Vermicelli Noodles: Soak Don't Boil

Vermicelli rice noodles are delicate and don't need to be boiled like pasta. Simply soaking them in hot water for a few minutes is enough to soften them to a lovely bouncy consistency. Boiling them risks overcooking very quickly, turning them mushy and sticky. If you do accidentally boil them, running them immediately under cold water can stop the cooking and rescue the texture. Once soaked, drain them well and toss with a little oil to prevent clumping. Vermicelli noodles are widely used in Southeast Asian salads and soups - their neutral flavour makes them perfect carriers for bold dressings and sauces.