Out of Udon noodles, one case
Gluten-free substitute for udon noodles
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Rice noodles (thick)
Same amount as the udon noodles
The best gluten-free substitutes for udon noodles are rice noodles, glass noodles (mung bean noodles), or spiralized vegetables. Rice noodles provide the closest texture and flavor match for traditional udon dishes.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full udon noodles card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of udon noodles | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rice noodles (thick)soups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Glass noodles (mung bean)Asian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Spiralized vegetableshealthy dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Shirataki noodleslow-carb dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Buckwheat soba noodles (gluten-free)Asian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Rice noodles (thick)
similar taste and texture
Thick rice noodles that closely mimic udon's chewy texture and work well in most udon recipes
- Best for
- soups, stir-fries, Asian dishes, when you want similar texture
Best overall gluten-free substitute, similar texture and cooking properties.
Glass noodles (mung bean)
neutral taste, similar texture
Mung bean noodles that become transparent when cooked, offering a similar chewy texture to udon
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, when you want similar texture, cold noodle salads
Transparent noodles with similar texture, great for Asian dishes.
Spiralized vegetables
different taste and texture
Spiralized vegetables that provide a noodle-like texture while adding nutritional value
- Best for
- healthy dishes, low-carb cooking, when you want vegetables, light meals
Zucchini, sweet potato, or carrot noodles for a healthy, low-carb option.
Shirataki noodles
neutral taste, different texture
Konjac-based noodles that are gluten-free and virtually calorie-free, with a unique texture
- Best for
- low-carb dishes, diet-friendly meals, when you want zero calories
Konjac-based noodles, virtually zero calories and carbs.
Buckwheat soba noodles (gluten-free)
similar taste, different texture
Pure buckwheat soba noodles that are naturally gluten-free and provide authentic Japanese noodle flavor
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, when you want authentic Japanese flavor
100% buckwheat soba noodles (check labels - some contain wheat).
How it behaves in this recipe
Gluten-free cooking requires careful attention to texture and cooking methods. The best substitutes maintain the chewy, satisfying texture of udon noodles while being safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Rice noodles provide the closest match in both texture and cooking properties.
Tips for substituting udon noodles
7 tips- Rice noodles cook faster than udon, so reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to prevent breaking
- Glass noodles need to be soaked in hot water for 5-10 minutes before cooking
- Spiralized vegetables should be cooked briefly to maintain texture and nutrients
- Shirataki noodles should be rinsed thoroughly and parboiled to remove any fishy smell
- For soups, add gluten-free noodles in the last few minutes of cooking
- Gluten-free noodles may be more delicate, so handle them gently when stirring
Notes on udon noodles
- Quinoa pasta for a protein-rich gluten-free option
- Corn pasta for a more accessible gluten-free alternative
- Mixed vegetables for a completely different but healthy approach
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free base
Questions
6 questionsAre udon noodles gluten-free?
No, traditional udon noodles are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. You need to use gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or glass noodles.
What's the best gluten-free substitute for udon noodles in soup?
Thick rice noodles work best in soups as they have a similar chewy texture and hold up well in broth. Glass noodles are also a good option.
Can I use regular pasta as a gluten-free substitute for udon noodles?
No, regular pasta contains gluten. You need to use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains.
Do gluten-free noodles taste different from udon noodles?
Rice noodles have a similar neutral taste to udon noodles. Glass noodles are more neutral, while spiralized vegetables will taste like the vegetable used.
How do I cook gluten-free noodles to get the right texture?
Follow package instructions carefully, as gluten-free noodles often cook faster. Rice noodles typically need 3-5 minutes, while glass noodles need soaking before cooking.
Can I use gluten-free udon noodles in stir-fries?
Yes, but be gentle when stirring as gluten-free noodles can be more delicate. Cook them separately and add to the stir-fry at the end.