Effect of steaming on the quality characteristics of frozen cooked noodles

In this study, the effect of steaming on the quality of frozen cooked noodles was investigated, as well as the microstructure, protein extractability and starch properties of steamed noodles. Furthermore, white salted, yellow alkaline and control noodles (without salt or alkaline) were measured as affected by different steaming times. The results indicated that the cooking and texture properties of frozen cooked noodles were significantly (P < 0.05) improved by steaming pretreatment, except that yellow alkaline noodles showed larger cooking loss. In addition, steamed noodles except yellow alkaline noodles had compact and smooth surfaces compared with fresh noodles. With the increase of steaming time, the SDS extractable protein and RVA viscosity properties of starch decreased. Gelatinization enthalpy of starch in steamed noodles decreased dramatically upon steaming. The present study indicated that protein polymerization and starch gelatinization when subject to limiting water conditions during steaming accounted for improved noodle quality.