What are the differences and comparison between egg noodles vs rice noodles? Both these recipes are stars of Asian cuisine and can be remarkably similar. They’re the ultimate comfort food, but their popularity also comes from their relative versatility and deliciousness.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these noodles work and the differences between egg noodles and rice noodles.
Egg Noodle vs Rice Noodle – Key Points
The Preparation Is The Biggest Difference Between Egg Noodle And Rice Noodle
As their name suggests, both these famous recipes have something to work with as primary ingredients. And that’s exactly what marks the biggest difference between the two.
Rice noodles depend on rice flour. Water is added to rice flour and it’s kneaded. Once this dough is ready, it’s shaped into noodles and is ready for consumption. It’s possible to dry out these noodles and use them later, or if you prefer, cook them fresh without waiting for them to dry out.
The noodles find their place in various soups, curries, and stir-fries, completing the wonderful recipe of rice noodles. Sometimes, thickeners like cornstarch and tapioca find a place in rice noodles and give the recipe a thicker and fuller appearance.
When using dried rice noodles, they need to be added to water and boiled for a bit. This softens the noodles and prepares them for use in the recipe.
Egg noodles are quite similar in how the recipe works, but the key ingredients change. When preparing egg noodles, wheat flour is mixed with eggs to form the dough. This is then cut into noodle-shape for use in cooking.
As with rice noodles, egg noodles work well with many curries and soups. Starches like cornstarch and tapioca often find use in thickening the recipe and making it appear more appetizing.
Differences In Texture And Taste
As the ingredients change, so do the texture and taste. Rice noodles have more of a neutral flavor, though the mild flavor of rice is clearly evident. This makes them very suitable and versatile for a larger variety of soups and curries. Rice noodles generally have a chewier texture as compared to egg noodles.
On account of being a mix of wheat flour and egg, the egg noodles feel more filling and have a more distinct taste as compared to rice noodles. While these noodles are chewy, they’re usually not as chewy as rice noodles.
FAQ And Related Questions
Are Egg Noodles Healthier Than Rice?
It would be difficult to put one style of these noodles over the other, though they each clearly have their benefits. Egg noodles, thanks to the presence of eggs, have a good amount of protein, something that’s not in as much abundance in rice noodles.
Overall, egg noodles have a good amount of protein, are lower in cholesterol and carbs, and offer 221 calories per cup. Rice noodles lack protein, have a fair bit of fat and carbs, and clock 192 calories per cup.
It’s worth noting that rice noodles are gluten-free, while egg noodles contain gluten due to the presence of wheat.
What Do Rice Noodles Taste Like?
By themselves, rice noodles are fairly neutral in taste, with the mild taste of rice taking prominence. Since the overall flavor is so mild, these noodles go fabulously with a variety of curries and soups, making them all the more versatile.
Are Egg Noodles Easy To Digest?
Egg noodles, especially those made from whole wheat, can take some time to digest. This is because of fibers, which slow digestion. However, the presence of fibers is a good thing and has several benefits. Although, it also means that the food won’t be easy to digest.
Are Rice Noodles Good For Diabetics?
Diabetics should be careful when consuming rice noodles. They have a high amount of carbs, which may not suit diabetics. Technically speaking, the presence of unprocessed carbohydrates can be somewhat beneficial for diabetics. That said, eating a large amount of rice noodles may not offer any benefits and could be detrimental.
Another way to look at it is through the Glycemic Index (GI). Rice noodles have a GI of 53, which is about the same as sugar. Eating these will cause an increase in blood sugar levels, so it’s best for diabetics to exercise caution.
The Bottom Line
Though they may often look similar, as we see there are clear distinctions in the egg noodle vs rice noodle comparison. These noodles differ in taste and texture, while also utilizing entirely different key ingredients. Yet, they are quite amazing in taste and worth every bite of enjoyment!