Vermicelli is one of the most versatile pasta dishes, perfect for all cuisines and occasions.
Its thin shape makes it ideal as an accompaniment to a main meal, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch dishes.
But what if you’re trying to go meatless, want a healthy alternative that won’t weigh you down with too many carbohydrates or are looking for something new?
This blog post explores using creative options to substitute for vermicelli that will add exciting flavors and textures to any dish!
What Is Vermicelli?
Vermicelli is a type of pasta thinner than spaghetti but slightly thicker than angel hair pasta.
It’s most commonly used in Italian soups, salads and stir-fries.
In some countries, vermicelli is also known as fine noodles or rice sticks.
In the United States, vermicelli is most commonly used in Italian-style dishes.
It can be used as a base for soups, as a garnish for salads, or simply cooked and served with sauce.
Vermicelli can also be fried until crisp and added to stir-fries or other Asian dishes.
Vermicelli is often served with some sauce, such as marinara or Alfredo, or even olive oil.
It can also be tossed with vegetables and cooked in a skillet to make an easy and tasty dinner.
Vermicelli can also be used as a topping for pizza or baked into casseroles.
Substitutes For Vermicelli
Vermicelli is a traditional ingredient in many Italian dishes, but several alternatives can be used.
Here are some of the most popular options to substitute for vermicelli:
Ramen Noodles
Ramen noodles are a type of Japanese-style wheat noodle that is thin and curly.
These noodles are usually served in a soup with various toppings such as vegetables, eggs, pork, seaweed, fish cakes or other meats.
Ramen can also be stir-fried or used as an ingredient in dishes such as ramen burgers and salads.
Ramen noodles are a great substitute for Vermicelli in cooking as they cook quickly and provide an interesting texture.
Ramen noodles also have a slightly lower calorie count than vermicelli.
They absorb flavors well, allowing them to quickly take on the flavor of whatever sauces, seasonings or other ingredients you add to your dish.
In addition to their culinary uses, Ramen noodles are also very inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores.
Bucatini
Bucatini is a type of pasta that is long and thick with a hole in the center. It resembles spaghetti but has a hollow core that runs its length.
Bucatini is usually made from semolina flour and water and can be found in many Italian markets.
Bucatini is commonly used in various dishes, including soups, salads, and casseroles.
It is also delicious when served with tomato-based sauces and pesto.
The hollow center makes it ideal for absorbing flavors from the sauce.
Bucatini can be used as an alternative to Vermicelli because it has a similar shape.
While its diameter is slightly thicker than Vermicelli, it still has the same long, thin shape that works well in pasta dishes.
Cellophane Noodles
Cellophane noodles, sometimes called glass noodles or bean thread noodles, are a variety of slender and see-through noodles created using a combination of starch and water.
Cellophane noodles are popular throughout East and Southeast Asian countries.
These noodles can be crafted from different starches, including mung bean starch, tapioca (cassava) starch, sweet potato starch, or a blend of these varieties.
Cellophane noodles are often used in stir-fries, soups, or salads.
They have a slippery texture and can absorb the flavors of whatever sauce they are cooked with.
They also pair well with fresh vegetables such as carrots, peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas.
Cellophane noodles can be used as a substitute for vermicelli.
This substitution works well because cellophane noodles have a similar texture and flavor as vermicelli, but they are often easier to find in some parts of the world than vermicelli.
Pancit Canton
Pancit Canton is a Filipino dish with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and other ingredients. It is usually served as a main course or side dish.
The noodles used in this dish are typically made from wheat flour and eggs, similar to an egg noodle.
This type of noodle can be used for many dishes, such as noodle soups, stir-fries and even casseroles.
They cook quickly, making them a great choice for busy weeknight meals or quick lunches.
Pancit Canton can be used in place of vermicelli noodles, providing an alternative texture and flavor profile.
Capellini
Capellini, called angel hair pasta, is a thin Italian pasta made from durum wheat.
It is one of the thinnest varieties of pasta and has a very delicate texture and flavor.
Capellini can be used instead of Vermicelli in many recipes, as they are similar in shape and size.
The main difference is that Capellini is much thinner than Vermicelli, which is great for those looking to reduce cook time.
Capellini can be cooked in many different ways, from boiled and served with a simple sauce to sautéed with vegetables or added to soups and stews.
It can also be used in Italian dishes such as lasagna, baked ziti and shrimp scampi.
When cooked properly, Capellini is a delicious addition to any meal and adds a delicate flavor and texture.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles, also known as vermicelli or sen lek in Thai, are a type of slender noodle made from rice.
They come in various thicknesses and lengths, usually long and thin like spaghetti or cut into shorter pieces like fettuccine.
Rice noodles have a mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes and can be used just like regular wheat-based noodles.
Rice noodles are great for stir-fries, soups, salads, spring rolls, pad Thai, and other dishes.
They cook quickly and require minimal prepping since they don’t need to be boiled beforehand like traditional pasta.
As a bonus, their light texture absorbs flavors better than other noodles.
Rice noodles can substitute for vermicelli, as they are similar in shape and texture.
They can also be used instead of linguine or spaghetti, though the results may taste quite different due to their milder flavor.
Fedelini
Fedelini is a type of pasta that is shaped like vermicelli but is slightly thicker in diameter.
It can be used in place of vermicelli to add texture and thickness to dishes.
The wider shape also allows for more sauce to cling to the pasta.
Additionally, its thick shape allows it to hold up better than vermicelli when cooked in liquid.
Fedelini is often used in soups, stir-fries, casseroles, and baked dishes.
It can also be served with sauces or other toppings for a tasty appetizer or side dish.
FAQs
Is It Acceptable To Use Spaghetti Instead Of Vermicelli?
Yes, it is acceptable to use spaghetti instead of vermicelli.
Spaghetti has a thicker gauge than vermicelli and works better for baked casseroles or hearty soups.
If you’re looking for something lighter and more delicate, then vermicelli would be the better choice.
Are Vermicelli Noodles Simply Rice Noodles?
No, Vermicelli noodles are made from wheat and not rice.
Rice noodles are usually flat and wider than vermicelli noodles, which are thin and round.
However, both types of noodles can be used interchangeably in recipes that call for either.
Is Vermicelli Considered The Same As Pasta?
No, vermicelli is not considered the same as pasta.
Vermicelli is a type of thin Italian pasta that can be made from semolina flour or rice flour.
Conclusion
Vermicelli is a type of thin, long pasta that is often used in soups and salads.
There are many options to substitute for Vermicelli, such as Ramen, Cellophane Noodles, Rice Noodles, Pancit Canton, Bucatini, Capellini and Fedelini.
Each noodle offers its unique texture and flavor, making it easy to find the right one for any dish.
Whether you’re looking for a noodle to add to your soup or to top off your salads, there will surely be a perfect alternative for every recipe.
So experiment with different types of noodles until you find the one that suits your tastes best!
