The Origin of Glass Noodles
Glass noodles(or Cellophane noodles), also known as vermicelli noodles, are a traditional specialty of China and are commonly referred to as “春雨” in Japan. In Taiwan, glass noodles were originally made from mung bean starch, which is known for containing a large amount of straight chain starch. With a smooth and slippery texture similar to thin noodles, glass noodles are typically sold dried and should be soaked in water to make it soften. The diameter of glass noodles is usually around 0.5mm, which is why they are often referred to as “silk”.
A journey through the food culture of Glass noodles in Asia
With the advancement of technology and time, glass noodles have evolved from a simple mung bean starch to include various other ingredients such as potato starch and tapioca starch. During the production process, the noodles undergo a freezing process for 4-5 days, which creates pores in the noodles. This allows the noodles to absorb the soup or sauce when cooked, giving them a more elastic texture and enhancing the overall flavor. Today, glass noodles offer a wide range of textures and can be used in various dishes such as stir-fries, soups, and salads, as well as desserts. Furthermore, the culture of glass noodles continues to grow and develop throughout Asia. Below are some examples of Asian glass noodle dishes :
Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodle (JapChae)
Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodle is a common Korean side dish found on family tables and at any feast, consisting of glass noodles, various vegetables, and shredded meat. Mix with Korean sesame oil and sesame seeds, making it a perfect dish for summertime when served chilled.
Korean dumplings
Additionally, Korean dumplings, also known as mandu, are a traditional Korean snack found in traditional markets. The dumplings are filled with minced meat, glass noodles, vegetables, and sesame oil, and are known for their thin, but plump skin.
Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls
Vietnamese fried spring rolls were once a luxurious dish enjoyed only by royalty and aristocrats, and due to the complicated cooking process, it was only served on special occasions such as New Year or weddings. Nowadays, fried spring rolls have become a typical Vietnamese folk food. Using rice paper as the wrapper, the outer layer is thin and crispy, while the filling is filled with a lot of glass noodles, lettuce, shrimp, pork, and local vegetables. Lastly, it is dipped in fish sauce to serve. The taste is rich in layers and refreshing without being greasy.
Thai Glass Noodle Salad
Thai glass noodle salad is a popular fusion dish that combines Thai flavors and the refreshing taste of salad. It is loved by Thai people and foodies around the world. The main ingredient of this dish is glass noodles, which are mixed with a variety of vegetables and seafood or meat, and served with a tangy and spicy dressing. The refreshing taste of the salad increases one’s appetite. In Thailand, glass noodle salad is considered a perfect summer dish that helps to cool down the body. It is rich in vitamins and protein, making it highly nutritious.
Discover the New Experience of Matching Glass Noodles with Ingredients
In modern times, glass noodles have become a very popular food not only in mainland China but also in other food cultures such as Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Glass noodles themselves have a light flavor and a smooth texture, and are easy to cook. However, if used as the main ingredient, the dish may be monotonous in taste. Therefore, when cooking with glass noodles, we need to master some pairing techniques and use them with other ingredients to create more diverse and flavorful dishes. Below are some tips and applications for pairing glass noodles with other ingredients :
Glass Noodles Dessert
With the texture of glass noodles, it is easy to create creative snacks and even beverages.
Fried glass noodles
Glass noodles are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes due to their high degree of shape variation. They can be chopped, cut into segments, or cooked whole. When chopped, they can be mixed with richly flavored ingredients to make condiments or chewy glass noodle salads. They are widely used in a variety of dishes. For example, mixing glass noodles with fried flour and shaping them before frying, creating a crispy texture that can be enjoyed.
Fried glass noodles shrimp balls
Wrap fresh shrimp with glass noodles and coat them with Karaage fried chicken powder batter before frying them in a pan.
Fried wide glass noodles
Glass noodles can also be made into snacks! Fried glass noodles have a crispy and refreshing texture.
Ingredients: 2 balls of sunrightfood glass noodles, basil leaves, garlic (to taste), one pack of Karaage fried chicken powder, 2 teaspoons of salad oil, and 80cc of water.
Western cuisine
Glass noodles surprisingly pair well with Western cuisine. Western dishes can highlight the elasticity of glass noodles, and even if they are cooked without oil or lightly seasoned, they will never be boring. Each dish is delicious and satisfying.
Have you ever tried puff pastry on creamy corn soup ? Replace the creamy corn soup with white sauce glass noodles, and the texture of the glass noodles with white sauce is also rich and layered. You must give it a try!
Pasta
Substitute spaghetti with glass noodles. You can eat it even if you’re on a diet! Replace part of the tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes
Glass noodles, originating from Asia, are often paired with Italian sauces such as white, red, or pesto sauce due to their chewy and filling texture. This dish has endless possibilities for variations beyond the basic recipe. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or mushrooms to add different textures and flavors. Alternatively, you can include meats such as ham, bacon, or sausage to make the dish more diverse and rich.
Despite coming from different culinary backgrounds, the light and refreshing texture of glass noodles combined with the rich and flavorful Italian pasta sauce creates an innovative fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine. This cross-cultural and geographical dining experience brings people endless deliciousness and surprises.
Glass noodles have become an essential food in people’s lives, as they offer a rich and diverse range of textures and flavors. Nowadays, you can customize your glass noodle dishes to suit your personal preferences and tastes.