Noodles cooking times
How long to cook noodles: 4–5 min boiled and 2–3 min pan-fried. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook noodles
Times are for 1 nest (50–75 g dry) per person.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boil Egg noodles | 4–5 min | in boiling water | Dried egg noodles; fresh ones take 1–2 minutes. |
| Boil Rice noodles | 3–4 min | off the heat in just-boiled water | Thin rice noodles, soaked; wide ones take 6–8 minutes. |
| Boil Soba | 5–6 min | in boiling water | Dried soba; dried udon take 8–10 minutes. |
| Pan-fry Stir-fried | 2–3 min | over a high heat | Cooked noodles, stir-fried with the rest of the stir-fry. |
Before you start
Check the pack; the type matters more than for pasta.
How to tell it’s done
Tender and separated. Rinse in cold water if they’re going into a salad.
Questions
How long to boil noodles?
Egg noodles: 4–5 min in boiling water. Dried egg noodles; fresh ones take 1–2 minutes. Rice noodles: 3–4 min off the heat in just-boiled water. Thin rice noodles, soaked; wide ones take 6–8 minutes. Soba: 5–6 min in boiling water. Dried soba; dried udon take 8–10 minutes.
How long to pan-fry noodles?
Stir-fried: 2–3 min over a high heat. Cooked noodles, stir-fried with the rest of the stir-fry.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.