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How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles (rice noodles)

By: Megan•Posted: 07/07/2025 •Updated: 28/07/2025

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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 11 minutes
Total 21 minutes

Let’s learn how to cook vermicelli noodles! Vermicelli rice noodles are a quintessential staple in Vietnamese cuisine and serve as a delicious and delicate alternative to rice.

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How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles (rice noodles)

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details

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How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles (rice noodles)

Vermicelli noodles are one of the easiest noodles to make and the most versatile in Vietnamese cuisine. It can be paired with just about any spring roll, protein dish, tossed to create a vermicelli noodle salad, or cooked in a cozy and comforting soup. Learn how to perfectly make vermicelli noodles every time with this detailed step-by-step guide. Say goodbye to mushy and clumpy vermicelli noodles!

Table of contents

What are Vermicelli Rice Noodles?

Vermicelli rice noodles are thin, delicate rice noodles that are most commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese dishes. They are made from rice flour and water, making them a neutral gluten-free base that allows them to easily absorb flavors from sauces and soups.

Vermicelli noodles are incredibly versatile in Vietnamese cuisine and are used in every type of dish from Vietnamese spring rolls to soups like bun rieu (Vietnamese Crab and Tomato Soup) and noodle bowls like bun thit nuong (Vietnamese grilled pork noodles). In Vietnamese, bun translates to vermicelli noodles.

How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles

Here are the step-by-step instructions for cooking vermicelli rice noodles perfectly, ensuring they are not overly mushy.

  1. Pour enough water to cover about 1/2 of your pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the vermicelli rice noodles to the boiling water and ensure all the noodles are submerged under the water.
  1. Every 2-3 minutes, stir the rice noodles to prevent them from sticking to each other and the bottom of the pot. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, as each brand has different cooking times.
  1. About 1-2 minutes before the timer is up, taste the noodles to be sure they are cooked to your desired texture. Then pour the noodles into a colander and immediately rinse with cold water.
  1. Serve the vermicelli noodles either warm or cold, depending on the dish you are serving, and enjoy the perfectly cooked noodles!

Expert Tips

  • Set a timer. Vermicelli rice noodles are very thin and are susceptible to overcooking quickly. Set a timer when you drop the noodles in boiling water to prevent them from becoming overly mushy.
  • Use a large pot. When you boil the vermicelli noodles, the water will create a foamy layer that could boil over the pot due to the starchiness of the noodles. A large pot with extra water gives more space for the noodles to cook and the foam to dissipate.
  • Taste before draining. About 1-2 minutes before the timer is up, taste the noodles to be sure they are cooked to your desired texture.
  • Stir Periodically. Be sure to stir the rice noodles periodically to prevent them from sticking and to prevent the water from overflowing the pot.
  • Rinse with cold water. Once you have cooked and strained the vermicelli, rinse it with cold water to prevent the noodles from overcooking and to wash off any excess starch, ensuring they cook perfectly.

Storage Instructions

Cooked vermicelli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have cooked more vermicelli noodles than needed, ensure that you store them properly to maintain their freshness. Any longer and the noodles will dry up, and you may need to blanch them in hot water to rehydrate them.

Reheat: Place the cooked and refrigerated vermicelli in a microwave-safe bowl covered with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Pairing Suggestions

Vermicelli noodles are very popular in many Vietnamese dishes. It is a versatile neutral base that can be easily swapped with rice in many dishes.

A bowl of vietnamese egg rolls with vermicelli noodles on a tile table.
Someone holding up a goi cuon spring roll.

FAQ

Where can you buy vermicelli noodles?

You can buy vermicelli noodles at any Asian grocery store in the dried noodles aisle. There are typically two brands that we always use—Three Ladies or Bamboo Tree.

Why do you rinse cooked vermicelli noodles?

Vermicelli noodles are made from rice and have an excess amount of starch on them. When you rinse the noodles with cold water after straining them, it prevents them from overcooking and rinses off any excess starch that could lead to clumping.

Why is my vermicelli mushy and clumping?

The rice noodles turn mushy and clumpy if you cook them for too long, and they are overly soft. It could also happen if you do not rinse the noodles with cold water after straining.

Additional Noodle Recipes to Try

How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles Recipe

How to Cook Vermicelli Noodles

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Let’s learn how to cook vermicelli noodles! Vermicelli rice noodles are a quintessential staple in Vietnamese cuisine and serve as a delicious and delicate alternative to rice.
Servings: 2 servings
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Boil the water. Pour enough water to cover about 1/2 of your pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Add vermicelli noodles. Add the vermicelli noodles to the boiling water and ensure all the noodles are submerged under the water.
  • Stir the noodles. Every 2-3 minutes, stir the noodles to prevent them from sticking to each other and the bottom of the pot. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, as each brand has different cooking times.
  • Strain and rinse. About 1-2 minutes before the timer is up, taste the noodles to be sure they are cooked to your desired texture. Then pour the noodles into a colander and rinse with cold water.
  • Serve. Serve the vermicelli noodles either warm or cold, depending on the dish you are serving, and enjoy!

Notes

See the Expert Tips section for more guidance.

Equipment

Nutrition:

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 179mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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