10 Best Substitute For Udon Noodles

Undo noodles are a common ingredient in Asian cuisine, and as their popularity soars, more home cooks are experimenting with new ways to use them. The need for a substitute, though, may emerge when you run out and can’t locate it in the nearby grocery store, or perhaps you don’t like the thick texture and want a thinner noodle.

Some of the best substitutes for udon noodles are Soba Noodles, Rice noodles, Hiyamugi noodles, Ramen noodles, Somen noodles, Spaghetti, Chinese egg noodles, Shirataki noodles, Zucchini noodles, and Linguine pasta.

What Is Undo Noodles

Udon noodles give a creamy texture and effectively hold the taste of other ingredients added to a meal.  It has a moderate flavor and ranges in color from cream to white.  It is not surprising that udon noodles originated in Asia because Asians are experts at producing noodles. This chewy, thick, slick noodles is frequently produced from wheat flour. It has a moderate flavor and is used in many different broths, salads, and soups such as Kake udon and curried done.

The history of the udon noodle is complex. The udon noodle probably originated in China, and Japan learned about it during the Tang era (618-907CE). Udon noodles were once sliced into different forms resembling a dumpling and squares in some regions of Japan, which is still done today until they became popularized in the early fourteenth century.

Because they include complex carbohydrates that are light and readily absorbed by the body, udon noodles are good for your health. Additionally, it promotes weight reduction, is high in fiber, and guards against type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Udon noodles can be cooked hot or cold. They are frequently found in Asian markets in both fresh and dried varieties. With a mild broth known as kakejiru, it is popular in the hot soup known as Kake udon. The udon salad is typically mixed with eggs, shredded chicken, and fresh vegetables.

Best Substitute For Udon Noodles

	Substitute	Best For
1.	Soba Noodles	Salads, Broths, Hot Soups, Cold Soups
2.	Hiyamugi Noodles	Noodle Salads, Broths, Hot Soups, Cold Soups, Stir Fries
3.	Rice Noodles	Fish Base, Meat Base, Salads, Soups, Stir-fries, Vegetable dishes
4.	Ramen Noodles	Salads, Vegetable dishes, Soups, Stir-fries,
5.	Somen Noodles	Salads, Hot Soups, Cold Soups, Vegetable dishes
6.	Spaghetti	Meat dishes, Vegetable dishes, Stir-fries, Salads, Soups, Broths
7.	Chinese Egg Noodles	Stir-fries, Hot Soups, Cold Soups,
8.	Zucchini Noodles	Stir-fries, Salads, Vegetable Soups, Meat dishes
9.	Shirataki Noodles	Stir-fries, Salads, Soups, Sauces, Dips, Vegetable dishes
10.	Linguine Pasta	Stir-fries, Salads, Soups, Seafood recipes, Vegetable dishes

1. Soba Noodles

Another common type of noodle consumed in Japan is the soba noodle, which is smaller in size and darker in color. It is manufactured from buckwheat flour. Additionally, it has a nutty and earthy flavor that, when combined with other components, creates a tasty dinner without overpowering your meal.

The soba is a nourishing noodle that includes necessary amino acids, minerals, vitamins, fiber, carbs, and proteins. You must carefully look for the one prepared with 100 percent buckwheat if you want a gluten-free variety because other versions are made with 80/20 buckwheat and wheat flour. Similar to udon noodles, it is made and served in both hot and cold cuisines.

Many chefs still use soba noodles as a replacement for udon noodles despite their distinct flavors and textures. Soba might be a nice alternative if, however, you don’t like the thick texture of udon. Any dish that calls for udon noodles can also be used with the exact same amount of soba noodles. However, soba noodles aren’t the best choice for stir-frying since they lack the springiness of the thicker udon noodles.

2. Hiyamugi Noodles

Most Asian noodles are thin or semi-thick, the udon noodle is the thickest variety. While thinner than udon noodles, Hiyamugi noodles are can be good Udon noodles substitutes.

Although it has the same white hue as udon noodles, it also comes in pink and green types and may be used in the same dishes. When replacing, the same quantity can be used, but keep in mind that the noodles won’t be as thick and chewy as udon noodles.

3. Rice Noodles

The popular pad thai dish uses rice noodles, which are manufactured from rice flour. When making noodles, maize or tapioca starch may be used to enhance the transparency, gelatinousness, and chewy texture.

