Out of Vermicelli noodles, one case
Substitute vermicelli noodles
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Angel hair pasta
Same amount as the vermicelli noodles
To substitute vermicelli noodles, use angel hair pasta (1:1 ratio) for Italian dishes, thin spaghetti (1:1 ratio) for general use, or rice vermicelli noodles (1:1 ratio) for Asian dishes. All cook in 2-4 minutes.
- 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 cooking properties
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, pasta salads, light sauces
Identical thickness and cooking time, good direct substitute.
Thin spaghetti
similar taste and texture
Thin spaghetti that's slightly thicker than vermicelli but has similar cooking time and texture
- Best for
- General cooking, soups, stir-fries, when you need accessibility
Slightly thicker but widely available, works in most recipes.
Rice vermicelli noodles
different taste, similar texture
Thin rice noodles that are naturally gluten-free and ideal for Asian cooking
- Best for
- Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, Vietnamese pho, Thai dishes
Gluten-free option, good for Asian cuisine.
Capellini
similar taste and texture
Very thin Italian pasta that's even more delicate than vermicelli
- Best for
- Delicate dishes, soups, when you want extra thin noodles
Even thinner than vermicelli, most delicate option.
Glass noodles
neutral taste, different texture
Transparent noodles made from mung bean starch with a distinctive 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
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, nutty flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vermicelli noodles are thin, delicate pasta that cook quickly and work well in a variety of dishes. The best substitute depends on the cuisine type and dietary needs. 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 cooks in 2-4 minutes - watch carefully to prevent overcooking
- For soups, add vermicelli in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking
- When substituting, use the same cooking time as 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 best with light, delicate sauces
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 can I use instead of vermicelli noodles?
The best substitutes are angel hair pasta, thin spaghetti, or rice vermicelli noodles. Choose based on your dish - angel hair for Italian, rice vermicelli for Asian, thin spaghetti for general use.
Is angel hair pasta the same as vermicelli?
Angel hair pasta is very similar to vermicelli - they're both very thin pasta. Angel hair is slightly thinner, but they're virtually interchangeable in recipes.
Can I use thin spaghetti instead of vermicelli?
Yes, thin spaghetti works well as a vermicelli substitute. It's slightly thicker but has similar cooking properties and texture.
How long do vermicelli noodles take to cook?
Vermicelli noodles cook very quickly, usually 2-4 minutes in boiling water. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
What's the difference between vermicelli and rice vermicelli?
Vermicelli is made from wheat flour (Italian pasta), while rice vermicelli is made from rice flour (Asian noodles). They have different textures and flavors.
Can I use vermicelli in soup?
Yes, vermicelli works well in soups. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.