Chinese vermicelli, also called bean threads, cellophane noodles, and mung bean noodles are made from mung bean starch. There is also a type of rice noodle called rice vermicelli. Like their Italian namesake, they are thin noodles. The bean thread noodles are easy to cook with: simply soak in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
Chinese vermicelli noodles can be used in a variety of ways: stir-fries, salads, and soups, to name a few. You can even substitute bean threads for lo mein noodles. We have only one recipe so far that calls for Chinese vermicelli, Jing’s Enoki Mushrooms with Garlic and Vermicelli. However, I have also used them as a substitute for alkali noodles in her Home-style Fried Noodles recipe for a decidedly different texture.
Where to buy Chinese vermicelli
You can find mung bean vermicelli in Asian groceries, or in the Asian section of larger grocery stores. They may be sold as Mung Bean Noodles, Cellophane Noodles, Bean Threads, or Vermicelli.
Yami Buy is a good online source for vermicelli.
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