Rice with Vermicelli Noodles Recipe
Rice with vermicelli noodles! A simple, flavorful side dish for any occasion.
Equipment
- Garlic mincer, large saucepan with a lid (a glass lid is preferable for checking water levels), strainer for the rice.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups of rice I used basmati rice
- ½ cup of vermicelli noodles or some other thin rice noodle variety of your choice....
- Salt to taste
- 3 large cloves of garlic
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 2 cups of boiling water with adjustments as needed see recipe notes
Instructions
- Finely mince the garlic, and thoroughly rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, ensuring that your rice grains remain distinct and separate after cooking.
- Heat a pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the vermicelli noodles and stir occasionally until they turn deep golden brown. Be cautious not to let them turn black or burn. Refer to the picture for the desired color.
- Once the vermicelli noodles are golden, transfer them to another plate and set them aside.
- Add another drizzle of olive oil to the pot and sauté the minced garlic. When the garlic turns golden brown (watch out, burnt garlic tastes unpleasant), you can add the rinsed rice to the pot and sauté it briefly.
- Add back the toasted vermicelli noodles, season with salt, and pour in 2 and 1/4 cups of water. Cover the pot. When the water evaporates from the top of the rice and the rice has little holes all over (see the picture for reference), reduce the heat to low.
- Give it a few more minutes, then open the lid and check with a fork to see if there is still water in the bottom of the pot. If there is, cover it again and let it finish evaporating. If there isn't, turn off the heat, close the lid, and leave it for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking.
Video
Notes
Please remember that the required water measurement can fluctuate, influenced by the rate of water evaporation. This rate may be affected by factors like the size and shape of your pot, the intensity of the heat, and the effectiveness of your lid in trapping steam. If your rice is not yet done to your liking, simply add a bit more water, resume cooking for a few additional minutes, and then check for readiness. If you're curious about finding the ideal water ratio, I highly recommend watching an informative video by America's Test Kitchen. It's the most comprehensive resource I've come across, providing a clear explanation of the entire process. After viewing this, you'll have the confidence to make the perfect rice every time!