Mung bean vermicelli is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, known for its delicate texture and nutritional benefits. Made from mung beans, these thin noodles are often used in soups, stir-fries, and salads. Cooking mung bean vermicelli is quick and easy, making it a great addition to your repertoire of recipes.
Before cooking mung bean vermicelli, it is important to soak them in water to soften them. Place the noodles in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become soft and pliable. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them with cold water to remove any excess starch.
To cook mung bean vermicelli, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavor of the noodles. Gently add the soaked and drained vermicelli to the boiling water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them again in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. At this stage, you can use the mung bean vermicelli in various dishes. They can be added to soups, stir-fries, or salads. You can also toss them with some sesame oil, soy sauce, and your favorite vegetables for a simple and delicious meal.
Delicious Recipes for Mung Bean Vermicelli
Vermicelli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 200g mung bean vermicelli
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 200g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the mung bean vermicelli in cold water for about 10-15 minutes, until they become soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, mushrooms, and chicken breast. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Push the ingredients to one side of the pan and add the soaked mung bean vermicelli. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vermicelli is heated through.
- Remove from heat and serve hot.
Vermicelli Salad
Ingredients:
- 200g mung bean vermicelli
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (cucumber, carrots, bell peppers), thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Soak the mung bean vermicelli in cold water for about 10-15 minutes, until they become soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed vegetables, cooked shrimp, cooked chicken, cilantro, and roasted peanuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and red chili.
- Add the soaked mung bean vermicelli to the bowl with the vegetables and toss everything together.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well until all the ingredients are coated.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Recipe Name | Preparation Time |
---|---|
Vermicelli Stir-Fry | 20 minutes |
Vermicelli Salad | 25 minutes |
Benefits of Cooking with Mung Bean Vermicelli
Mung bean vermicelli, also known as cellophane noodles or glass noodles, are a popular ingredient in various Asian cuisines. Besides being delicious and versatile, they offer several health benefits.
One of the key benefits of cooking with mung bean vermicelli is that they are gluten-free. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. They can be used as a substitute for wheat-based noodles in traditional dishes, allowing those with dietary restrictions to still enjoy their favourite meals.
In addition to being gluten-free, mung bean vermicelli are also low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or follow a healthy diet. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer periods.
Mung bean vermicelli also contain a variety of essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium, and potassium. Iron is essential for healthy blood circulation and energy production, while calcium and potassium are important for maintaining strong bones and muscles.
Furthermore, mung bean vermicelli are a rich source of antioxidants, which protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. These antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Overall, cooking with mung bean vermicelli not only adds a delicious texture to your dishes, but also provides several health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative or simply want to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into your diet, mung bean vermicelli are a great choice.
How to Prepare Mung Bean Vermicelli
Mung bean vermicelli is a delicious and healthy option for a quick and easy meal. Here are the steps to prepare this tasty dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 package of mung bean vermicelli
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the mung bean vermicelli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté until fragrant and golden brown.
- Add the julienned carrot, thinly sliced bell pepper, and bean sprouts to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in the cooked mung bean vermicelli, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and transfer the prepared vermicelli to a serving dish.
- Garnish with your choice of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Now you know how to prepare mung bean vermicelli. It’s a simple and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!
Popular Mung Bean Vermicelli Dishes
Mung bean vermicelli is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some popular dishes made with mung bean vermicelli:
1. Mung Bean Vermicelli Salad: This refreshing salad combines cooked mung bean vermicelli with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. It is typically dressed with a tangy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. The salad is often garnished with herbs like cilantro and served as a light and healthy appetizer.
2. Mung Bean Vermicelli Stir-Fry: In this dish, mung bean vermicelli is stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables and protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. The stir-fry is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish.
3. Mung Bean Vermicelli Soup: This comforting soup features mung bean vermicelli cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables, tofu, and sometimes meat. It is often seasoned with herbs and spices like lemongrass, chili, and coriander. The soup is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines and is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
4. Mung Bean Vermicelli Curry: In this dish, mung bean vermicelli is cooked in a rich and creamy curry sauce. The curry can be made with a variety of ingredients like coconut milk, curry paste, and spices. It is typically served with naan bread or steamed rice.
5. Mung Bean Vermicelli Dessert: Mung bean vermicelli can also be used to make sweet and delicate desserts. It is often cooked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and pandan leaves. The cooked vermicelli is then topped with coconut milk and served cold. This dessert is a popular treat in many Southeast Asian countries.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes that can be made with mung bean vermicelli. With its versatility and light texture, mung bean vermicelli is a great ingredient to experiment with in your kitchen!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Mung Bean Vermicelli
Cooking mung bean vermicelli can be a delicious and healthy addition to your meals. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare this delicate and flavorful ingredient:
1. Soaking the Vermicelli
Before cooking mung bean vermicelli, it is important to soak it in water for about 15-20 minutes. This will help soften the vermicelli and make it easier to cook. Be careful not to over-soak the vermicelli, as it can become too soft and mushy.
2. Boiling the Vermicelli
Boil a pot of water and add the soaked mung bean vermicelli. Cook the vermicelli for about 2-3 minutes or until it becomes transparent and soft. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture.
3. Seasoning the Vermicelli
Once the vermicelli is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. You can then season the vermicelli with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Common seasonings include soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, and diced vegetables.
Tip: You can also stir-fry the cooked vermicelli with vegetables and protein of your choice, such as tofu or shrimp, for a more substantial meal.
4. Serving the Vermicelli
Mung bean vermicelli can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or used as a base for salads, stir-fries, or soups. Garnish with fresh herbs, chopped peanuts, or lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Remember, mung bean vermicelli is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in various ways, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings and techniques to suit your taste.
FAQ
What is mung bean vermicelli?
Mung bean vermicelli is a type of noodle made from mung bean starch. It is thin, transparent, and has a slippery texture when cooked.
Where can I buy mung bean vermicelli?
Mung bean vermicelli is commonly available in Asian grocery stores. You can also find it in some larger supermarkets or purchase it online.
How do I cook mung bean vermicelli?
To cook mung bean vermicelli, first, soak the noodles in hot water for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, drain the water and rinse the noodles with cold water. Finally, you can add the vermicelli to soups, stir-fries, or salads, and cook them according to the recipe.
Can I store cooked mung bean vermicelli?
Yes, you can store cooked mung bean vermicelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked vermicelli in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.