Bean thread noodles, also known as glass noodles or cellophane noodles, are a staple in many Asian cuisines. Their translucent appearance and delicate texture make them a versatile ingredient that absorbs flavors beautifully.
If you’re looking for a light, vegan-friendly dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this bean thread noodles recipe is perfect. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, this recipe offers a wonderful balance of fresh vegetables, savory seasonings, and the unique texture of these noodles.
Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of creating a flavorful vegan bean thread noodles dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. It’s a recipe that’s adaptable, allowing you to customize with your favorite veggies and sauces.
So, let’s dive in and discover why this simple dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan bean thread noodles recipe is a delightful combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Light yet Filling: The noodles are light but the veggies and seasonings make it hearty.
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Highly Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or protein alternatives.
- Flavorful: Absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious.
Ingredients
- 100g bean thread noodles (glass noodles)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan (for soaking and boiling noodles)
- Large frying pan or wok
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Cooking utensils (spatula or wooden spoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Place the bean thread noodles in a large bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes or until soft but slightly chewy. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the sliced shiitake mushrooms, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the drained noodles to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is evenly coated.
- Finish and season: Stir in the sliced spring onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
“To keep the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little sesame oil after draining.”
- Protein Boost: Add tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein. Pan-fry them separately and toss in at the end.
- Spicier Kick: Mix in some chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to spice things up.
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to substitute or add snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli florets.
- Noodle Alternatives: While this recipe shines with bean thread noodles, glass noodles or rice vermicelli can also work.
- Make it a Salad: Chill the noodles after cooking and toss with a light peanut or sesame dressing for a refreshing cold noodle salad.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This bean thread noodles dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or Asian slaw for freshness.
- Pair with steamed edamame or vegan dumplings for a heartier spread.
- Enjoy with a bowl of miso soup or hot and sour soup to complement the flavors.
- For a fusion twist, serve with Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe or try the savory Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan versions available).
Conclusion
Bean thread noodles are a delicious, light, and nutritious base for countless vegan meals. This recipe highlights their delicate texture and ability to soak up vibrant flavors from a simple yet flavorful sauce combined with fresh vegetables.
It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but special enough to impress guests. Plus, its flexibility means you can tweak the ingredients and seasonings to suit your tastes or whatever you have in your pantry.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this bean thread noodles recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes like the Magic Dough Recipe or the delightful Marzipan Challah Recipe to expand your cooking adventures.
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bean Thread Noodles Recipe Vegan
Description: A light and refreshing vegan dish featuring translucent bean thread noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 100g bean thread noodles
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Soak bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until soft, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic.
- Add the drained noodles to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
- Add carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions to the noodles and mix well.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 30 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bean Thread Noodles Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A light and refreshing vegan dish featuring translucent bean thread noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“100g bean thread noodles”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced”, “1 cup shredded cabbage”, “2 green onions, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon rice vinegar”, “1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds”, “Fresh cilantro for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak bean thread noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until soft, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and minced garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add the drained noodles to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions to the noodles and mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30 g”}}