There are several different types of noodles commonly used in cooking. Two of the most popular types are egg noodles and rice noodles. While they can seem similar, they each offer unique benefits that make them better suited for different cooking styles and dishes. We explore the difference between egg and rice noodles and which is best for your next dish.
Egg Noodle Ingredients vs Rice Noodle Ingredients
The most obvious difference between egg noodles and rice noodles is the main ingredient of each. Egg noodles are usually made from eggs and wheat flour. Rice noodles are made using rice flour and water.
As such, egg noodles are not suitable for those who are coeliac or gluten intolerant, as they contain wheat flour. Rice noodles, however, are safe to eat for those with gluten allergies.
Egg noodles are also not vegan, as they contain eggs. Rice noodles are suitable for vegans.
Egg Noodle Texture vs Rice Noodle Texture
Egg noodles and rice noodles also differ in terms of texture and consistency. Once cooked, egg noodles tend to be soft and tender, with a slightly chewy texture to them.
Rice noodles are much thinner than egg noodles, offering a more delicate texture. As such, you have to be careful when cooking rice noodles, as overcooking them can make them turn to mush.
Egg Noodle Cooking Time vs Rice Noodle Cooking Time
When cooking your noodles, the time it takes to cook will depend on the type of noodles you are using. The specific cooking instructions will vary depending on the brand of noodle you have purchased, but as a general example, egg noodles should be simmered in boiling water for 4-5 minutes. Egg noodles will have a golden yellow colour to them.
Conversely, rice noodles generally don’t need to be simmered; instead, they should be placed in a bowl of boiling water and left to soak for 3 minutes. Rice noodles are transparent before cooking, and become white once cooked.
The noodles should then be drained and added to your dish or stir-fry pan.
Egg Noodle Taste vs Rice Noodle Taste
Egg noodles and rice noodles have different tastes, meaning that the type of noodle you choose for your dish can have an impact on its flavour.
Egg noodles have a slightly salty and savoury flavour, while rice noodles are more neutral in flavour.
Therefore, rice noodles are a good choice for dishes where you want the flavours of the other ingredients to stand out, like soups, while egg noodles are better suited for dishes where you want the noodles to contribute to the overall flavour of the dish.
Egg Noodle Dishes vs Rice Noodle Dishes
Egg noodles are a versatile ingredient and are commonly used in dishes like lo mein, chow mein and beef and broccoli noodles. Rice noodles are used for dishes like pad Thai, pho, and noodle salad.
Egg Noodle Nutrition vs Rice Noodle Nutrition
Both egg noodles and rice noodles are relatively low in calories and fat, and they are both good sources of carbohydrates. An average portion of medium egg noodles contains 206 calories and 1.2g of fat. An average portion of rice noodles contains 162 calories and 0g of fat.
Egg noodles do contain a slightly higher amount of protein than rice noodles, which makes them a good choice for people looking to increase their protein intake.
Rice noodles, on the other hand, are generally lower in calories and have a lower glycemic index, which means they are absorbed by the body slower, making them a better choice for people with diabetes or blood sugar concerns.
Rice noodles and egg noodles are both great choices for cooking Asian dishes. Both types should be pantry staples if you are serious about creating authentic Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine. Browse our full selection of noodles online at Oriental Mart, including egg and rice noodles.
Written By:
Sara Yang
Sara is based in the UK but loves nothing more than creating and sampling dishes from all around the world. Her favourite is Asian cuisine and she hopes to inspire more people in the UK to try authentic East Asian dishes.
