Bean Thread Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious Meatless Meals

Bean thread noodles, also known as glass noodles or cellophane noodles, are a versatile and delicious ingredient commonly used in many Asian cuisines. Their translucent texture and ability to absorb flavors make them perfect for vegetarian dishes that burst with taste and nutrition.

Whether you’re looking for a light salad, a warming soup, or a flavorful stir-fry, bean thread noodles add a delightful chewiness and a touch of elegance to your meals. These noodles are naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.

Plus, they cook quickly, so you can whip up a satisfying vegetarian dish in no time!

In this blog post, we’ll explore three fantastic vegetarian bean thread recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with vibrant veggies and fresh herbs. From a zesty Thai-inspired salad to a comforting mushroom stir-fry, these recipes will become staples in your kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just dabbling in plant-based meals, these bean thread recipes offer a delicious way to enjoy wholesome, meat-free dining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bean thread noodles are prized for their unique texture and ability to soak up flavors, making vegetarian dishes bursting with taste while maintaining a light and refreshing quality. These recipes are perfect for anyone seeking gluten-free, low-fat options without sacrificing flavor.

Each dish is loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and simple pantry staples, bringing wholesome nutrition and vibrant colors to your plate. Plus, with quick cooking times and straightforward instructions, these recipes are ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a stunning salad or crave a cozy bowl of noodles, these bean thread recipes offer a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Bean thread noodles (also called glass noodles) – 100 grams per recipe
• Fresh vegetables: carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms, snap peas
• Herbs: cilantro, Thai basil, mint
• Aromatics: garlic, ginger, green onions
• Sauces: soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce
• Other flavorings: lime juice, chili flakes or fresh chilies, toasted sesame seeds
• Protein options: firm tofu, edamame, or roasted peanuts (optional for added texture)

Equipment

• Large bowl for soaking noodles
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or wok
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander or strainer
• Salad tongs or chopsticks

Instructions

Recipe 1: Thai-Style Bean Thread Noodle Salad

1. Soak 100 grams of bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Julienne 1 carrot, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 cucumber. Finely chop a handful of fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and mint.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon honey or agave, and a pinch of chili flakes.
4. Toss the noodles with the vegetables and herbs in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
6. Optional: Add ½ cup cooked edamame or roasted peanuts for added protein and crunch.
7. Serve immediately or chill for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Recipe 2: Mushroom and Tofu Bean Thread Stir-Fry

1. Soak 100 grams bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cube 200 grams firm tofu and pat dry. Slice 150 grams mushrooms (shiitake or cremini work well).
3. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger, sauté until fragrant.
5. Add the tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
6. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
7. Stir in soaked noodles, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon water.
8. Toss everything together until noodles are heated through and coated with sauce.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Recipe 3: Spicy Bean Thread Soup with Vegetables

1. Soak 100 grams bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms, ½ cup sliced carrots, and ½ cup chopped snap peas. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Add noodles, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili paste or fresh chopped chili, and stir well.
6. Simmer for another 2 minutes until noodles are soft and heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Tips & Variations

Always soak bean thread noodles in warm water until fully softened but not mushy—this usually takes around 10 minutes.

Feel free to swap vegetables with whatever you have on hand — spinach, bean sprouts, or zucchini noodles work beautifully.

For extra protein, add baked tofu cubes, chickpeas, or even some roasted nuts.

Adjust the spiciness by adding fresh chilies or chili oil according to your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian bean thread noodles pair wonderfully with fresh spring rolls or crispy vegetable tempura for a complete Asian-inspired meal. You can also serve the salad alongside steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice for added substance.

For a refreshing beverage, try a chilled iced green tea or a sparkling yuzu soda. If you’re in the mood for dessert, consider pairing your meal with something sweet and light, such as a Matcha Bingsu Recipe for a perfect balance.

For more vegetarian-friendly dishes, check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes or explore creative dough ideas with the Magic Dough Recipe.

Conclusion

Bean thread noodles are a wonderful ingredient to keep in your pantry for quick, nutritious, and flavorful vegetarian meals. Their light texture and neutral taste allow them to complement a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and sauces, making them a great base for endless recipe variations.

These three recipes showcase just a few ways you can enjoy bean thread noodles, from fresh salads to warm stir-fries and comforting soups.

By incorporating fresh ingredients and vibrant seasonings, you can create dishes that are not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these vegetarian bean thread dishes will impress with their simplicity and depth of flavor.

Give them a try and enjoy the delightful chewiness and health benefits of bean thread noodles in your next meal!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegetarian Bean Thread Noodle Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry featuring delicate bean thread noodles and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“100g dried bean thread noodles”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 cup sliced bell peppers”, “1 cup shredded carrots”, “1 cup snap peas”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon hoisin sauce”, “1 teaspoon grated ginger”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “1 tablespoon sesame seeds”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until soft, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add drained noodles to the pan and toss with vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; cook for 2 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “34 g”}}