10+ Rice Noodle Recipes You’ll Love for Quick and Tasty Meals

Rice noodles are a top pick for quick, tasty meals. They’re light, cook fast, and pair up with just about any flavor you throw at them.

Whether you’re after something basic or a little more bold, rice noodles can handle it. They make a solid base for a bunch of different dishes.

You can whip up all kinds of meals with rice noodles. Stir-fries, cold salads, you name it—they’re flexible and super handy to have around.

These recipes come together fast. Perfect for those days when you just want dinner on the table, like, now.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Basic seasonings (soy sauce, garlic, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in room temperature water for about 15-20 minutes until soft.
2. Drain the noodles before adding them to your recipe.
3. Cook noodles according to your recipe, often by stir-frying or mixing with sauce.

1) Quick and Easy 20-Minute Garlic Rice Noodles

You can get a plate of garlic rice noodles ready in no time. Just a handful of ingredients and you’re set.

Garlic brings a punch of flavor, and butter makes it a bit indulgent. The noodles cook up so quick—honestly, it’s a weeknight hero.

A bit of soy sauce and brown sugar gives you that sweet-and-salty thing. Shallot and green onions keep it fresh and a little sharp.

This dish works as a side or a small main, honestly. It’s simple and full of flavor, and you’ll have it done in about 20 minutes.

More details? Check out this Quick and Easy 20-Minute Garlic Rice Noodles Recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 shallot, diced
• 6 tsp garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 green onions, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions, then drain.
2. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
3. Add shallots and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Stir in brown sugar and soy sauce.
5. Toss in cooked noodles and green onions. Mix well and heat through.
6. Serve warm.

2) Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles

Chicken stir fry with rice noodles is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes.

Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and soft rice noodles—it’s all there. You cook the chicken with garlic and soy sauce for a savory kick.

Toss in the soaked noodles, stir everything together, and you’re good to go. It’s lighter than takeout but just as satisfying.

Use whatever veggies you’ve got. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas—whatever’s in the fridge.

Ingredients

• 8 oz chicken breast, sliced
• 6 oz rice noodles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions until tender, then drain.
2. Mix chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Add garlic and chicken, stir-fry until cooked through.
5. Add vegetables, cook for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
6. Add soaked noodles and soy sauce, toss to combine and heat through.
7. Serve warm.

Want more tips? Here’s a chicken stir fry with rice noodles recipe.

3) 10 Minute Rice Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

For a quick meal that actually tastes good, rice noodles with spicy peanut sauce hit the spot. The sauce is creamy, a bit spicy, and super easy to make.

Peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and a squirt of sriracha—mix it all up. The noodles cook in minutes.

Toss in some sautéed veggies if you like. Bell peppers, broccoli—just use what’s on hand.

Honestly, the spicy peanut sauce makes this dish. It’s healthy, filling, and you’ll have it on the table in 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Sriracha
• Maple syrup or honey
• Sesame oil
• Optional: mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, sriracha, maple syrup, and sesame oil in a bowl.
3. Toss noodles with the sauce until well coated.
4. If using, lightly sauté veggies and mix with the noodles.
5. Serve warm and enjoy.

Want to see the full details? Here’s the 10 Minute Rice Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce.

4) Singapore Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Char Siu

This dish is a flavor bomb. Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp and Char Siu (that sweet-savory Chinese BBQ pork).

A bit of curry powder gives it a warm, subtle spice. Bell peppers and onions add color and crunch.

Thin rice vermicelli soaks up the sauce, so don’t skip that step. You want the noodles just soft, then toss everything together in a hot pan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup Char Siu pork, sliced
• 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak noodles in warm water for 5-7 minutes until soft, then drain.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and onions; cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
5. Add Char Siu and bell pepper; cook 2 more minutes.
6. Toss in noodles, curry powder, and soy sauce. Mix well and cook 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

Curious for more? Search for Singapore rice noodles recipes with shrimp and Char Siu.

5) Simple Sesame Oil and Honey Rice Noodles

If you want something quick and light, sesame oil and honey rice noodles are a winner. The sesame oil brings a nutty note, and honey adds just enough sweetness.

Cook your rice noodles until they’re soft. Toss them with toasted sesame oil and honey.

Want a little more flavor? Add soy sauce or garlic—totally up to you.

You can serve this warm or cold. It’s easy, satisfying, and honestly kind of addictive.

Ingredients

• 150 grams rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Drain noodles and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
4. Toss noodles in the mixture until evenly coated.
5. Serve warm or cold.

6) Pad Thai Rice Noodles

Pad Thai is one of those dishes everyone seems to love. It’s got sweet, sour, and salty all at once.

You want thin, flat rice noodles for this. Soak them in room temp water for 30-60 minutes until they’re soft and ready to stir-fry.

Add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or keep it veggie. Scrambled eggs, fresh veggies, and peanuts give it crunch.

