5 Delicious Rice Noodle Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Weeknight dinners can be a daunting task when you're looking to make something delicious, healthy, and quick to prepare. Enter rice noodles, a versatile ingredient that can turn your simple meals into flavorful feasts. Here's a guide to help you create five mouthwatering rice noodle recipes that are perfect for your easy weeknight dinner.

Rice Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

This dish brings the zest of Thailand into your kitchen with a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz rice noodles
• ¹⁄₄ cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup
• 1-2 tsp sriracha or preferred chili sauce
• Vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, spinach)
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish
• Directions:
1. Cook rice noodles as per the package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, honey, and sriracha to create the sauce.
3. Sauté the vegetables until they are slightly tender.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the vegetables, then pour in the peanut sauce, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha according to your taste.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Noodle Bowl

This light and refreshing dish is perfect for seafood lovers.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet, add garlic, and cook until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, lemon juice, and zest, cooking until the shrimp turns pink.
4. Mix in the cooked noodles, season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle parsley.
5. Serve immediately.

Vegetarian Pad Thai

Skip the takeout and make your own vibrant Pad Thai at home.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz rice noodles
• ¹⁄₄ cup tamarind paste
• ¹⁄₄ cup fish sauce or soy sauce for vegan version
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• Vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, green onions)
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• Peanuts, crushed, for garnish
• Lime wedges, cilantro, and sliced chilis for serving
• Directions:
1. Soften noodles as per instructions on the package.
2. In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili garlic sauce to make the Pad Thai sauce.
3. Stir-fry tofu until golden, then add vegetables, cooking until crisp-tender.
4. Add the noodles, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together.
5. Serve garnished with peanuts, lime wedges, cilantro, and chili slices.

🍛 Note: Feel free to add scrambled eggs or any other protein like chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version.

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles

Indulge in the sweet and savory taste of teriyaki with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan, cook chicken until nearly done.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and teriyaki sauce, stirring until the chicken is fully cooked and well-coated.
4. Mix in the noodles, ensuring they are thoroughly combined with the chicken and sauce.
5. Serve garnished with sliced green onions.

Singapore Noodles

A colorful dish that’s as delicious as it is pretty, featuring a unique blend of spices.

• Ingredients:
• 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• ¹⁄₂ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¹⁄₂ lb pork, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ¹⁄₄ cup curry powder
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Scallions and cilantro for garnish
• Directions:
1. Prepare noodles as per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a large wok or skillet, heat oil, cook pork until browned, then set aside.
3. Add shrimp, cook until pink, then remove.
4. Stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp. Add curry powder and mix well.
5. Return shrimp and pork to the skillet, add noodles and soy sauce, tossing everything together.
6. Serve hot with scallions and cilantro on top.

In wrapping up, these five delicious rice noodle recipes can transform your weeknight dinners into exciting culinary experiences without taking up too much of your time or effort. With ingredients that are both accessible and versatile, you can mix and match proteins, vegetables, and flavors to suit your family’s tastes. They’re not only delicious but also provide a good base for exploring different cuisines, from the fiery heat of Southeast Asia to the subtle, sweet-savory combinations of Japan. Remember, these dishes are all about balance, so taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, tangy, or savory, rice noodles can be your go-to ingredient for quick, easy, and satisfying meals.

What can I use if I don’t have rice noodles?

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If you don’t have rice noodles, you can substitute them with other types of noodles like egg noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti. However, keep in mind that the texture and cooking times will vary.

Are rice noodles healthy?

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Rice noodles can be a healthy option, especially if they are not deep-fried or overly processed. They are gluten-free, low in fat, and can be part of a balanced diet, providing you with energy from carbohydrates. The healthiness also depends on how they are prepared and what they are paired with.

How do I prevent my rice noodles from sticking together?

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To prevent rice noodles from sticking, rinse them with cold water after cooking to remove excess starch, toss them in a little oil, or stir-fry them immediately after cooking. Additionally, ensure not to overcook them as they will become mushy and prone to sticking.

Can these recipes be made in advance?

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Yes, these recipes can largely be prepared in advance. However, consider the following:

• Rice noodles can become mushy if refrigerated after cooking. It’s best to cook them fresh or at least undercook them slightly if you plan to reheat them.
• Make the sauce ahead of time but add it just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant.
• Store the prepared ingredients separately (proteins, vegetables, and noodles) to assemble just before serving for the best taste and texture.