Rice noodles are another good substitute for udon noodles, they have a moderate flavor and a comparable structure to the udon recipe. Many Asian shops or supermarkets sell fresh, dried, and frozen rice noodles. The freshest is preferable to use since it is simpler to incorporate into recipes, but be sure to get them as soon as you need them because their shelf life is limited.

4. Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are one of the most often used alternatives to udon noodles since they are typically accessible in supermarkets. They resemble Udon noodles in terms of flavor and texture. On the other hand, dry ramen noodles are frequently supplied with a variety of spices, allowing you to mix up your meals.

Both ramen noodles and udon noodles are made from wheat. Additionally, there are variants of ramen noodles available both with and without eggs. Ramen noodles may be used in a variety of recipes, but they work best in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

5. Somen Noodles

Somen noodles may be distinguished from other Japanese wheat-based noodles by their thin look. They have a smoother texture and less chewy consistency. However, somen noodles are not as thick as udon noodles, thus they do not work well in stir-fry recipes.

These noodles can be prepared quickly, making them perfect for individuals who are in a rush. The mild flavor of somen noodles ensures that they won’t overpower the rest of your dinner. Be aware that some noodles will get mushy if they are overcooked.

6. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is among the most consumed types of pasta worldwide. The most typical way to serve spaghetti is with a tomato-based sauce. However, they may also be used in a wide range of other dishes, such as soups, broths, stir-fries, and more. Spaghetti is a suitable alternative to udon noodles since it is similar to udon noodles in thickness and texture.

Throughout the cooking process, stir a tablespoon of baking soda into your pot of spaghetti for the best results. The water’s alkalinity will increase, giving the pasta a richer flavor.

7. Chinese Egg Noodles

Chinese egg noodles are also a well-liked alternative to udon noodles since they are commonly accessible in grocery stores and supermarkets. Any variety of Chinese egg noodles can be used in place of udon noodles.

Chinese egg noodles like wonton, chow mein, and lo mein can be substituted for udon noodles. They resemble udon noodles in both texture and flavor because of their neutral taste and bouncy consistency.

These noodles are perfect for stir-fries and soups. You may also make Chinese egg noodles from home using only flour, salt, eggs, water, and baking soda. The use of Chinese noodle eggs should be avoided if you are vegan.

8. Zucchini Noodles

Great news for vegans, Udon noodles have a gluten-free and vegan substitute- Zucchini noodles. It’s healthier than udon noodles since it has fewer calories, carbohydrates, and fat.

Zucchini noodles are a wonderful choice if you’re attempting to reduce weight or are following a gluten-free diet. Despite being made of plants, zucchini noodles have a mild flavor similar to udon noodles and readily take on the flavors of your cuisine. Use ripe zucchini in place of unripe if you don’t want your dish to have a bitter flavor. Unripe zucchini has a little bitter flavor.

9. Shirataki Noodles

Udon noodles can be replaced with shirataki noodles, which are both vegan and gluten-free. Shirataki noodles are more transparent and smaller than udon noodles, but they are still a good alternative.

They feature udon noodle-like chewy and rubbery qualities. Additionally, they have no flavor and are open to the flavors of dips, sauces, and soups. They may be incorporated into a weight reduction diet and are healthy due to their low calorie and carbohydrate content.

10. Linguine Pasta

Since linguine pasta is thick, chewy, and good at absorbing sauces and spices, it makes a great substitute for udon noodles.

Although linguine pasta is frequently utilized in seafood recipes, it may be substituted for udon noodles in stir-fries, salads, and other foods. The same method is used to produce udon noodles as well as linguine.

It is essential to check the box for the recommended period before cooking. In shops and grocers in Italy, linguine pasta is frequently accessible.

Bottom Line

Udon noodles are distinctive thick, chewy noodles that are frequently used in both hot and cold Japanese dishes. Above, we have included several possible substitutions for the udon noodle in case you too wish to attempt some of these dishes but are unable to locate it. However, there are still different varieties of noodles available, so feel free to experiment with them.

Because the aforementioned options differ in size, texture, and flavor, it is advisable to choose one that goes well with your food. Make sure you choose a substitute to which you are not allergic.