Asian noodles have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavours, and can be prepared in countless ways, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
But are Asian noodles healthy? Learn more about Asian noodles and discover how they are prepared, their nutritional information and the popular dishes they are used in.
Asian noodles can be made from a variety of ingredients depending on the type of noodle. Here are some common ingredients used to make Asian noodles:
Wheat flour: Chinese wheat noodles and Japanese udon noodles.
Rice flour: Thai rice noodles and Vietnamese rice vermicelli.
Buckwheat flour: Japanese soba noodles
Mung bean starch: glass noodles, which are translucent and often used in Korean and Chinese cuisine
Sweet potato starch: Korean sweet potato noodles, also known as dangmyeon or glass noodles.
Tapioca starch: Vietnamese bánh phở noodles, which are used in phở soup.
Egg
This largely depends on the type of noodle and how it's prepared. Some types of Asian noodles, such as soba and udon noodles made from whole grains, can provide a good source of fibre and nutrients. However, other types of noodles, like ramen and rice noodles, may be less nutritious and higher in carbohydrates.
In addition to the type of noodle, the way it's prepared also affects its healthiness. Fried noodles or dishes that are high in sodium, sugar or unhealthy fats can negate any potential health benefits.
The primary nutrients present in a single cup of rice noodles are listed below:
Calories
A single bowl of cooked rice noodles (176 grams) constitutes about 190 calories. It makes the food calorie-dense. As a result, a single bowl can pack enough calories, and you should be careful about the proportions you consume as it generates more energy than some other food types.
Protein
A single bowl of rice noodles contains about 3.2 grams of protein. Protein is essential for the healthy development of the body. Since noodles pair well with all forms of meat, a healthy meal made of rice noodles is often an excellent source of protein to help with overall well-being and body growth. Such a meal is a star in most Asian restaurants in Brisbane.
Fat
Rice noodles have about 0.4 grams of fat, which is lower than most foods. Foods rich in fat can be unhealthy when consumed without proper monitoring. Rice noodles contain very few amounts of fat and are suitable for many kinds of diets, including gluten-free diets.
Carb
A bowl of rice noodles contains about 42.2 grams of carbohydrates. Carbs form the basis of the energy in our body. Rice noodles are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and are beneficial foods to include in your diet. They compare equally with other forms of pasta in terms of carbohydrate content.
Fibre
Rice noodles contain about 1.8 grams of fibre per bowl. This level is considerably lower, but they can be paired with fibre-heavy produce like carrots and bok choy, as done popularly in Asian fusion cuisine, to form a well-balanced meal that constitutes all the essential nutrients.
Asian noodles are a versatile ingredient used in many delicious Asian dishes. From savoury soups to stir-fries and cold salads, there are countless ways to enjoy the unique textures and flavours of different types of Asian noodles.
Veggie Stir-Fried Noodles
Veggie noodles are made with fresh noodles, which are stir-fried with seasonal vegetables. Bean sprout is used in addition to these vegetables to add more nutrition to the meal. The flavours from the shallow-fried vegetables seep into the noodles, making it an irresistible dish that will leave you craving for more.
Veggie Spring Rolls
This is a popular dish found in many Asian restaurants in Brisbane. The rolls are filled with vermicelli noodles, shredded cabbage, carrots and black fungi. Veggie spring rolls offer a crunchy exterior that is made by frying them, and they are served with sweet and sour sauces to bring in a tangy taste.
Pad Thai Chicken and Prawns
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that typically consists of stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu and a protein, such as shrimp, chicken or beef. It's usually flavoured with a combination of fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar and chilli pepper, and is often garnished with bean sprouts, chopped peanuts and a wedge of lime.
Ramen
You will find ramen in many Asian restaurants in Brisbane. This Japanese noodle soup dish is often made with wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. The broth is usually flavoured with soy sauce, miso or salt, and is often topped with a variety of ingredients, such as sliced pork, seaweed, bamboo shoots and scallions.
Ramen noodles are made from wheat flour, salt and water, and are often chewier and thicker than other types of noodles. The noodles are usually boiled separately and then added to the soup just before serving, so they maintain their texture and don't become soggy.
Phở
Phở, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, is typically made with a flavourful beef or chicken broth, flat rice noodles and various toppings, such as thinly sliced beef or chicken, scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts and lime wedges.
The broth for phở is typically simmered for several hours with a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, such as star anise, cinnamon and cloves. These herbs and spices infuse the broth with a complex and fragrant flavour. The rice noodles used in phở are soft and chewy, providing a satisfying texture to the soup.
Phở is often served with additional garnishes such as basil leaves, sliced jalapeño peppers and hoisin sauce.
Wagyu Beef Ho Fun
This is another classic dish found in Asian restaurants in Brisbane. Wagyu Beef Ho Fun is a dish that combines Japanese Wagyu beef with Chinese ho fun noodles. Ho fun noodles are wide, flat rice noodles that are commonly used in Cantonese cuisine.
In this dish, the ho fun noodles are stir-fried with thinly sliced Wagyu beef, scallions and bean sprouts in a savoury sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce and other seasonings. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that's both rich in flavour and satisfying in texture.
Mr Wabi is your one-stop destination for all your Asian fusion cravings. We bring incredible flavours from Asia and make them palatable for the Australian palette to come up with a mouth-watering range of dishes. Our commitment to excellence and your satisfaction drives us to create outstanding dishes bursting with delicious flavours that will satisfy your taste buds.
Experience the bold and unique flavours of Asian fusion cuisine at Mr. Wabi. Visit us today.
