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.