Out of Rice vermicelli noodles, one case
Rice vermicelli noodles substitute: Asian thin noodles
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Glass noodles (cellophane noodles)
Same amount as the rice vermicelli noodles
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.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- neutral taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- Asian dishes
One casethe full vermicelli noodles card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of rice vermicelli noodles | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glass noodles (cellophane noodles)Asian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Thin rice noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Soba noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Angel hair pastaItalian-Asian fusion | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Shirataki noodleslow-calorie dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Bean thread noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Glass noodles (cellophane noodles)
neutral taste, similar texture
Transparent noodles made from mung bean starch that have a similar delicate texture to rice vermicelli
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, stir-fries, gluten-free cooking
Mung bean starch noodles, transparent, gluten-free, similar texture.
Thin rice noodles
identical taste and texture
Standard thin rice noodles that are virtually identical to rice vermicelli in flavor and texture
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, stir-fries, when you want identical flavor
Regular thin rice noodles, gluten-free, similar flavor and texture.
Soba noodles
different taste, similar texture
Japanese buckwheat noodles with similar thickness and a distinctive nutty flavor
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, when you want nutty flavor, gluten-free cooking
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, nutty flavor, gluten-free option.
Angel hair pasta
different taste, similar texture
Very thin Italian pasta that closely matches rice vermicelli's delicate texture
- Best for
- Italian-Asian fusion, when you want similar texture, general cooking
Very thin wheat pasta, similar texture, not gluten-free.
Shirataki noodles
neutral taste, different texture
Konjac-based noodles with virtually zero calories and carbs, though texture differs from rice vermicelli
- Best for
- low-calorie dishes, when you want zero carbs, diet-friendly option
Konjac noodles, virtually zero calories, different texture.
Bean thread noodles
neutral taste, similar texture
Mung bean noodles that are similar to glass noodles, offering a gluten-free alternative with similar texture
- Best for
- Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, when you want similar texture
Mung bean noodles, similar to glass noodles, gluten-free.
How it behaves in this recipe
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.
Tips for substituting rice vermicelli noodles
6 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 good 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
Questions
6 questionsWhat 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.