A number of things are important when preparing rice or buckwheat noodles. 1. Only add the noodles when the water is boiling. 2. After about 30 seconds, stir gently with a chopstick or fork. 3. Make sure that the water does not stand still, but that it continues to boil. 4. Do not cook them for more than 4 minutes. 5. After draining, rinse with cold water.