Yes, it is recommended to add a small amount of salt when cooking rice noodles.
While rice noodles are not particularly fond of salt, adding a pinch or two to the cooking water can enhance their flavor, especially when they will be combined with other savory ingredients.
Here's a table summarizing the recommendation:
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Salt Quantity | A pinch or two |
| Purpose | Enhance flavor |
| Consideration | Rice noodles don't need much salt; be mindful. |
Why Add Salt?
Adding salt to the water when cooking any type of noodles serves a few purposes:
- Flavor Enhancement: The primary reason is to subtly season the noodles. While the noodles themselves might not absorb a great deal of salt, the small amount helps to enhance their overall taste, making them more flavorful when combined with sauces and other ingredients.
- Balancing Flavors: When you add noodles to a dish, they can sometimes taste bland if not salted. A little salt in the cooking water helps ensure that the noodles contribute to, rather than detract from, the overall flavor profile of your meal.
How Much Salt?
As stated in the reference, be very conservative with the salt when cooking rice noodles.
- Start Small: Begin with a pinch or two per pot of water.
- Taste as You Go: If possible, taste the noodles once they are cooked (before combining with other ingredients) to make sure the amount of salt is right.
- Adjust Accordingly: If you're planning on a very salty sauce, you may want to use even less salt in the noodle water.
Practical Tips
- Type of Salt: Any type of salt will do. Regular table salt, sea salt, or kosher salt will work just fine.
- Dissolve Properly: Make sure the salt is fully dissolved in the water before you add the rice noodles.
- Consider the Sauce: The amount of salt you add depends on the sauce you will be using. A sauce that is already salty means you will use less in the water.
