What Can I Substitute for Vermicelli Noodles? for Thin Pasta
Discover the best vermicelli noodle substitutes including rice vermicelli, angel hair pasta, and thin spaghetti. Find alternatives for soups, stir-fries, and Asian dishes.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Angel Hair Pasta
1:1Very thin Italian pasta that closely matches vermicelli's delicate texture and cooking time
Best for:
Thin Italian pasta with similar diameter, perfect for soups and light sauces
Rice Vermicelli Noodles
1:1Thin rice noodles that are naturally gluten-free and work well in Asian cuisine
Best for:
Thin rice noodles, gluten-free, perfect for Asian dishes
Thin Spaghetti
1:1Thin spaghetti noodles that are slightly thicker than vermicelli but have similar cooking properties
Best for:
Slightly thicker than vermicelli but similar texture, widely available
Capellini
1:1Very thin Italian pasta that's even thinner than vermicelli, perfect for delicate dishes
Best for:
Very thin Italian pasta, sometimes called 'angel hair', delicate texture
Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles)
1:1Transparent noodles made from mung bean starch, gluten-free with a unique chewy texture
Best for:
Transparent mung bean noodles, gluten-free, great for Asian dishes
Soba Noodles
1:1Japanese buckwheat noodles with a nutty flavor and similar thickness to vermicelli
Best for:
Buckwheat noodles, similar thickness, good for Asian dishes
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Discover what you can substitute for vermicelli noodles including angel hair pasta, rice vermicelli, and thin spaghetti. Find the best alternatives for soups, stir-fries, and Asian dishes.