b-Glucan-rich fractions (BGRFs) were prepared from Lentinus edodes mushrooms and utilized to improve
the functional properties of gluten-free extruded rice noodles. The mixture of rice flour and BGRFs in a
slurry exhibited increased water absorption index and swelling power at room temperature. However,
the water hydration properties were significantly reduced with increasing levels of BGRFs upon starch
gelatinization, consequently reducing the pasting parameters of rice flour. On the other hand, the
incorporation of BGRFs into a rice dough system caused a distinct increase in the thermo-mechanical
Mixolab properties of rice flour, probably contributing to the formation of a rigid dough structure. It
could be closely correlated with the enhanced extensibility and firmness of BGRF-incorporated rice
noodles. Moreover, BGRFs played a positive role in improving the cooking qualities of rice noodles by
significantly reducing their swelling index and cooking loss.