Vermicelli is a type of pasta that’s made from thin, long strands of wheat. It’s often used in dishes like salads, soups, and casseroles.
If you can’t find vermicelli at your grocery store or if you’re looking for an alternative to it, check out these substitutes for vermicelli:
What is Vermicelli?
Vermicelli is a type of pasta that is thin and very similar to spaghetti. The long, thin strands of pasta are typically thinner than spaghetti but thicker than angel hair.
The name comes from the word vermicelli, which means a worm-like form and refers to the shape of these noodles.
Semolina flour, which comes from durum wheat and is roughly processed, is commonly used to make dried vermicelli.
Durum wheat, cultivated for its hardness and high gluten and protein content, is used to make pasta because of its sturdy yet manageable dough that results in an al dente texture.
Pasta made with wheat flour naturally has a buttery golden hue because of the wheat.
Rice vermicelli is a popular noodle in many Asian dishes. These thin, translucent noodles are made from a mixture of rice flour and water.
They are commonly used in soups and stir-fries and can also be used as the base for noodle salads.
Best Vermicelli Substitutes
1. Spaghetti
Spaghetti is a staple in every Italian household. It’s a simple dish that packs a lot of flavors, using just pasta and tomato sauce.
And because its popularity has grown, there are now limitless types of spaghetti to enjoy. There’s a spaghetti recipe for every taste, whether you like yours with meatballs or seafood.
Don’t dismiss this tried-and-true dish the next time you need something satisfying to eat quickly.
2. Fedelini
Fedelini is an Italian word for “little faithful ones,” which refers to a thin noodle form that resembles spaghetti. The main ingredients are durum wheat flour and eggs, and it is often sold in 2-inch chunks.
Fedelini has widespread acclaim in Italy, but its availability may be limited outside of the country’s borders. Throughout addition to Italy, fedelini is widely consumed in the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece.
If you’re seeking a substitute for vermicelli that delivers more flavor efficiently, fedelini is a terrific choice. Fedelini goes particularly well with tomato-based sauces like marinara and pesto that aren’t too thick.
3. Rice Vermicelli
Rice vermicelli, also known as rice sticks or rice noodles, is a healthy and delicious substitute for traditional wheat vermicelli.
Rice stick noodles are used in many Asian recipes, such as Vietnamese pho and Thai pad see ew, and they are a superb vermicelli replacement.
They are available in a range of lengths and widths to suit your needs in the kitchen.
When cooked, the transparent noodles become chewy and sticky. They soak up the flavors of the spices and sauces added to the meal.
4. Linguine
The Ligurian region of Italy is the birthplace of linguine, a long pasta that resembles a tongue.
The only ingredients in this classic Italian dish are durum wheat flour and water, along with your choice of fish.
The unique shape of the pasta makes it perfect for both thin and thick sauces, so it goes well with olive oil and garlic as well as carbonara or pesto sauces.
Linguine is a tasty, adaptable pasta that can be prepared in a variety of ways and is guaranteed to delight any pasta enthusiast.
5. Capelli d’angelo
Angel hair pasta, also known as capelli d’angelo, or angel hair, is an extremely thin kind of long pasta that is about the same length as spaghetti.
Angel hair pasta can be made from durum wheat or whole-wheat flour buckwheat. It only needs two to three minutes in quickly heat water, in contrast to the five to seven minutes required to prepare spaghetti.
Angel hair pasta is a good substitute for vermicelli in chicken noodle soup. To make the soup quickly, bring chicken stock to a boil, add angel hair pasta a minute or two before serving and cook until tender.
Chicken piccata, a light lemon sauce, pairs well with angel hair pasta. Along with any meat stewed in a wine sauce, angel hair pasta makes a perfect nest for veal dishes such as veal parmigiana or saltimbocca.
Conclusion
Vermicelli is a versatile type of pasta that can be used in many different dishes. Several alternatives exist that may serve as replacements in recipes that call for vermicelli.
Different substitutes bring different tastes and textures to the table, so choose a couple of these alternatives when preparing a recipe that calls for vermicelli, and choose your favorite.