Bacon Baked Glass Noodles

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Feb 3rd 2025

Soft and chewy glass noodles infused with the rich aroma of bacon in every bite. This recipe highlights the deliciousness of glass noodles infused with a variety of aromatic ingrediens.

What you'll need

• Light soy sauce – Adds a balanced saltiness and umami flavor.
• Oyster sauce – Provides a rich, slightly sweet depth to the dish.
• Sweet dark soy sauce – Enhances color and adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness.
• Water – Helps soften the glass noodles and blend flavors together.
• Black pepper – Brings a warm, earthy spice to complement the aromatics.
• Sesame oil – Adds a fragrant nuttiness and enhances the overall aroma.
• Glass noodles – Soft and chewy, they absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
• Ginger – Lends a fresh, slightly spicy warmth to balance the richness.
• Bacon – Infuses the dish with a smoky, savory depth.
• Garlic – Enhances the aroma and adds a touch of pungency.
• Coriander root or stem – A key Thai ingredient that provides an earthy, herbal undertone.
• Chinese celery or Parsley – Gives a fresh, slightly peppery crunch to balance the richness.
• Spring onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

A popular Thai-Chinese fusion dish, the deliciousness of glass noodles comes from the variety of aromatic ingredients infused while being cooked in a pot, combined with simple yet flavorful seasoning. Traditionally, this dish is known as Goong Ob Woon Sen (Steamed Prawns with Glass Noodles), but I’m giving it a little twist by using bacon—an ingredient that’s almost always stocked in every household. This version brings a rich, smoky depth to the dish while keeping the comforting flavors intact.

This is another glass noodle dish that I really love. In Thailand, we commonly use glass noodles in a variety of dishes, such as clear soup: Stuffed Cucumber Soup , stir-fried glass noodles (Pad Woon Sen), spicy glass noodle salad (Yum Woon Sen), spring roll fillings, or even in Thai noodle soups.

FAQs – Bacon Baked Glass Noodles 🍜🥓

• What are glass noodles? Glass noodles (also called cellophane noodles) are transparent, chewy noodles made from starch, typically mung bean or sweet potato. They soak up flavors beautifully, making them perfect for this Bacon Baked Glass Noodles recipe!
• What are glass noodles made of? The most common glass noodles are made from mung bean starch, but some varieties use sweet potato starch, especially in Korean cuisine. If you’re wondering about the type you have, check the ingredients on the package!
• Are glass noodles gluten-free? Yes! Most glass noodles are naturally gluten-free since they’re made from starch, not wheat. However, always double-check the packaging to be sure. If you’re making this dish gluten-free, also use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives!
• How do you cook glass noodles? Super easy! Just soak them in warm water for about 10–15 minutes until they’re soft, then drain. They’ll finish cooking when you stir them into the sauce in the pan. No need to pre-boil!
• How are glass noodles made? They’re made by mixing starch with water, forming a dough, and then pressing it into thin noodle strands that dry and turn clear when cooked. Pretty cool, right?
• What makes this Bacon Baked Glass Noodles recipe different from traditional ones? Normally, this dish is made with shrimp (like “Goong Ob Woon Sen”), but this version gives it a savory, smoky twist by using crispy bacon instead. It’s a fun, easy take on a classic Thai-Chinese dish, using ingredients that many people already have at home!
• Can I make this recipe without bacon? Absolutely! If you want a vegetarian option, swap the bacon for mushrooms or tofu for that umami flavor. If you prefer seafood, you can go back to the classic shrimp or even scallops!
• Can I use Korean glass noodles for this recipe? Yes! Korean glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles) have a slightly different texture – they’re chewier and bouncier. They’ll work great in this dish but may need a little extra soaking time before cooking.
• Can I find glass noodles near me? Most likely! Glass noodles are available at Asian grocery stores, international aisles in supermarkets, or online. If you can’t find them, look for names like cellophane noodles, mung bean noodles, or Korean dangmyeon!