If you love Asian noodles, you’ll want to cook Yakisoba noodles at some point. This delicious meal is enriched with sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you wanting more. But with that said, they are also not always available at the local grocery store. When that happens, what are some good substitutes for Yakisoba noodles?
The most common substitutes for yakisoba noodles are ramen, soba, and udon noodles. However, you can also look into other options like lo mein, glass noodles, rice noodles, and japchae.
There are two reasons I look for substitutes for yakisoba noodles. The first is that I enjoy experimenting with food, and the second is that my local store runs out from time to time. From my food experiments, here are the best substitutes I have discovered.
Popular Substitutes for Yakisoba Noodles
Here are the various alternatives that are still delicious and satisfying.
Buckwheat Ramen Noodles
Anytime you feel like being adventurous in the kitchen and want to try something new, use buckwheat ramen noodles in place of Yakisoba noodles. You can enjoy them as standalone noodles or as part of a whole dish.
Despite the name buckwheat, these noodles don’t have wheat. Buckwheat is a grain from the broad-leaf plant. The noodles are delicious with a nutty flavor and are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber.
Instant Ramen Noodles
Instant ramen noodles differ from buckwheat ramen noodles in that the former is made from wheat. If you want to prepare something that won’t take a lot of time but it’s still satisfying, we highly recommend this substitute. You can purchase these noodles with different seasonings to add flavor to your meal.
Soba Noodles
Are you looking for nutrient-dense noodles? You can’t go wrong with soba noodles. You can enjoy this nutritious alternative cold or hot. As they are slow-release carbs, they help in weight management, cognitive performance, cardiovascular health, and cholesterol levels.
Soba noodles are thinner than yakisoba noodles but just as delicious, especially for meals like chow mein. Nonetheless, as they are made from buckwheat, some people may be allergic. If that’s the case, consider the other alternatives we have mentioned.
Udon Noodles
These chewy Japanese noodles are made from wheat flour, although some regions use potato starch instead of wheat. You’ll find them in different shapes or sizes. The thicker the noodles, the chewy they are.
Just like soba noodles, you can enjoy noodles cold or hot. Most people serve it in a hot broth called Kakejiru. For our DIY lovers, you can make udon noodles at home. But if you want to buy them, most grocery stores stock them. If you can’t get them, you may want to check an Asian grocery store near you.
The main difference between yakisoba noodles and udon noodles is that the former is thinner, and most people don’t eat it in broth like udon.
Japchae
Japchae is like the Korean version of the chow mein (Chinese noodle dish). The main difference is that you use sweet potato glass noodles in Japchae. This substitute has excellent texture and some sweetness. DIY lovers can prepare these noodles at home using sweet potato starch.
Japchae noodles are perfect. Not just because of their unique taste that will knock off your socks but because you also don’t need many ingredients to make them.
It’s also versatile as you can incorporate different vegetables like green onions, carrots, and spinach.
Rice Noodles
Rice noodles are very popular on Asian tables and are one of the best substitutes for Yakisoba noodles. Thanks to their spring texture and delightful flavor, they will likely bring a great twist to your table.
When properly cooked, rice noodles give a fluffy consistency that resembles ramen noodles. The major difference is that rice noodles have a tender and firm texture, or as the Italians call it, an al dente bite. Ramen usually has a soft bite.
When using rice noodles as a substitute for yakisoba noodles, understand that thinner cuts need less time to cook and will not be as chewy. Also, don’t overcook them. You can either blanch them for a minute or toss them into your stir-fry for two minutes.
Vermicelli Noodles
Vermicelli noodles are a delicious and classic ingredient in most Asian recipes. These thin and fragrant noodles are made from rice flour and wheat. The al dente texture makes them perfect for soup and stir-fried meals.
Substituting yakisoba noodles with vermicelli will give your noodle stir-fry an interesting twist. The meal pairs well with thinly sliced pork, yakisoba sauce, and any of your desired vegetables.
Lo Mein
Lo Mein noodles are basically egg noodles. They make a great substitute for yakisoba noodles as their flavors and consistency are almost the same.
The preparation time is short, and you can enjoy this meal with the meat and vegetables of your choice. Also, lo mein noodles are like the Chinese version of yakisoba noodles. Both are soft and chewy and carry a soy-sauce flavor.
Korean Spicy Noodles
Try substituting yakisoba noodles with Korean spicy noodles. They are packed with a variety of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. In addition, they are quick to prepare. You’ll be enjoying your meal in no time.
Related Questions
Which Chinese Dish Resembles Yakisoba?
Yakisoba is similar to the Chinese meal called chow mein. Both meals include stir-fried noodles. The difference is that chow mein uses wheat noodles. Also, chow mein features different vegetables and meat, while the meat of choice in yakisoba is pork.
Are Soba and Yakisoba Noodles the Same?
Soba may sound like a short form of yakisoba, but it’s a different type of noodle. Yakisoba noodles are made from wheat flour and not buckwheat. Also, yakisoba noodles don’t have broth as they are stir-fried noodles.
Are Yakisoba Noodles Thin or Thick
Yakisoba noodles are usually long and thin.