Mix the sauce separately, then toss everything together quickly. That keeps the noodles from getting gummy.

If you want a real-deal Thai meal at home in under 30 minutes, give this a shot. Fresh ingredients really make the flavors pop.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) flat rice noodles
• 1/2 cup tamarind paste
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, chicken, or tofu

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in room temperature water for 30-60 minutes until soft.
2. Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a bowl.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, scramble eggs, then set aside.
4. Add garlic and protein to the pan; cook until done.
5. Drain noodles, add to the pan, then pour in the sauce. Stir well.
6. Toss in bean sprouts, green onions, and scrambled eggs. Cook for 2 minutes.
7. Serve topped with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

7) Beef Pho with Rice Noodles

Beef pho is that classic Vietnamese noodle soup that just feels cozy. You simmer beef broth with star anise and ginger for hours to get all that deep flavor.

When the broth’s ready, you add soft rice noodles and thin slices of raw beef. The hot broth cooks the beef right in the bowl—pretty cool, honestly.

Pile on fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and green onions. Lime wedges and bean sprouts add crunch and brightness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef bones
• 8 cups water
• 1 large onion, halved
• 3-inch piece ginger, sliced
• 3 star anise
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 8 ounces dried rice noodles
• 8 ounces thinly sliced raw beef (sirloin or flank)
• Fresh basil, cilantro, green onions
• Lime wedges, bean sprouts

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast beef bones, onion, and ginger in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 30 minutes.
2. Transfer to a pot, add water, star anise, and cinnamon. Simmer for 4 hours.
3. Strain broth and add fish sauce. Keep warm.
4. Soak rice noodles in hot water until soft, about 5 minutes. Drain.
5. Place noodles in bowls, top with raw beef slices.
6. Ladle hot broth over beef to cook it.
7. Garnish with herbs, lime, and bean sprouts before serving.

Want to dive deeper? Here’s an easy beef pho recipe.

8) Grilled Shrimp with Rice Noodles

Grilled shrimp with rice noodles is honestly one of those dishes that feels fancier than it is. You can throw it together fast, but it still looks impressive.

I like to grill the shrimp with a bit of oil, so they pick up a smoky edge. While the shrimp cook, just drop some rice noodles in boiling water.

Toss the noodles with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sauce made with fish sauce and sugar. It’s got that sweet-salty-bright thing going on.

Pile the shrimp on top of the noodles. It’s light, refreshing, and honestly—pretty hard not to like.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp oil (for grilling)
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, or mint)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the grill grates with oil so nothing sticks.
3. Boil water and cook the rice noodles according to the package. Drain them and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and garlic.
5. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink.
6. Toss the noodles with the sauce and a handful of fresh herbs.
7. Top the noodles with the grilled shrimp.

9) Homemade Fresh Rice Noodles (Ho Fun)

Making rice noodles from scratch sounds intimidating, but it’s actually pretty doable. You only need rice flour, a little starch, and water.

Mix those into a thin batter—no fancy equipment needed. Pour it into a pan and steam it into thin sheets.

Let the sheets cool for a bit. Brush them with oil so they don’t stick together.

Fold the sheets up and cut them into wide noodles. They taste fresher than anything you’ll find in the store, honestly.

You can use these noodles in stir-fries, soups, or even chilled noodle salads. If you make extra, they freeze just fine.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca starch or cornstarch
• 1 1/4 cups water
• Cooking oil for brushing

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk rice flour, starch, and water together until smooth.
2. Bring a steamer up to a rolling boil (212°F / 100°C).
3. Pour a thin layer of batter into a flat pan that fits inside.
4. Steam for 3-4 minutes, until the sheet looks set.
5. Take the pan out and let the noodle sheet cool off.
6. Brush the sheet with a little oil so it doesn’t stick.
7. Fold and slice into strips.

10) Vegetarian Rice Noodle Stir Fry

Vegetarian rice noodle stir fry is one of those meals that’s hard to mess up. Grab whatever fresh veggies you’ve got—broccoli, carrots, peppers, onions, you name it.

It’s colorful and quick, which is a lifesaver on busy nights. The noodles soak up the soy sauce and garlic, so every bite’s got real flavor.

If you want more protein, toss in some tofu or an egg. Stir-frying everything on high heat keeps the veggies crisp.

Honestly, you can improvise with whatever’s in your fridge. It’s a balanced meal, and the colors just make it look happy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Optional: tofu or eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drain them and set aside.

2. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat—aim for around 350°F (175°C).

3. Toss in garlic and onions. Stir-fry for a minute or so.

4. Add broccoli, carrot, and bell pepper. Let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes.

5. Throw in the noodles and pour over the soy sauce. Stir everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes.

6. If you like tofu or eggs, add them now. Cook until they’re warmed through.

7. Serve it up hot.