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Mung bean vermicelli: how to choose the right glass noodles for your recipes

Mung bean vermicelli has found its place in French kitchens: it cooks quickly, absorbs sauces and works just as well in stir-fries as in soups, Asian salads or hot pot dishes. However, be careful: behind names such as “glass noodles”, “soya vermicelli” and “Asian transparent noodles” are products whose ingredients and uses can vary considerably.

Before you reach the checkout, keep these three pitfalls in mind:

  • Relying solely on their transparency: their translucent appearance does not guarantee that the noodles are made from 100% mung bean. Some products contain mainly potato, pea, maize, tapioca or wheat starch.
  • Confusing plain vermicelli with an instant preparation: instant noodles often come with a seasoning sachet that is high in salt, oil, sugar or flavour enhancers. They are not used in the same way as plain vermicelli.
  • Assuming that a product is gluten-free or vegetarian: depending on the product, the recipe may contain wheat, soya sauce, fish, prawns or flavourings of animal origin. The ingredients list and allergens stated on the packaging remain the only reliable guides.

Criteria to check before buying

1. The actual proportion of mung bean

To achieve a soft, slightly springy texture, start by checking the ingredients. Products such as Double Phoenix Premium Mung Bean Vermicelli state that they contain 100% mung bean starch. Others combine several types of starch. This formula may work perfectly well in a soup or stir-fry, but it will not meet the expectations of anyone looking for vermicelli made primarily from mung bean.

The name Longkou vermicelli refers to a family of Chinese noodles, but does not necessarily guarantee a mung bean-based composition. For example, one 100 g Longkou product lists wheat starch and therefore contains gluten. It is always better to read the label than to rely solely on the product name.

2. Format and preparation time

Individual 40 to 50 g portions are practical for a quick meal, a lunch break or a serving to customise according to your preferences. Instant sachets from Vifon, PHU GIA or MAMA generally take 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water to prepare and already contain stock or a spice blend.

For family use, a 250 to 500 g pack offers greater flexibility. Plain vermicelli is rehydrated in hot water before being added to a soup, stir-fry or salad. Instructions vary from one product to another: some recommend soaking for 5 to 15 minutes, followed by a short cooking time of 2 to 3 minutes. The 1 kg format is more suitable for larger families, regular users or catering businesses.

3. Allergens and seasoning recipe

Plain mung bean vermicelli sometimes has a short ingredients list consisting only of mung bean starch and water. This does not automatically mean that it is suitable for everyone with allergies: you must also check for possible traces and the information provided on the packaging.

Instant versions have a much more elaborate recipe. MAMA Tom Yum Kung contains fish and prawns, among other ingredients. MAMA Yen Ta Fo lists soya, while PHU GIA chicken contains soya and wheat. For a vegetarian diet, it is better to choose a plain product and add your own stock, mushrooms, tofu or vegetables.

Which product should you choose for your needs?

Recommended for : Budget-conscious beginners
Vifon Instant Bean Thread Bamboo Shoot & Pork Flavor 50g

Vifon Instant Bean Thread Bamboo Shoot & Pork Flavor 50g

Why this choice suits this profile : The individual sachet and boiling-water preparation are ideal for discovering instant noodles without committing to a large pack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly distinguish the vermicelli from the soup sachet and specify the presence of salt, flavourings and enhancers. You can therefore check the recipe before buying.

Main benefit and key features

A 50 g portion, quick preparation and bamboo shoots included in the seasoning. Remember to check the date and allergens on the packaging.

Recommended for : Premium enthusiasts
Double Phoenix Premium Mung Bean Vermicelli 300 g

Double Phoenix PREMIUM MUNG BEAN VERMICELLI 300 g

Why this choice suits this profile : With a composition stated as 100% mung bean starch, this product is ideal for cooks who want a plain base and complete control over the seasoning.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The absence of a flavour sachet prevents plain vermicelli from being confused with a heavily seasoned instant meal.

Main benefit and key features

A 300 g format, translucent texture and multiple uses: salad, soup, stir-fry or frying, according to the product details.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users
MONT ASIE Mung Bean Vermicelli Cut 1kg

MONT ASIE Mung Bean Vermicelli (Cut) 1kg

Why this choice suits this profile : Its large pack size and pre-cut vermicelli meet the needs of families, regular hot pot users and Asian catering professionals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The total weight is clearly stated, and the instructions distinguish between soaking for 5 to 7 minutes and the short cooking time.

Main benefit and key features

A 1 kg format, pre-cut noodles and a composition based on pea and maize starch, with 10% mung bean.

Preparing and storing glass noodles

For stir-fried noodles, soak them until they become soft, then drain them before adding them towards the end of cooking. This helps prevent them from breaking down. In a soup, you can sometimes add them directly to the stock, depending on the manufacturer's instructions. For an Asian salad, rinse them in cold water after cooking, then mix them with vegetables, herbs and a dressing prepared separately.

Store dry vermicelli in a cool, dry place away from moisture. After opening, reseal the sachet carefully or transfer its contents to an airtight container. Instant products should be eaten immediately after preparation. As for the “gluten-free” claim, it should only be relied upon if it is clearly stated on the label or confirmed by the ingredients and regulatory information.

Looking for more options ?

We have selected a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these demanding criteria, as well as European food safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about mung bean vermicelli

Is mung bean vermicelli gluten-free ?

Not necessarily. Products made from mung bean starch and water may be suitable for a gluten-free diet, subject to the labelling and the absence of any stated traces. Other products contain wheat or are made with ingredients associated with gluten. Always check the packaging before eating them.

How long should soya vermicelli be cooked for ?

It depends on their thickness and the recipe. Soaking in hot water may take between 5 and 15 minutes, followed by a cooking time of 2 to 3 minutes, which is generally sufficient. Instant mung bean noodles usually require 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water. In all cases, the instructions printed on the pack take precedence.

Can these vermicelli be used for hot pot ?

Yes. Hot pot vermicelli is generally added towards the end of cooking, after being rehydrated if necessary. It absorbs the stock, but cooking it for too long can make it excessively soft. For a meal to share, the bulk format makes it easy to adjust the quantity to the number of guests.