3 Types of Asian Noodles that Make a Delicious Meal

Noodles are a staple food particularly associated with Asia, but available all around the world (including as Italian pasta). Millions of people eat them every single day. Common types include wheat and egg noodles, but these are not suitable for all kinds of diets. You may want to know which are the best Asian gluten free noodles, so you can make an appropriate substitution.

Choosing the best Asian gluten free noodles

Noodles are usually made with wheat flour, but wheat contains gluten. This is not suitable for people with an allergy or intolerance, or those who choose to go gluten free for personal reasons. Egg noodles may be an alternative, but they are not suitable for vegans. Then some recipes are specifically designed for certain kinds of noodles, such as classic pad Thai, which is traditionally made with rice noodles.

No matter what gluten-free noodles you select, they will have some of the same properties that make wheat and egg noodles popular. Noodles are quick and easy to cook and make a versatile ingredient that can be combined with almost any form of protein (meat, seafood, or tofu), vegetable, herb, and spice to make a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Rice Noodles

Rice is a staple food in its own right and essential to countless delicious meals. However, it can be turned into flour and used to make noodles. Different types of rice can be used, such as black rice or basmati, and they can be white or brown (brown is generally considered more healthy). Vermicelli is a type of very thin rice noodle. The healthiest rice noodles are high in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients, and are also suitable for a low-GI diet. You can use it in a basic stir-fry or noodle soup.

Buckwheat Noodles

Buckwheat is a deceptive name, as it bears no relationship to regular wheat. The buckwheat plant, however, is a cousin to rhubarb and sorrel. Most importantly, it is completely gluten free. Like rice noodles, it has a high mineral content and low GI-index, and it is suitable for vegans and those who keep kosher as well as coeliacs and other people with allergies. Buckwheat noodles can be used in all traditional noodle dishes, or as a substitute for pasta in your favourite spaghetti bolognese.

Mixed Noodles

Some noodles even combine different types of ingredients. Adding other grains, additional vegetables, various spices and seasoning can create new and exciting flavours and textures. Millet, quinoa, and seaweed like wakame can form intriguing combinations with rice or buckwheat noodles. Vegetable additions could include sweet potato or pumpkin, changing both the taste and colour. Ginger is a popular seasoning, perhaps unsurprising considering it frequently features in Asian stir-fry recipes.

Wrapping Up

Asian gluten free noodles come in different types and flavours, but they're all nutritious, tasty, and can be adapted to suit a variety of dishes. In this way, consumers will have plenty of choices to choose from when preparing their favourite Asian dishes, such as stir-fries, noodle soups, or even to replace pasta in an Italian recipe with noodles.