This is a detailed guide to some awesome substitutes for soba noodles in your recipes.
So, let’s get right into it.
Best Soba Noodle Substitutes
They are discussed in detail here-
1. Ramen Noodles
For a quick fix substitute for soba noodles, you can always grab some ramen noodles.
They can be saltier and come with seasoning which you can skip and use in your recipe.
But you might want to keep in mind that it has eggs if you are looking for vegan or vegetarian options.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of ramen noodles as soba noodles in most recipes but the noodles might be firmer.
Here is a quick and easy chicken ramen recipe that you can give a shot –
2. Udon Noodles
Udon is a thicker and smoother alternative to soba noodles and they work well in soups, broth, or even with meat and vegetables.
They are milder in flavor and are perfect for when you want a blank canvas that can take on the flavor of other elements.
How to Substitute?
You can use the udon noodles in the same quantity as you would have used soba noodles in your recipe, with some adjustments to the seasoning.
If you would like to make some udon noodles from scratch, here is a YouTube video to help you out –
3. Rice Noodles
Made from rice flour, rice noodle is a great option for those looking for a gluten-free option.
They can be cooked dry or with broth and can be used in soups, stir-fry, and more.
They are versatile and depending on how you cook them, you can tweak their texture.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same measure of rice noodles as soba noodles in your recipe, but you would want to keep an eye on how you cook it.
Check out this quick and easy rice noodles recipe that you can try instead of a soba noodle recipe –
4. Somen Noodles
Somen noodles are Japanese noodles that are closer in flavor to soba noodles but with a thicker texture and warmer tone to flavor.
You could likely find it in Asian stores near you. They are most commonly eaten in the colder months due to their warming effect.
How to Substitute?
Due to the similarities in texture and flavor, you can substitute Somen noodles for soba noodles in a 1:1 ratio.
Check out this recipe video of somen noodles that gives you five different ways to enjoy them –
5. Kelp Noodles
If you are looking for unique flavors, kelp noodles made from kelp seaweed are your best bet.
It is packed with nutrients and has notes of sweetness in its flavors.
They can be slightly bland but work great when seasoned right.
How to Substitute?
Kelp noodles might not be a great substitute in all recipes, so you might want to use them in dry recipes, served with vegetables and sauce.
Here is how you can enjoy the kelp noodles in 3 different ways –
6. Whole Wheat Noodles or Spaghetti
Whole wheat noodles or spaghetti might be easier found at stores near you and they are great alternatives to soba noodles, offering more or less the same texture and thickness.
Although there may be flavor differences, they should work just fine in most recipes.
How to Substitute?
You can substitute whole wheat noodles for spaghetti in a 1:1 ratio and the recipe should turn out perfectly fine.
Here is a whole wheat spaghetti and stir fry recipe that you can give a try –
7. Yakisoba Noodles
Made from buckwheat, yakisoba noodles are a great alternative to soba noodles, especially if you are using a soy sauce-based sauce or broth.
They are thicker and are best used in dry recipes. They are also great if you are pressed for time because they cook faster than soba noodles.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of Yakisoba noodles as soba noodles in your recipes. But you need to keep in mind that the cooking time is different.
Check out this quick and simple yakisoba recipe –
8. Korean Buckwheat Noodles
The Korean version of the buckwheat noodles, found in Asian markets, is also a good choice instead of soba noodles.
They are a great gluten-free option, perfect for both dry recipes or those served with broth. They also have a similar thickness to sob noodles.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of Korean buckwheat noodles as soba noodles are called for in a recipe, with slight flavor differences.
To try a Korean Buckwheat noodle recipe, check out this YouTube tutorial –
9. Pizzoccheri Pasta
Pizzoccheri is the Italian version of buckwheat noodles, and they also work as great gluten-free alternatives to soba noodles.
Pizzoccheri is perfect when served with vegetables and sauce rather than with meat.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same quantity of Pizzoccheri pasta instead of soba noodles but the flavors will be quite different.
To make your pizzoccheri and also get an easy recipe, check out this YouTube video –
10. Quinoa Spaghetti
If you are a quinoa fan, then you can go ahead and use quinoa spaghetti or pasta as a replacement for soba noodles in your recipe, both with broth or dry recipes.
They work great with veggies, meat, or sauce.
How to Substitute?
You can use the quinoa spaghetti in the same measure as soba noodles but you might want to keep the cooking time in mind.
Here is how you can make quinoa noodles at home –
11. Zucchini Noodles
For the veggie lovers and vegans out there, zucchini noodles are the perfect alternative to soba noodles in most recipes.
They are perfect to cut down the carbs in your diet and also add some fiber and nutrients.
How to Substitute?
You can play around with the measure and cook time of the zucchini noodles to find the sweet spot that you prefer in your recipes.
Here is everything you need to know about Zucchini noodles –
12. Butternut Squash Noodles
Much like zucchini noodles, butternut squash noodles are also a great veggie option when wanting to replace the carbs in your diet.
It works well in most recipes and is best added to the dish after cooking it separately.
How to Substitute?
To find the right texture, thickness, and flavor, you might want to play around with the cooking time and ratio of butternut squash noodles in your soba noodle recipe.
To make your butternut squash noodles, check out this YouTube tutorial –
13. Beet Noodles
Made from beets and rice flour, beet noodles are a great gluten-free and paleo-friendly alternative to soba noodles in your recipe.
They are sweet and earthy in flavor and packed with nutrients. They are also great to add some color to your dishes.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same measure of beet noodles as soba noodles, but you might want to experiment to get your preferred ratio and texture.
14. Cellophane Noodles
Cellophane noodles or glass noodles are gelatinous noodles made from starch and are a gluten-free alternative to soba noodles.
They work best in dry recipes with veggies or meat and offer a unique texture and mouthfeel.
You could find them in Asian stores near you.
How to Substitute?
Although you could use the same measure of cellophane noodles as soba noodles, you might want to keep the cook time and texture in mind.
Here is a simple glass noodle recipe that you can try when you have run out of soba noodles –
Bottom Line
I hope this article helped you find the right substitute for soba noodles in your recipes.
Feel free to share this article with your family and friends who love a good noodle recipe.