Quick Answer
Cooked rice noodles will keep for 3-5 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. The shelf life depends on ingredients and how they’re handled. Fresh rice noodles last only a couple days.
How Long Do Cooked Rice Noodles Last In The Fridge?
The shelf life of cooked rice noodles depends on a few factors:
Ingredients
Fresh rice noodles have a shorter shelf life than dried ones. Fresh noodles last only a couple days because they have higher moisture content. Dried rice noodles can keep for 3-5 days when cooked.
Food Safety & Handling
Proper food safety and storage impacts shelf life. Contamination risks shorten fridge life. Minimize this by:
– Cooking noodles thoroughly
– Transferring to airtight container once cooled
– Refrigerating immediately after cooking
– Avoiding cross-contamination
Storage Container
An airtight container is ideal for refrigerating rice noodles. It prevents drying out and contains food odors. Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best.
Fridge Temperature
A consistent fridge temp of 40°F or below maximizes shelf life. Higher temps accelerate spoilage. Store noodles towards the back where temp is coolest.
How To Tell If Cooked Rice Noodles Are Bad
Watch for these signs that refrigerated rice noodles have spoiled:
– Mold growth
-Slimy or sticky texture
– Noticeable sour smell
– Change in color
– Dry, stiff, or crunchy noodles
If you see any of these, err on the side of caution and throw noodles away. Don’t taste test questionable noodles.
How To Store Cooked Rice Noodles
Follow proper storage methods to get the most fridge life out of cooked rice noodles:
Let Cool Completely
Rice noodles should be completely cooled to room temp before refrigerating. Hot food raises fridge temp and can shorten shelf life.
Portion Into Containers
Divide noodles into individual or family-sized containers. This prevents contamination each time you open the fridge.
Use Airtight Containers
Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids block air flow to keep noodles fresher longer.
Refrigerate Promptly
Refrigerate rice noodles within 1-2 hours of cooking. The sooner they chill, the longer they’ll keep.
Label & Date Containers
Mark containers with contents and date. This lets you track fridge life for best quality and safety.
Locate In Coldest Part Of Fridge
Store rice noodles in the back of the fridge, away from the door where temperature fluctuates.
Cooked Rice Noodle Fridge Life Chart
| Rice Noodle Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh rice noodles | 2-3 days |
| Dried rice sticks | 3-5 days |
| Dried rice vermicelli | 3-5 days |
| Dried bean thread noodles | 3-5 days |
As shown, fresh rice noodles have the shortest fridge shelf life at just 2-3 days. Dried varieties can keep for 3-5 days when handled properly.
How To Use Up Leftover Rice Noodles
To use up cooked rice noodles within their fridge life, try these tasty options:
Rice Noodle Salad
Toss cold noodles with veggies, protein, and dressing for an easy rice noodle salad.
Stir Fry
Revive refrigerated rice noodles with a quick stir frying. Add veggies, proteins, and sauce.
Soup
Add leftover rice noodles to bone broth or veggie soup for extra body and texture.
Fried Rice
Chop up cold noodles and add to fried rice with veggies and proteins for an Asian twist.
Curry, Stew or Chili
Mix bite-size rice noodle pieces into your favorite curries, stews, or chilis. They’ll soak up the delicious sauce.
How Long Do Rice Noodles Last In The Freezer?
Properly frozen, rice noodles can last 6-12 months in the freezer. To freeze:
1. Portion noodles into airtight bags or containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
2. Label with contents and freeze-by date.
3. Freeze immediately after cooking.
4. Store at 0°F or colder for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using frozen rice noodles. Don’t re-freeze after thawing.
How To Cook Rice Noodles
Both fresh and dried rice noodles require hydrating in water before they’re ready to eat. Here are cooking methods for each type:
Fresh Rice Noodles
– Soak fresh noodles briefly in hot water just until pliable, about 1 minute.
– Boil for no more than 1-2 minutes until heated through.
– Do not overcook or noodles will get mushy.
Dried Rice Noodles
– Soak thinner dried noodles in hot water for 5-15 minutes until softened.
– Soak thicker rice sticks for 15-30 minutes.
