Pasta strands are long rods of pasta, which are generally round, but they are available in a square rod also. The basic difference from one variety to the next is the thickness of the strands.
Asian Noodles
Asian noodles consist of strands that vary in shape, width, and length. Many Asian noodles are very long in length, symbolizing longevity. They can be thin straight sticks, flat strands, round strands, and wavy strands.
Ribbon pasta, which is flat strands of pasta, is available in different lengths, widths and thickness. Some are short and wide, while others are long and narrow. Ribbon pasta can have straight or wavy edges and many varieties are available fresh and dried.
Asian noodles, like pasta noodles, are available in round, flat and square shapes, and in various widths and lengths. Most often Asian noodles are purchased, rather than made by hand.
A flat noodle made from a mixture of buckwheat flour and standard wheat flour. Soba has a nutty flavor and the noodles have a slightly flecked color ranging from light beige to brownish gray.
Made from substances contained in a wild Asian kuzu plant, this variety of noodle looks similar to rice sticks or rice vermicelli that is translucent in appearance.
A sauce that serves well as a salad dressing, a marinade or a stir-fry seasoning. When served with fish, poultry, salad greens, vegetables, or pasta this sauce provides a mildly tangy ginger flavor enhanced with sesame and miso (soybean paste).