Do you love noodles? Learn how to cook perfect non-sticky noodles that are neither broken nor mushy. Just like a blank canvas, perfectly cooked noodles can soak up all the delicious sauces or vegetables and turn into a mouthwatering meal. In this guide, we will share our tips and tricks to help you achieve the ideal texture and shape for your noodles. Let’s get started!
What Are Noodles?
Noodles are a type of dried pasta made from unleavened dough. Originating from China, noodles have become incredibly popular in Asian cuisine. The dough is rolled thin, cut or extruded into long strips or strings to form noodles. These dried noodles are cooked in boiling water with a pinch of salt until soft and are then used in various recipes. They are typically tossed in sauces or stir-fried with vegetables or meat. There are numerous varieties of noodles, such as hakka noodles, soba noodles, udon noodles, rice noodles, and ramen.
Which Type of Noodles Is Best to Use?
Choosing the right type of noodles for your recipe is essential. Chinese noodles like chow mein noodles, egg noodles, soba noodles, and udon noodles are great for stir-frying. Flat rice noodles or pad thai noodles work well in dishes like pad thai, drunken noodles, and pho. If you prefer soupy noodles or thukpa, stir-fry noodles or even ramen can be used. Opt for millet noodles or buckwheat flour noodles for a unique flavor and heartiness in your dishes. In this guide, we will focus on cooking dry noodles like hakka noodles, soba noodles, and rice noodles using the open-pot method.
How to Boil Noodles Recipe
Follow these steps to prepare perfectly boiled noodles:
- Open a pack of 200 grams of noodles and keep it ready. Do not break the noodles.
- Add 5 cups of water to a large pot and heat it for cooking the noodles.
- Let the water come to a rolling boil and add a big pinch of salt.
- Carefully place the block of noodles into the water. Keep an eye on the cooking time mentioned on the packet and cook the noodles a minute or two less than suggested for an al dente texture.
- Gently mix the noodles and add a few drops of oil. As the water boils, the noodles will become soft, usually taking around 4-6 minutes.
- Mix the noodles very gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the noodles cook, they will begin to float. Check the cooking time mentioned on the packet.
- Once the noodles are soft, switch off the flame and immediately drain them in a colander.
- Rinse the cooked noodles under running water to prevent further cooking. Add a few drops of oil to prevent the noodles from drying out. Keep them covered until ready to use.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to enhance your noodle cooking experience:
Use a Large Pot
Always use a large pot for boiling noodles to allow them enough space to expand while cooking. Using a small pan may cause the noodles to clump up and stick to each other.
Add Salt
A pinch of salt while cooking the noodles will help make them non-sticky.
Do Not Break the Raw Noodles
To maintain long, non-sticky noodles, avoid breaking or crushing them while cooking. Simply place them carefully into the boiling water. They will loosen and elongate as they cook.
Add Noodles Only After Water Boils
Wait for the water to come to a vigorous rolling boil before adding the noodles. Adding raw noodles to unboiled water may result in hard or dense noodles.
Time Varies With the Type of Noodles Used
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the noodles. Thinner noodles require less cooking time, while thicker noodles need a few extra minutes. Additionally, different types of noodles have different cooking times. Plain flour noodles cook faster, while wheat flour or millet noodles need a few more minutes.
Do Not Cover the Noodles While Boiling
For better texture and non-sticky noodles, leave the pan open while boiling them. Covering the pan will cause excessive steam, resulting in clumpy noodles.
Keep the Cooked Noodles Covered Until Use
After cooking, drain the noodles immediately and rinse them under cold water to maintain their structure. Add a few drops of oil, toss well, and keep them covered until ready to use. This prevents the noodles from drying out, unless your recipe specifically calls for dry noodles, such as when making fried noodles.
Recipe Suggestions
Once you have perfectly cooked non-sticky noodles, the culinary possibilities are endless. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you:
- Veg Chow Mein
- Hakka Noodles
- Vegetable Noodles (can be made with rice noodles as well)
- Chili Garlic Noodles
Storage
You can store cooked noodles in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add a few drops of oil, toss well, and keep them well covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
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