicelli until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
If you’re using the noodles in a soup, cook them separately and add them to the broth just before serving. This prevents them from getting mushy.
Stir-Frying Tips
For stir-fries, soak dry vermicelli in hot water for 3-5 minutes until soft. Drain well before adding to your wok or pan.
Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add your vegetables and protein first, then toss in the softened noodles.
Stir-fry quickly, moving the noodles constantly to prevent sticking. Add your sauce and toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes.
For extra flavor, try toasting the dry noodles in a pan before soaking. This adds a nutty taste to your dish.