Do you wander around the Asian grocery store admiring all the different kinds of noodles but are never sure which ones to pick? You’re in luck! This is our guide to different kinds of noodles and what they can be used for. Quick to cook, noodles are a fantastic base for a easy weeknight lunch or dinner and their amazing versatility is a great reason to get creative in the kitchen.
Soba Noodles
Made from protein-rich buckwheat, soba are a Japanese noodle variety with a nutty flavor and delicious chewy texture. They can be served chilled with a dipping sauce or in a cold noodle salad, or work well in hot noodle soup.
Udon Noodles
Udon noodles are fat, chewy, and satisfying. These thick wheat noodles are perfect for stir-fries or soups, and can be bought dried, fresh, or in ready-to-wok individual packets.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles
Some of the thinnest noodles around, rice vermicelli are common in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. They are very quick to cook, with some varieties simply needing to be submerged in boiling water for a few minutes, not even over the heat. They are low in fat, making them a great option for lower-calorie meals.
Ramen Noodles
These squiggly, curly noodles are enough to make anyone’s day. They are dried in portion-sized bricks, ready to be submerged in savory, spicy broth. Buy plain ramen noodle nests to combine with veggie stock, veggies, chili oil, and soy sauce to make your own healthy instant ramen, ready in minutes!
