If you are gluten-free and you are not really enjoying the wheat-free versions of pasta and noodles available in the supermarket aisle, we suggest you try Asian rice noodles. While there are several gluten-free varieties in the market including shirataki noodles and even seaweed (kelp) noodles, one of the most common and flavorful kinds is rice noodles. So are all rice noodles gluten-free? Let’s find out.
Are Rice Noodles Gluten-Free?
All rice noodles and rice paper wraps are gluten-free as they are made wholly from rice. Some Asian rice products may be made from glutinous rice, which is a kind of sticky rice. However, though the name may be misleading to some, glutinous rice does not contain any gluten. [1]
There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. This happens when the company uses wheat flour as a binder to hold the shape of the noodle and to prevent it from going mushy. However, this is not the norm. It is advisable to check the ingredients before you buy the rice noodles. [2]
Rice noodles make a delicious gluten-free option for a light lunch. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How To Cook Rice Noodles?
Rice noodles can be used in stir-fries, noodles, and soups. We would recommend that you try putting rice noodles in this delicious Miso Soup Recipe. It makes for a comforting dish on a cold winter night and a perfect immunity booster if you have the sniffles or if you are battling the flu. One of the most common mistakes while making rice noodles is to have a sticky situation where the noodles end up in a bowl of mush. Let us look at the three steps that are needed to make perfectly cooked rice noodles.
- Choose the right pot: Bring a pot of water to boil in a medium saucepan. The saucepan should be big enough for the noodles to swim in!
- Cook till tender: Cook for 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Avoiding a sticky situation: Drain the noodles and immediately hold it under running water to prevent the noodles from sticking to each other.
- Toss in oil: Add a teaspoon of oil and toss the noodles so that they are coated with oil.
The rice noodles are now ready to use. If you do not plan to use the rice noodles immediately and are still preparing the rest of the meal, you will need to toss the noodles every 5-10 minutes to make sure they do not stick to each other.
For other gluten-free noodles, you can try Shirataki (Miracle) Noodles: A Healthy Low-Carb Option and buckwheat flour noodles, Soba Noodles. For a different flavor and experience, you made want to try our Baked Spaghetti Squash Noodles made wholly from squash.
