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Rice Noodles

There is something uniquely satisfying about making your own silken rice noodles from scratch. This authentic vegan recipe uses a traditional fermentation process to develop a subtle depth of flavour and the perfect chewy texture that shop-bought varieties simply cannot replicate. By combining rice flour with a touch of tapioca starch, you create a versatile noodle that holds its shape beautifully in everything from fragrant broths to vibrant stir-fries.

While the process requires a few days of patience for the fermentation, the actual hands-on preparation is straightforward and rewarding. These noodles are best enjoyed on the day they are made for the freshest possible taste, though they can be stored briefly if needed. Whether you are catering to a gluten-free diet or simply looking to master a staple of Southeast Asian cuisine, this homemade method is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Rice Noodles

  • 950ml rice flour, plus more for dusting

  • 850ml water

  • 45ml shallot oil or canola oil

  • 240ml tapioca starch

How to make Rice Noodles

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the rice flour and 850ml water until smooth. Cover and allow to ferment at room temperature for 4 days.

  2. Carefully pour out 350ml water from the settled rice flour. Add 60ml fresh water to the batter and stir until smooth.

  3. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Keep the water hot while you prepare the dough.

  4. In a heavy-bottomed 4- to 6-quart pot, heat the oil over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the batter and turn down the heat to low. This is a two-person job: one person needs to stabilize the pot while the other one quickly and firmly stirs the batter with a wooden spoon. The dough will begin to thicken. Continue cooking, stirring continuously, for 5 to 8 minutes, until the dough is a thick, firm paste. If any dough sticks to the sides of the pot, do not scrape it off.

  5. Transfer the dough to a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and add tapioca starch. Mix on medium speed for about 10 minutes, until it forms a sticky ball.

  6. Bring the water back to a boil, then adjust the heat to keep it at a vigorous simmer. While the water is heating, dust a clean work surface with flour, transfer the dough to it, and knead for another 5 minutes, until smooth. Cover the dough with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

  7. Prepare a large ice-water bath and place it near the stove. Put 275g the dough into a potato ricer, keeping the remaining dough covered. Position the ricer directly above the centre of the pot of boiling water and press firmly to extrude the noodles. As you press, smoothly lower the ricer close to the water and shake it gently from side to side to break the ends of the noodles free, allowing the noodles to fall into the simmering water. Simmer the noodles for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until they bunch up to one side of the pot. With a spider or tongs, carefully transfer the noodles to the ice-water bath. Once cool, transfer to a colander and let drain. Repeat with the remaining dough, replacing the ice water as needed. When all the noodles have been cooked and cooled, rinse the noodles under cold running water to remove excess starch. Drain the noodles. The noodles are best used the same day they are made, but they can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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