Bee Hoon, or rice vermicelli, is a beloved staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Traditionally served in savory broths, stir-fries, or as a side dish, it’s a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors and textures. While Bee Hoon is often made with meat, there are plenty of vegetarian Bee Hoon recipes that are equally satisfying and full of flavor.
If you’re looking for a meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, these 10 vegetarian Bee Hoon variations will surely inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. From vibrant vegetable-packed stir-fries to comforting broths, these recipes are perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Classic Vegetarian Bee Hoon Stir-Fry
The Classic Vegetarian Bee Hoon Stir-Fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that highlights the delicate texture of rice vermicelli. The key to this dish is the stir-frying technique, which ensures that the bee hoon remains light and fluffy while absorbing all the rich, savory flavors of the vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spring onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the bee hoon in warm water for 5-10 minutes until soft, then drain.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Add the bee hoon, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve immediately.
Why Try It? This recipe is quick, light, and full of fresh vegetables, making it an excellent option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Vegetarian Bee Hoon Soup
For a lighter and more comforting dish, the Vegetarian Bee Hoon Soup is a perfect choice. The soup’s broth can be flavored with shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce, creating a rich, aromatic base without the need for any meat.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 2 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated and sliced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- Spring onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes, then slice them thinly.
- In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes to extract the flavors.
- Add the baby spinach and bee hoon, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.
Why Try It? This soup is both soothing and hearty, making it perfect for a cozy meal or when you’re in need of something light yet filling.
Spicy Vegetarian Bee Hoon
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Spicy Vegetarian Bee Hoon is a perfect choice. By incorporating a flavorful chili paste and a blend of spices, this dish offers a deliciously fiery twist on the classic bee hoon recipe.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 2 tbsp chili paste (or sambal oelek)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cup baby corn, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the bee hoon in warm water for 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok, then add onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the chili paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring well to coat the onions in the sauce.
- Add the carrot, baby corn, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in the bee hoon and cook until well coated in the spicy sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Why Try It? If you’re a fan of spicy food, this recipe offers the perfect blend of heat and flavor, with plenty of crunch from the vegetables.
Curry Vegetarian Bee Hoon
If you’re craving something rich and creamy, the Curry Vegetarian Bee Hoon is a wonderful choice. With a fragrant, coconut milk-based curry sauce, this dish is comforting and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 1 can coconut milk (400ml)
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the bee hoon in warm water until soft, then drain.
- Heat a pan and sauté onion until soft, then add curry powder and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the carrot, zucchini, and peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the bee hoon to the curry sauce, mixing well to coat the noodles in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Why Try It? The creamy coconut curry sauce elevates the flavor of the noodles and vegetables, offering a rich and satisfying dish.
Miso Vegetarian Bee Hoon
For a dish that’s savory and umami-packed, Miso Vegetarian Bee Hoon is an excellent option. The miso paste gives the broth a rich, fermented flavor that complements the fresh vegetables and noodles beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 2 tbsp miso paste (preferably white or red)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a simmer. Add the miso paste and soy sauce, stirring until the paste dissolves.
- Add the tofu, bok choy, and carrot to the broth, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the bee hoon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender and well combined with the miso broth.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional tofu or spring onions.
Why Try It? Miso is a great source of umami, and its rich, salty flavor pairs wonderfully with the light texture of the rice vermicelli.
Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Bee Hoon
The Sweet and Sour Vegetarian Bee Hoon is a fantastic dish for those who enjoy a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s a great option for a light, refreshing meal.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli (bee hoon)
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
- Soak the bee hoon in warm water until soft.
- In a pan, sauté onion and bell pepper until tender, then add the pineapple chunks.
- Stir in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the bee hoon and toss to coat the noodles in the sweet and sour sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Why Try It? The sweet and sour sauce adds a refreshing twist, making this dish a great option for warm weather or when you’re in the mood for something tangy.
Conclusion
Vegetarian Bee Hoon is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to suit various tastes and preferences. Whether you enjoy a simple stir-fry, a flavorful soup, or a tangy salad, there’s a vegetarian bee hoon recipe for every occasion. With its light texture, paired with rich, aromatic flavors, it’s an excellent choice for a healthy, satisfying meal. So, why not get creative and try one of these variations at home? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes offer a perfect balance of freshness, nutrition, and deliciousness!
FAQs
1. Can I substitute rice vermicelli (bee hoon) with other noodles?
Yes! You can easily swap rice vermicelli with other noodles such as egg noodles, soba, or udon, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different noodles may have slightly different cooking times.
2. How can I make Vegetarian Bee Hoon spicier?
To add more spice to your Vegetarian Bee Hoon, try adding fresh chili, chili paste (like sambal oelek), or chili flakes during cooking. You can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
3. Can I prepare Vegetarian Bee Hoon in advance?
Yes, Vegetarian Bee Hoon can be prepared ahead of time, especially the stir-fry versions. Simply store the cooked noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
4. What other vegetables can I add to Vegetarian Bee Hoon?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, snow peas, or even leafy greens like kale or spinach. Get creative based on what you have available!
5. Is Vegetarian Bee Hoon suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Traditional rice vermicelli (bee hoon) is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on any soy sauce or condiments you use, as some may contain gluten. Opt for gluten-free soy sauce if necessary.
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