Authentic Vietnamese Glass Noodle Recipes: Easy Soup, Stir-Fry & Salad Ideas

There’s something magical about the light, springy texture of Vietnamese glass noodles. These translucent noodles, made from mung bean starch, have a way of soaking up flavors while still maintaining their delicate chew. They’re a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often found in hearty soups, fresh salads, or stir-fries bursting with vibrant ingredients.

What makes this dish so special is its versatility. Whether we’re craving something warm and comforting or light and refreshing, glass noodles fit the bill. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for everyone at the table. It’s no wonder they’ve gained a loyal following worldwide.

Vietnamese Glass Noodle Recipe

Let’s dive into making a flavorful Vietnamese glass noodle dish. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers vibrant, aromatic flavors perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 7 oz (200 g) Vietnamese glass noodles (mung bean noodles), soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles

Soak the Vietnamese glass noodles in warm water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. This helps soften the noodles and ensures they’re the perfect texture for cooking.

1. Cook the aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced onion, then sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

1. Add vegetables and mushrooms

Toss the julienned carrot and sliced shiitake mushrooms into the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

1. Cook the shrimp

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the shrimp to the other side. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Mix them with the vegetables.

1. Season the dish

Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Combine everything in the skillet, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed.

1. Incorporate the noodles

Add the soaked and drained glass noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, letting the noodles absorb the sauce and flavors. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are warmed through.

1. Finish with fresh herbs

Turn off the heat and mix in the chopped green onions and cilantro. This adds a burst of freshness to the dish.

1. Serve and enjoy

Transfer the noodles to a serving plate. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side for a tangy kick.

Cooking Tip

To enhance the flavors, feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite proteins like chicken or tofu. Vegetarians can skip the shrimp and replace fish and oyster sauces with soy sauce alternatives.

Ingredients

Here’s everything we’ll need to bring this flavorful Vietnamese glass noodle dish to life. Gather these fresh and simple ingredients for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors.

For The Glass Noodles

• 8 oz glass noodles (mung bean or bean thread noodles)
• Water for soaking or boiling

For The Sauce

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For The Protein (Optional)

• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
• OR 8 oz chicken, thinly sliced
• OR a vegetarian option like tofu, cubed and pan-fried

For The Vegetables

• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped
• 2 scallions, chopped

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
• Crushed peanuts
• Sliced red chili peppers

Tools And Equipment

To make the perfect Vietnamese glass noodle dish, having the right tools and equipment is essential for efficient preparation and achieving the authentic texture and flavors. Let’s break down what we’ll need and how each tool helps in the process.

1. Large Mixing Bowl

We use a large mixing bowl to soak the glass noodles in warm water. This step softens the noodles, making them pliable and ready for cooking. The bowl should be spacious enough to fully immerse the noodles without crowding.

2. Cutting Board and Knife

A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are crucial for chopping vegetables and proteins like shrimp or chicken. Precision cuts ensure even cooking and enhance the dish’s presentation.

3. Saucepan or Pot

For blanching vegetables and boiling any broth, we need a medium-sized saucepan or pot. The depth helps maintain control while cooking and prevents splashes.

4. Strainer or Colander

A strainer or colander is perfect for draining the soaked noodles or blanched vegetables. Look for one with fine holes to ensure no noodles escape while rinsing.

5. Wok or Large Skillet

A wok or large skillet is a must for stir-frying. The high, sloped sides of the wok allow for quick and even cooking of the noodles, vegetables, and proteins, while giving room to toss the ingredients properly.

6. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

We recommend using a wooden spoon or a silicone spatula for stirring. These are gentle on the wok’s surface and help mix the noodles with the sauce evenly.

7. Small Bowls

Small bowls come in handy for portioning out the sauces and seasonings in advance. This ensures we can quickly add them to the dish at the right moments without scrambling to measure midway.

8. Serving Platter

A wide serving platter showcases the dish beautifully, allowing the vibrant vegetables, glistening noodles, and garnishes to shine.

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to bring this comforting and aromatic Vietnamese Glass Noodle Soup, Miến Gà, to life. Follow along with our guide to ensure a delicious and authentic experience.

Prep

1. Prepare Aromatics: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to broil at 450°F. Peel the outer layer of the shallot or onion, and slice the ginger into thick coins. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and broil for 15 minutes to release their natural sweetness and aroma.
2. Soak the Noodles: While the aromatics roast, place the package of Vietnamese glass noodles in a large mixing bowl and cover them with hot (but not boiling) water. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes until soft but firm. Drain and set them aside.
3. Chop Garnishes: Finely chop the cilantro and scallions for garnish later. Measure out the crispy fried shallots so they’re ready to sprinkle on top.

Cook

1. Prepare the Broth: In a large stockpot, add 8-10 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the whole chicken, roasted aromatics (shallot/onion and ginger), 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, skimming any foam or impurities from the surface.
2. Simmer Chicken: Allow the chicken to simmer gently for 40-50 minutes, ensuring it cooks through and releases its flavors into the broth.
3. Remove Chicken: Take the chicken out carefully with tongs and let it cool slightly. Once cool, shred the meat into thin, bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones if desired. Return the bones to the broth for extra flavor and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. You can also add ½ teaspoon MSG at this stage if you prefer.
4. Strain Broth (Optional): For a clearer soup, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, discarding any solids. Return the broth to the pot and keep it warm on low heat.

Assemble

1. Portion the Noodles: Divide the softened glass noodles evenly into serving bowls.
2. Add Toppings: Top each bowl with shredded chicken, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and scallions, and a generous amount of crispy fried shallots for aroma and texture.
3. Ladle the Broth: Pour hot broth over the noodles and toppings, ensuring the soup is piping hot. Adjust seasoning with extra fish sauce if needed.
4. Serve: Serve the bowls immediately with optional garnishes like lime wedges on the side. The fresh lime enhances the soup’s bright, savory flavors.

