Rice Vermicelli Noodles Substitute: Asian Thin Noodles

Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles)

Use the same amount as the rice vermicelli noodles you are replacing

Best for Asian dishes

Different taste

The best substitutes for rice vermicelli noodles are glass noodles (cellophane noodles), thin rice noodles, soba noodles, or angel hair pasta. For gluten-free options, use glass noodles or thin rice noodles.

Compare all 6 vermicelli noodles substitutes

Find the best rice vermicelli noodles substitutes for Asian dishes. Discover gluten-free alternatives including glass noodles, soba noodles, and thin rice noodles.

Other rice vermicelli noodles substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Thin Rice Noodles
Close match
Use the same amount
Standard thin rice noodles that are virtually identical to rice vermicelli in flavor and texture
What changes
Best for
Asian dishes, soups, stir-fries, when you want identical flavor
Regular thin rice noodles, gluten-free, similar flavor and texture
3Soba Noodles
Different taste
Use the same amount
Japanese buckwheat noodles with similar thickness and a distinctive nutty flavor
What changes
Best for
Asian dishes, soups, when you want nutty flavor, gluten-free cooking
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, nutty flavor, gluten-free option
4Angel Hair Pasta
Different taste
Use the same amount
Very thin Italian pasta that closely matches rice vermicelli's delicate texture
What changes
Best for
Italian-Asian fusion, when you want similar texture, general cooking
Very thin wheat pasta, similar texture, not gluten-free
5Shirataki Noodles
Taste and texture differ
Use the same amount
Konjac-based noodles with virtually zero calories and carbs, though texture differs from rice vermicelli
What changes
Best for
low-calorie dishes, when you want zero carbs, diet-friendly option
Konjac noodles, virtually zero calories, different texture
6Bean Thread Noodles
Different taste
Use the same amount
Mung bean noodles that are similar to glass noodles, offering a gluten-free alternative with similar texture
What changes
Best for
Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, when you want similar texture
Mung bean noodles, similar to glass noodles, gluten-free

How rice vermicelli noodles differs

Rice vermicelli noodles are essential in many Asian dishes for their delicate texture and ability to absorb flavors. They're particularly popular in Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines. The best substitutes maintain this delicate texture while being gluten-free and suitable for Asian cooking methods.

Cooking tips

Rice vermicelli noodles should be soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking
For soups, add rice vermicelli in the last 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking
Rice vermicelli works well in both hot and cold Asian dishes
When stir-frying, cook rice vermicelli separately and add at the end
Rice vermicelli absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for saucy dishes
For cold noodle salads, rinse rice vermicelli with cold water after cooking

Notes on rice vermicelli noodles

Spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option
Zucchini noodles for a vegetable-based substitute
Thin rice paper sheets cut into strips
Quinoa for a protein-rich grain alternative

Frequently asked questions

What are rice vermicelli noodles?

Rice vermicelli noodles are very thin noodles made from rice flour and water. They're popular in Asian cuisine, especially in Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese dishes.

Are rice vermicelli noodles gluten-free?

Yes, rice vermicelli noodles are naturally gluten-free as they're made from rice flour. They're a great option for people with gluten sensitivities.

What's the difference between rice vermicelli and regular vermicelli?

Rice vermicelli is made from rice flour and used in Asian cuisine, while regular vermicelli is made from wheat flour and used in Italian cuisine. They have different textures and flavors.

Can I use glass noodles instead of rice vermicelli?

Yes, glass noodles (cellophane noodles) are an excellent substitute for rice vermicelli. They have a similar delicate texture and are also gluten-free.

How do I cook rice vermicelli noodles?

Soak rice vermicelli in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then cook briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, or add directly to soups in the last few minutes.

What dishes use rice vermicelli noodles?

Rice vermicelli is commonly used in Vietnamese pho, Thai pad thai, Chinese stir-fries, and various Asian noodle soups and salads.

Related substitutes

Angel Hair Pasta substitutes

Other rice vermicelli noodles substitutes

2Thin Rice Noodles

3Soba Noodles

4Angel Hair Pasta

5Shirataki Noodles

6Bean Thread Noodles