Glass Noodle Recipe

Ready to be captivated by the allure of glass noodles? This simple yet delicious glass noodle recipe is made with a rainbow of colorful vegetables, and a very easy three-ingredient sauce made from ingredients you already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or for meal prep—as glass noodles reheat beautifully.

If you love glass noodles, you’ve got to try this veggie-packed glass noodle soup recipe and this one pot glass noodle casserole with dumplings!

Table of Contents

Why You Must Try These Delicious Noodles

Slurps Up Every Drop of Sauce. They soak up every bit of the sauce, so every bite is super tasty.
Surprisingly Filling. Even though the noodles look light and delicate, they make a satisfying meal.
Better Than Takeout. You get all the bold flavors you crave without waiting for delivery.
Perfect for Cleaning Out the Fridge. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables before they go to waste.
Delicious Hot or Cold. Serve it fresh from the pan for a cozy meal, or chill it for a refreshing noodle salad.

Glass noodles dish with tofu and veggies with utensils.

Key Ingredients, Swaps and Substitutions

Here are some key ingredients, swaps, and substitutions to make this recipe uniquely yours:

Key ingredients for a glass noodle recipe with labels.

Noodles – Can’t find glass noodles? Rice noodles (as listed in this healthy noodles guide) or vermicelli (like in this Thai vermicelli noodle soup) make excellent alternatives with a similar texture and taste.
Tofu – Swap tofu for tempeh or chickpeas for a different protein experience. Both absorb flavors well and add hearty texture.
Vegetables – Use any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn can add wonderful variety and crunch.
Soy Sauce – Opt for tamari (or coconut aminos) to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Sweetness – Replace sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a hint of natural sweetness.
Spices – Fresh ginger can replace ginger powder for a more robust, aromatic flavor. For heat lovers, a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can spice things up.
Garnishes – Experiment with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add a new dimension to your dish.

Turn Your Glass Noodles Blue!

Make this dish extra-creative by turning your glass noodles a brilliant blue hue! It’s easy. Just cook them in a pot of shallow water, add a tablespoon of butterfly pea powder at the same time as you add the noodles, and watch them soak up the color and become a beautiful blue.

Blue glass noodles that were cooked with butterfly pea flower powder.

Want to have even more fun with your food? Add a squeeze of lemon over your blue noodles, and watch them turn purple right before your eyes!

How to Make This Glass Noodle Recipe

With just a few steps, you’ll be on your way to a colorful dish that’s equally delicious and fun to make!

Woman adding glass noodles into a pot of boiling water.

Step 1: Make the Glass Noodles – Prepare the glass noodles according to the package instructions. This involves boiling them in a pot of water until cooked. Then rinse with cold water, which will prevent sticking. You may also drizzle lightly with oil to help prevent sticking even more.

Step 2: Prepare the Tofu – Dice your tofu into 1X1-inch pieces.

Step 3: Saute the Tofu and Aromatics – Heat some toasted sesame oil in a large sauté pan. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and crumbled tofu, and cook for a few minutes.

A pan with tofu, snow peas, and other veggies.

Step 4: Toss in the Veggies – Add the diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, corn, snow peas, and sliced cabbage to the pan.

A pan with cubed tofu and red bell pepper.

Step 5: Add the Sauce – Pour in some soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a dash of ginger powder. Stir everything together and continue to cook until the vegetables reach your preferred tenderness.

A pan with tofu and veggies with glass noodles on top.

Step 6: Mix Ingredients Together – Mix in the glass noodles, give everything a quick sauté, then remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

A tofu glass noodle veggie dish with garnish.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy – Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onion and sesame seeds (feel free to toast them, too!) as garnish.

FAQs

What are glass noodles?

Glass noodles, also called cellophane noodles, bean thread noodles, or sweet potato noodles, are a fun and versatile ingredient to cook with. They’re naturally gluten-free and soak up the flavors of sauces, broths, and seasonings, making them perfect for all kinds of dishes.

What are glass noodles made of?

Glass noodles are typically made from starches such as mung bean, potato, sweet potato, or tapioca. These starches give the noodles their translucent appearance and chewy texture when cooked.

How long do you soak glass noodles?

The soaking time for glass noodles depends on their thickness, but generally, they need to be soaked in hot water for about 5 to 15 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Always check the package instructions for the recommended soaking time.

Are glass noodles healthier than pasta?

Glass noodles and pasta differ nutritionally. Glass noodles are lower in calories and carbs, making them a lighter option, while pasta offers more protein and fiber. The healthier choice depends on your dietary needs and preferences.

A bowl of glass noodles with tofu and veggies.

If you make this glass noodle recipe recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love getting your feedback!