Make-Ahead Instructions

When planning to prepare Vietnamese glass noodles ahead of time, it’s best to focus on preparing individual components separately. This ensures the dish stays fresh and flavorful when served. Here are our step-by-step instructions for making components in advance:

Soaking and Cooking Glass Noodles

To maintain the optimal texture, we recommend soaking and cooking the glass noodles just before serving. Here’s why: cooled noodles tend to harden and lose their springy texture when refrigerated. For best results, soak the noodles in room temperature or warm water for 7-10 minutes until pliable. Alternatively, bring a pot of water to a boil, turn off the heat, and soak the noodles for 10-15 minutes if you prefer a softer texture. Once soaked, drain and set them aside. Do this step right before assembling your dish.

Preparing Proteins

Proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu can be prepped in advance. For shrimp, clean and devein them, then cook and chill until ready to combine with the noodles. If using chicken, cook it through and allow it to cool before shredding or slicing. Tofu can be cubed and stir-fried ahead of time. By having the proteins ready, assembling the dish becomes quick and easy.

Prepping Vegetables

Chopping vegetables beforehand is a great time-saver. Cut your shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and scallions into the necessary shapes or sizes a few hours ahead of serving. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. For herbs like cilantro or garnishes like lime wedges, prep these right before serving to ensure they stay vibrant.

Making the Dressing or Broth

If your recipe includes a dressing or broth, it can be prepared well in advance. Combine ingredients like fish sauce, light soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar ahead of time. Store the mixture in a small jar in the refrigerator, giving it a quick stir or shake before use. Broths can also be made early, cooled, and stored in the fridge for reheating when needed.

By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure that every component is ready to go but still allows for a fresh and delicious final assembly.

Serving Suggestions

To ensure the best flavors and presentation for our Vietnamese glass noodle dish, follow these serving suggestions:

Garnishes and Toppings

After assembling the dish, we recommend adding generous garnishes to enhance both taste and appearance. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, scallions, and Thai basil over the top for a fresh and aromatic boost. If you’re a fan of texture, crispy fried shallots make an excellent topping, adding a satisfying crunch and savory depth. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, sliced red chilies can be included to liven up each bite.

Accompaniments

Serving a fresh condiment alongside the dish elevates the dining experience. A simple squeeze of lime juice over the glass noodles brightens the flavors and balances the dish’s umami notes. You can also prepare an optional gingery dipping sauce on the side if you’d like to offer a complementary zing for dipping proteins or vegetables.

Serving the Dish

To achieve maximum flavor and ensure the glass noodles are perfectly cooked, serve the dish promptly after assembly. If we’re preparing a soup version like Miến Gà, the broth needs to be piping hot when poured over the glass noodles. This ensures the noodles soften fully and absorb the savory broth. Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls, arrange shredded or sliced proteins such as chicken or tofu on top, then ladle the hot broth over everything. Adding garnishes last will preserve their fresh, vibrant look.

Conclusion

Vietnamese glass noodles bring a delightful mix of flavor, texture, and versatility to the table. Whether we’re whipping up a comforting bowl of soup or a vibrant stir-fry, these noodles never fail to impress. Their ability to soak up seasonings while staying light and springy makes them a joy to cook with and even better to eat.

Let’s not forget the endless customization options that let us tailor each dish to our preferences. With just a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, we can create meals that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Vietnamese glass noodles truly elevate our cooking experience and bring a taste of Vietnam into our kitchens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Vietnamese glass noodles made of?

Vietnamese glass noodles are made from mung bean starch, which gives them their translucent appearance and light, springy texture.

Are Vietnamese glass noodles gluten-free?

Yes, Vietnamese glass noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them a suitable option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

How are glass noodles used in Vietnamese cuisine?

Glass noodles are versatile and used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and even spring rolls. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them a staple in Vietnamese cooking.

Can I customize the recipe with different proteins?

Absolutely! You can customize the dish by adding shrimp, chicken, tofu, or other proteins to suit your taste preferences.

What vegetables work best in a glass noodle recipe?

Vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, carrots, bok choy, and scallions work wonderfully in glass noodle recipes, adding flavor, texture, and color.

How do I prevent glass noodles from getting mushy?

To avoid mushy noodles, soak them in warm water for the recommended time, rinse with cold water, and add to the dish just before serving.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?

Yes, you can prepare ingredients like proteins, vegetables, and sauces ahead of time. However, cook or soak the noodles just before serving for the best texture.

What tools do I need to prepare Vietnamese glass noodles?

You’ll need a large mixing bowl, cutting board, knife, saucepan, strainer, wok or skillet, and small bowls for sauces. A serving platter is also great for presentation.

How do I serve Vietnamese glass noodles for the best flavor?

Serve the dish promptly after preparation with garnishes like cilantro, Thai basil, lime wedges, and optional crispy fried shallots or red chilies for added flavor.

Are there vegetarian options for the recipe?

Yes, you can make the dish vegetarian by omitting meat-based sauces and substituting tofu or extra vegetables for protein.

Can I make Vietnamese glass noodle soup in advance?

You can prepare the broth and toppings ahead of time, but assemble the soup immediately before serving to keep the noodles fresh and springy.

What garnishes pair best with Vietnamese glass noodle dishes?

Garnishes like fresh cilantro, scallions, Thai basil, crispy fried shallots, sliced red chilies, and a squeeze of lime juice enhance both flavor and presentation.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for the noodles, proteins, and vegetables. Combine and reheat just before eating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

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