Out of Vermicelli noodles, one case
What can I 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, rice vermicelli noodles, thin spaghetti, or capellini. For Asian dishes, use rice vermicelli or glass noodles. For Italian dishes, use angel hair or thin spaghetti.
- 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 | Rice vermicelli noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Thin spaghettiItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | CapelliniItalian dishes | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Glass noodles (cellophane noodles)Asian dishes | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Soba noodlesAsian dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Angel hair pasta
similar taste and texture
Very thin Italian pasta that closely matches vermicelli's delicate texture and cooking time
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, light sauces, when you want similar texture
Thin Italian pasta with similar diameter, good for soups and light sauces.
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, soups, stir-fries, gluten-free cooking
Thin rice noodles, gluten-free, good for Asian dishes.
Thin spaghetti
similar taste and texture
Thin spaghetti noodles that are slightly thicker than vermicelli but have similar cooking properties
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, when you want similar texture, general cooking
Slightly thicker than vermicelli but similar texture, widely available.
Capellini
similar taste and texture
Very thin Italian pasta that's even thinner than vermicelli, good for delicate dishes
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, light sauces, when you want delicate texture
Very thin Italian pasta, sometimes called 'angel hair', delicate texture.
Glass noodles (cellophane noodles)
neutral taste, different texture
Transparent noodles made from mung bean starch, gluten-free with a unique chewy texture
- Best for
- Asian dishes, gluten-free cooking, when you want unique texture
Transparent mung bean noodles, gluten-free, great for Asian dishes.
Soba noodles
different taste, similar texture
Japanese buckwheat noodles with a nutty flavor and similar thickness to vermicelli
- Best for
- Asian dishes, soups, when you want nutty flavor, gluten-free option
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, good for Asian dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vermicelli noodles are thin, delicate pasta that work well in soups, stir-fries, and light dishes. The best substitutes maintain this delicate texture while meeting specific dietary needs or cuisine requirements. Vermicelli is popular in both Italian and Asian cuisines, so the choice of substitute often depends on the dish's origin.
Tips for substituting vermicelli noodles
6 tips- Vermicelli noodles cook very quickly - usually 2-4 minutes in boiling water
- For soups, add vermicelli in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking
- Soak rice vermicelli in warm water for 10-15 minutes before cooking
- Vermicelli works well in both hot and cold dishes
- When substituting, match the cooking time of your chosen alternative
- For stir-fries, cook vermicelli separately and add at the end to prevent sticking
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's the difference between vermicelli and rice vermicelli?
Vermicelli is made from wheat flour and is Italian pasta, while rice vermicelli is made from rice flour and is used in Asian cuisine. They have similar thin shapes but different textures and flavors.
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 Asian dishes?
For Asian dishes, rice vermicelli noodles or glass noodles work best as they maintain the authentic texture and flavor profile of Asian cuisine.
How do I cook vermicelli noodles?
Vermicelli noodles cook quickly in boiling water for 2-4 minutes. For rice vermicelli, soak in warm water first, then cook briefly or add directly to soups.
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.
Are vermicelli noodles gluten-free?
Traditional vermicelli made from wheat flour is not gluten-free. However, rice vermicelli noodles are naturally gluten-free as they're made from rice flour.