Vermicelli, a seemingly mundane but much-loved ingredient, is a tasty companion to a great dish because of the ease with which it can adsorb the rich flavor of a sauce. If you'd like to make vermicelli shine at your table, follow our guide to unlocking its endless possibilities.
Preparation: Soaking is key
First, be sure to soak the vermicelli in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or until they are soft. This step is crucial as it allows the noodles to absorb the water thoroughly and swell up, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Choosing a sauce: a versatile option
Vermicelli can be paired with a variety of sauces, from rich gravies to refreshing vegetable broths, to create an appetizing collision of flavors. Here are some recommendations for classic sauces:
Braised pork sauce: soy sauce, cooking wine, sugar, dark soy sauce, ginger and scallions, perfect with braised pork and pancetta.
Spicy Sauce: bean paste, pepper powder, chili powder, green onion, ginger, spicy, perfect for boiled beef, boiled fish, etc.
Clear Soup Sauce: chicken soup, bone broth, vegetable stock, seasoned with salt and pepper, light and fresh, suitable for green vegetable vermicelli soup, etc.
Cooking tips: smooth and refreshing
When cooking vermicelli in a pot, pay attention to the following tips to make the vermicelli more smooth and refreshing:
Hot water in the pot: when the water boils, put in the vermicelli, to avoid the water temperature is too low resulting in sticking to the pot.
Batch cooking: Don't pour all the vermicelli into the pot at once to avoid sticking.
Stir well: While cooking the vermicelli, keep stirring with chopsticks or spatula to prevent sticking or blurring.
Cook until cooked through: Cook the vermicelli until transparent and it is soft and tender to bite, but do not overcook it to avoid losing the crispness.
Creative collocation: multiple delicious
In addition to the traditional sauce vermicelli, you may want to try some creative collocation, to enjoy the vermicelli of a variety of flavors:
Cold Vermicelli: add shredded cucumber, shredded carrots, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and drizzled with hot and sour sauce, cool and refreshing.
Dry-fried vermicelli: fry vermicelli until crispy, add shredded meat, shredded vegetables, shredded chili and stir-fry, crispy and delicious.
Vermicelli hot pot: add vermicelli to the hot pot soup base and cook until it becomes flavorful and absorbs the essence of the soup, making it soft and sticky.
Scrambled Eggs with Vermicelli: Beat the eggs and scramble them until they are tender, then add the cooked vermicelli and stir-fry well, it's simple, fast and delicious.
Summary: the wonderful use of vermicelli
By soaking, with different sauces, mastering the cooking skills, and supplemented with creative combinations, you can make vermicelli transformed into the main character of the table. From hot soup pots to cool gazpacho, from crispy snacks to hearty main dishes, there are endless uses for vermicelli waiting to be explored. Grab the ingredients in your hand and start your delicious journey of vermicelli!