11 Tasty Substitutes to Udon Noodles

11 Tasty Substitutes to Udon Noodles For 2024

Udon noodles are a popular Japanese staple that can be incorporated into different cuisines. Due to their versatility, you may become skeptical when considering an alternative to udon noodles in their dishes. On the other hand, you may just want to try out something different. 

Some great alternatives to udon noodles that are just as tasty, despite differences in size, texture, nutrition, cooking time, and flavor are Soba noodles, Chinese egg noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, spaghetti, hiyamugi, zucchini noodles, somen, shirataki, and linguine pasta.

Continue reading to learn how to incorporate these substitutes into your delectable dish.

Udon Noodles Nutritional Value

These are the nutritional elements contained in a serving size of 276 grams. Per serving, udon noodles contain 208 calories.

Nutritional elementsGramsDaily Value
Total fat0.8 g1%
Saturated fat0.2 g1%
Polyunsaturated fat0g
Monounsaturated fat0g
Cholesterol0mg0%
Sodium12mg1%
Potassium125mg4%
Total carbohydrate42g9%
Protein7.3 g
Vitamin C0%
Vitamin A0%
Vitamin  B60%
Iron10%
Magnesium0%
Calcium2%
Cobalamin0%
Source: Nutritionix

11 Tasty Substitutes to Udon Noodles

These are substitutes that are as delicious and nutritious as udon noodles:

1. Soba noodles

Soba noodles are a popular, healthier substitute for udon noodles. Despite their differences in flavor, color, and texture, they will work well in your recipe. Soba noodles can be used in recipes that do not require a strong flavor.

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Soba noodles have fewer carbs and calories than udon noodles, making them a better choice if you’re trying to lose weight. They are high in soluble fiber and rich in manganese. Soba noodles, like udon noodles, are versatile and can be eaten hot or cold.

Substitute udon noodles for soba noodles for a more nutritious meal.

2. Chinese egg noodles

Because they are widely available in grocery shops and supermarkets, Chinese egg noodles are also a popular replacement for udon noodles. Udon noodles can be replaced with any sort of Chinese egg noodles.

Wonton noodles, chow mein, and lo mein are some Chinese egg noodles that can be used in place of udon noodles. Chinese egg noodles have a springy texture and a neutral flavor, making them similar to udon noodles in texture and flavor.

These noodles are ideal for soups and stir-fry dishes. Chinese egg noodles can also be produced from scratch with just flour, salt, eggs, water, and baking soda. This is a recipe for homemade Chinese egg noodles. If you are vegan, you should avoid using Chinese noodle eggs.

3. Ramen noodles

Ramen noodles are served in broth, sauce, or as a side dish, making them a tasty alternative to udon noodles.

Ramen noodles have a different texture than udon noodles since they are thicker, but they can be interchanged.

Because they come in a variety of flavors, they are tastier than udon noodles. Ramen noodles are a fantastic choice for a strongly flavored dish. Ramen noodles are high in iron and vitamins. Because ramen noodles are thinner than udon noodles, you may wish to thicken the soup or sauce using cornstarch.

4. Rice noodles

Individuals on a gluten-free diet and vegans frequently consume rice noodles. They differ in taste and flavor from udon noodles.

Rice noodles have a softer texture and a subtle rice flavor because they are made from rice flour. They are appropriate for stir-frying, salad, and soup preparations. Because ramen noodles are not as thick and chewy as udon noodles, they may not be as filling as udon noodles, so when substituting, you may need more than the required ratio of udon noodles.

Udon noodles are prepared differently than rice noodles; rice noodles are usually soaked in hot water until soft since they are extremely thin and tender.

5. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is another alternative for udon noodles, although they have a different texture and appearance.

Udon noodles are slimmer and straighter than spaghetti. In terms of dish versatility, spaghetti is comparable to udon noodles. It should be noted that before eating spaghetti, it must be boiled in water. There are other spaghetti variations available, including bucatini pasta, which is similar in size to udon noodles.

If correctly prepared, they are as chewy and springy as udon noodles. The main difference between bucatini pasta and udon noodles is the presence of holes in the bucatini pasta.

pasta on white plate on focus photo
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

6. Zucchini noodles

Zucchini noodles are a gluten-free alternative to udon noodles that are popular among vegans. It’s a better choice than udon noodles because it’s lower in carbs, cholesterol, and calories.

If you are on a gluten-free diet or trying to lose weight, zucchini noodles are a good option. Although zucchini noodles are plant-based, they have a mild flavor comparable to udon noodles and absorb flavors in your food effortlessly.

Unripe zucchini has a little bitter taste, so if you don’t want a bitter flavor in your recipe, use ripe zucchini instead.

7. Hiyamugi noodles

Hiyamugi is thinner than udon noodles, yet it can be used in place of udon noodles in your recipe. Because hiyamugi noodles are thinner, you can use more than the required ratio of udon noodles to create a filling supper if you don’t mind.

Hiyamugi noodles are often served cold, but they are prepared in the same manner as udon noodles. Hiyamugi noodles require less time to prepare than udon noodles.

When you purchase hiyamugi noodles, do not be surprised to see a few colored noodle strands. Hiyamugi noodles are widely available in Asian supermarkets and grocery stores.

8. Somen noodles

Although they are slimmer in texture, somen noodles are frequently used to replace udon noodles. They can be used to substitute udon noodles in cold noodle recipes, but they are very adaptable in sauces, soups, broths, and as side dishes.

Somen noodles can be white or colored. Somen noodles made of plum are usually pink. If you want a colorful dish, you can opt for Japanese plum somen noodles. You can purchase somen noodles in Asian grocery stores.

Somen noodles have a quicker preparation than udon noodles as they require about 4 minutes to cook, whereas pre-cooked udon noodles require about 9 minutes. Hence it’s a faster alternative.

Can Vegetarians Eat Ramen Noodles?

9. Shirataki

 Shirataki noodles are a vegan and gluten-free alternative to udon noodles. Shirataki noodles are translucent and smaller in size than udon noodles, but this does not make them a less suitable option.

They have the chewy and rubbery textures of udon noodles. They are also flavorless and may easily absorb the flavors of soups, sauces, and dips. They are nutritious because they are low in calories and carbohydrates, and they can be included in a weight loss diet.

10. Linguine

Linguine pasta is an excellent alternative to udon noodles since it is thick, chewy, and absorbs sauces and spices well.

Although linguine pasta is typically used in seafood recipes, it can also be used in stir-fries, salads, and other dishes in place of udon noodles. Linguine noodles are prepared in the same manner as udon noodles. Bring the water to a boil before adding the linguine pasta to avoid it sticking together and ruining your dish.

Before cooking, it is best to check the packaging for the specified timing. Linguine pasta is widely available in Italian grocery stores and supermarkets.

Final Note

Because the above-mentioned alternatives vary in texture, flavor, and size, it is best to select one that complements your dish.

Make certain that you select an alternative to which you are not allergic.

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