– Once hydrated, they’re ready to eat or cook further.
– Boil reconstituted dried noodles no more than 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Common Types of Rice Noodles
There are many varieties of Asian rice noodles. Popular types include:
Rice Sticks
Thick, chewy cylindrical noodles often used in soups or stir fries. Sold fresh or dried.
Rice Vermicelli
Thin noodles that cook quickly. Sometimes labeled “rice stick noodles.”
Cellophane Noodles
Translucent noodles made from mung bean starch, cassava, or other starches. Sold dried.
Rice Paper Sheets
These edible rounds are soaked briefly in water to soften them before using. Available dried.
Shirataki Noodles
Made of konjac yam flour. Very low calorie and sold refrigerated or dried.
There are also wide, flat fresh rice noodles often used in pad Thai or rice noodle rolls.
Are Rice Noodles Healthy?
Rice noodles can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Benefits include:
– Gluten free – Safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
– Low fat – Much lower in fat compared to wheat pasta
– High carb – Mainly carbohydrates from rice flour
– Low protein – Minimal protein per serving
– Low fiber – Lack the fiber of whole grain wheat noodles
– Low nutrients – Not a significant source of vitamins and minerals
Balance rice noodles with plenty of veggies, proteins, healthy fats, and high fiber foods. Watch portion sizes as rice noodles can spike blood sugar.
Do Rice Noodles Have Calories?
Yes, rice noodles contain calories mainly from carbohydrates. Here are calorie counts* for common cooked rice noodles per 1 cup serving:
– Rice sticks: 200 calories
– Rice vermicelli: 220 calories
– Bean thread noodles: 175 calories
– Rice paper sheets: 80 calories
– Shirataki noodles: 10 calories
*Variations depend on specific brands. Check labels for nutritional facts.
Rice noodles are higher in calories than zucchini or other vegetable noodles. But they contain less calories than an equal portion of wheat pasta.
Do Rice Noodles Have Protein?
Rice noodles have very minimal protein content. A 1 cup serving of cooked rice noodles contains approximately:
– Rice sticks: 2-3g protein
– Rice vermicelli: 3-4g protein
– Bean thread noodles: 3g protein
– Rice paper: 1g protein
– Shirataki noodles: 2g protein
The protein lacks completeness, meaning it does not contain all the essential amino acids required in our diet. Pair rice noodles with plant or animal proteins to get a balanced amino acid profile.
Do Rice Noodles Have Gluten?
No, rice noodles are naturally gluten-free. They are made from rice flour rather than wheat. This makes them safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Always check labels and watch for cross-contamination in processing though. Some brands add gluten containing ingredients like wheat starch. Look for verified gluten-free options if gluten is a concern.
Do Rice Noodles Have Fiber?
Rice noodles lack the fiber of whole grain wheat pastas. A 1 cup serving contains:
– Rice sticks: 0.5g fiber
– Rice vermicelli: 0.5g fiber
– Bean thread noodles: 1g fiber
– Rice paper: 0.5g fiber
– Shirataki noodles: 3g fiber
The fiber in rice noodles comes only from the rice bran. There’s no wheat germ as found in whole wheat noodles. Enjoy rice noodles along with fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
Do Rice Noodles Have Carbs?
Yes, rice noodles are high in carbohydrates. A 1 cup serving of cooked rice noodles has around:
– 35-45g total carbohydrates
– 2-3g fiber
– 32-42g net carbs
The carbs come from starch in the rice flour. Be mindful of portions as rice noodles can spike blood sugar. Combine with protein and healthy fats to balance the glycemic impact.
Conclusion
Cooked rice noodles can keep 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers. Fresh rice noodles last just 2-3 days. Proper food handling and an adequately cold fridge temperature maximize shelf life. Check noodles for mold, odors, or other signs of spoilage before consuming. Use up leftovers within their fridge life in soups, stir fries, fried rice, and other dishes. For longer storage, freeze rice noodles for 6-12 months. When ready to eat, boil fresh rice noodles 1-2 minutes. Soak dried noodles in hot water until softened before cooking. Rice noodles make a tasty gluten-free pasta swap but lack protein and fiber, so enjoy in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
