Out of Vermicelli noodles, one case
Substitute for vermicelli noodles
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Angel hair pasta
Same amount as the vermicelli noodles
The best substitutes for vermicelli noodles are angel hair pasta (1:1 ratio), thin spaghetti (1:1 ratio), or rice vermicelli noodles (1:1 ratio). Choose based on your dish - angel hair for Italian, rice vermicelli for Asian, thin spaghetti for general use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Italian dishes
One casethe full vermicelli noodles card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vermicelli noodles | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angel hair pastaItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Thin spaghettiGeneral cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Rice vermicelli noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | CapelliniDelicate dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Glass noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Soba noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Angel hair pasta
similar taste, identical texture
Very thin Italian pasta that's virtually identical to vermicelli in size and texture
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, light sauces, pasta salads
Good substitute with identical thickness and cooking time.
Thin spaghetti
similar taste and texture
Thin spaghetti that's slightly thicker than vermicelli but has similar cooking properties
- Best for
- General cooking, soups, stir-fries, when you need accessibility
Slightly thicker but widely available and works well in most dishes.
Rice vermicelli noodles
different taste, similar texture
Thin rice noodles that are naturally gluten-free and work well in Asian cuisine
- Best for
- Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, soups, stir-fries
Gluten-free option, good for Asian dishes.
Capellini
similar taste and texture
Very thin Italian pasta that's even more delicate than vermicelli
- Best for
- Delicate dishes, soups, light sauces, when you want extra thin noodles
Even thinner than vermicelli, delicate texture.
Glass noodles
neutral taste, different texture
Transparent noodles made from mung bean starch with a unique chewy texture
- Best for
- Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, when you want unique appearance
Transparent mung bean noodles, gluten-free, unique 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 option
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, nutty flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vermicelli noodles are thin, delicate pasta that work well in a variety of dishes from Italian soups to Asian stir-fries. The best substitute depends on the specific dish and cuisine type. Italian dishes work best with angel hair or thin spaghetti, while Asian dishes benefit from rice vermicelli or glass noodles.
Tips for substituting vermicelli noodles
7 tips- Vermicelli noodles cook very quickly - usually 2-4 minutes in boiling water
- For soups, add vermicelli in the last few minutes to prevent overcooking
- When substituting, match the cooking time of your chosen alternative
- Vermicelli works well in both hot and cold dishes
- For stir-fries, cook vermicelli separately and add at the end
- Soak rice vermicelli in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking
- Vermicelli pairs well with light sauces and delicate flavors
Notes on vermicelli noodles
- Spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option
- Shirataki noodles for a zero-calorie alternative
- Quinoa for a protein-rich grain option
- Zucchini noodles for a vegetable-based substitute
Questions
6 questionsWhat is vermicelli?
Vermicelli is a very thin type of pasta, similar to spaghetti but much thinner. It's popular in both Italian and Asian cuisines, though Asian vermicelli is typically made from rice flour.
Can I use angel hair pasta instead of vermicelli?
Yes, angel hair pasta is an excellent substitute for vermicelli. They have very similar thickness and texture, making them nearly interchangeable in most recipes.
What's the best substitute for vermicelli in soup?
Angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti work best in soups as they have similar cooking times and won't become mushy if cooked properly.
How do I substitute vermicelli in Asian dishes?
For Asian dishes, use rice vermicelli noodles, glass noodles, or soba noodles as they maintain the authentic texture and flavor profile.
Can I use regular spaghetti instead of vermicelli?
Regular spaghetti is thicker than vermicelli, so thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta would be better substitutes. However, regular spaghetti can work if you adjust cooking times.
Are there gluten-free substitutes for vermicelli?
Yes, rice vermicelli noodles, glass noodles, and soba noodles are all gluten-free alternatives to traditional wheat vermicelli.