Name: Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 Cups Short-Medium Grain Rice (Egyptian Rice); 1/2 Cup Broken Vermicelli noodle; 2-3 Tablespoons Canola, Vegetables Oil or Butter; 2 Cups Hot Water (**Check notes); 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt (or to taste)

Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli Noodles

April 17, 2022

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5 from 3 votes

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This classic Egyptian rice with vermicelli noodles is a staple in my home, and it is the best side dish for many middle eastern dishes. It is delicious, vegan, and easy to make with simple ingredients.

A pot with white rice and vermicelli noodles

What is vermicelli noodle?

Vermicelli pasta is usually made of refined flour; it’s thinner than noodles but has the same appearance. Vermicelli doesn’t pack any flavor but soaks up the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with. It can be used in multiple ways to make savory and sweet dishes, such as rice and desserts. It is very popular in the Middle East, and I have learned that it’s also popular in other parts of Asia and Latin America! Check out my Easy Meatball Vermicelli Soup recipe.

What is Egyptian Vermicelli Rice?

The Egyptian vermicelli rice is basically a rice pilaf made of white short to medium grain rice, toasted vermicelli noodles, canola, vegetable oil or butter, and salt for seasoning. It’s also can be made with long grain or basmati rice. It is the perfect side dish for many middle eastern dishes (stews or grilled food).

Ingredients:

Rice: white short to medium grain rice. Soaked and drained; to remove the excess starch from the rice to avoid sticky rice.
Vermicelli: adds a nice appeal and color to the rice and a little flavor. Toast the vermicelli to get a golden brown (if it turns into very dark brown or burnt throw them away and start over)
Sea Salt: for seasoning.
Oil: Canola, Vegetable oil, or butter to toast the vermicelli and coat the rice.
Water: the ratio of water to rice is 1:1. But it depends on the type of rice you are using; I am using short-medium grain rice. (for Basmati rice, the ratio is 1:1.5 rice to water).

How to make Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli?

Soaking and rinsing. start with soaking the rice for 10-15 minutes, then rinse a couple of times until the water is clear; this helps to remove the excess starch and avoid sticky, gluey rice, and that allows an even cooking of the rice grains (on the inside & outside) resulting to fluffy rice . (Sometimes, I don’t have the time for soaking, so I just make sure to rinse it well). Then drain well.
Toasting. Heat the oil, then toast the vermicelli until golden brown. Add the drained rice and the salt, then stir until the rice is evenly coated with oil and toasted.
Water. Add the water, stir and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Serve. Turn off the heat and leave it to rest for 10 minutes. Fluff it using a fork and serve.

Important tips:

It is important to wash the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid sticky rice.
Don’t over toast the vermicelli, be careful, or it will turn into dark brown and burn, tasting very bad.
The water to rice ratio depends on the type of rice used, so make sure to read the instruction on the rice’s bag before using.

What to serve with Egyptian Rice?

Literally, anything ?! I love to cook this rice once or twice a week; it is fluffy and delicious. Serve as side rice with many middle eastern dishes such as stew or sauce-based main dishes, etc.

Storage:

Store the leftover in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Before reheating in the microwave or a saucepan, add one tablespoon of water; it will add some steam making the rice fresh again and not dry.

Check Out More Recipes:

Easy Meatball Vermicelli Soup

15 Minutes Spicy Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked Salmon | Easy, Fast And Healthy

Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli Noodles

5 from 3 votes

Recipe by Raneem Course: Side DishesCuisine: Egyptian, Middle EasternDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

319

kcal

Total time

minutes

This classic Egyptian Rice with Vermicelli noodles is a staple in my home, and it is the best side dish for many middle eastern dishes. It is delicious, vegan, and easy to make with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

2 Cups 2 Short-Medium Grain Rice (Egyptian Rice)
1/2 Cup 1/2 Broken Vermicelli noodle
2-3 Tablespoons 2-3 Canola, Vegetables Oil or Butter
2 Cups 2 Hot Water (**Check notes)
1 Tablespoon 1 Sea Salt (or to taste)

Directions

Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes, then rinse a couple of times until the water is clear. Drain well.
Heat the oil in a medium cooking pot over medium-high heat. Add the vermicelli and continuously stir for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown. Once toasted, add the drained rice and stir for 2 minutes until the rice is evenly coated with oil. Season with salt.
Add the hot water, stir, and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and leave the rice to rest for 10 minutes. Fluff it using a fork and serve.

Recipe Video

Notes

** The water to rice ratio depends on the type of rice used, so make sure to read the instruction on the rice’s bag before using.
Add 1/4 cup hot water to the rice if it was not fully cooked and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Don’t over toast the vermicelli, or it will turn into dark brown and burn, tasting very bad. Throw them away and start over.
It is important to wash the rice before cooking to avoid any excess starch in the rice to avoid sticky rice.
If you can’t find vermicelli pasta, you can use cappellini (thinner than spaghetti); just break it up with your hand into smaller pieces.