17 best Ramen Noodles Substitutes & way to use @2023 trend

Ramen noodles are a staple in many people’s diets, offering quick and easy meals that can be cooked up in minutes.

But if you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to traditional ramen noodles that offer just as much flavor and convenience.

From healthier options like shirataki noodles and buckwheat soba to hearty udon noodles and international favorites like pho, the possibilities for delicious noodle dishes are endless.

Here’s a glance at some of the best substitutes for ramen noodles you can try today!

What kind of noodles are in ramen?

Ramen is a type of noodle dish that has become popular in many cultures around the world. Most ramen consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles, which may be either fresh or dried.

These noodles are prepared using alkaline water and salt, giving them a distinct translucence and slight yellow tinge.

While wheat noodles are most common, some ramen recipes may also use buckwheat noodles or other types of noodles like udon and soba.

The noodles are then served with various toppings such as sliced pork belly, seaweed, boiled eggs, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, roasted sesame seeds, and scallions.

Although the variety of ingredients used will vary greatly depending on the region and recipe, the delicious combination of these ingredients provides an unforgettable flavor to any bowl of ramen.

Ideal Ramen Noodles Substitutes you can Try

1. Lamian

If you’re looking for an ideal substitute for ramen noodles, Lamian noodles should be at the top of your list.

This type of soft wheat flour Chinese noodle is particularly popular in northern China and is beginning to gain traction overseas.

It is renowned for being a healthier alternative compared to other types of noodles as it does not contain unhealthy additives such as MSG, making it perfect for that delicious yet healthy soup.

lamian is an ideal ramen noodles substitute

The texture and thickness of Lamian also allow the homemade broth to cling onto the noodle perfectly and quickly, enabling you to create a mouthwatering noodle soup dish.

So, if you want something tasty and healthy to eat any time of the day, don’t forget the ever-versatile Lamian noodles!

2. Udon Noodles

Udon noodles are the ideal substitution for ramen noodles if you’re looking to mix up your noodle game.

They are thicker, chewier, and come in a variety of flavors – from plain white to dark greeny brown – that can add unique complexity to dishes.

Furthermore, they are also much healthier than traditional ramen, containing less fat and more fiber, as well as being a whole grain option.

Even better is that they keep well in the refrigerator, so you can enjoy them on multiple occasions with just one cooking session!

3. Soba Noodles

Soba noodles make a great ramen noodle substitute, especially if you’re looking to add a bit of variety to your diet.

They are buckwheat-based noodle that not only has a unique flavor but also provides various nutrients.

Protein and fiber provided by these healthy noodles may help you stay full throughout the day as compared to typical ramen noodles.

Soba noodles can be added to salads, stir-fries, or even enjoyed on their own in broth.

With its light yet flavorful taste and chewy texture, it won’t take long for soba noodles to become a pantry staple for ramen lovers everywhere.

4. Yakisoba

Yakisoba noodles are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for ramen noodles, and for a good reason.

Not only do they provide the same savory taste ramen noodles have, but they also pack in a variety of antioxidants plus other important nutrients like vitamin B3, iron, and zinc.

Yakisoba noodles are usually made with egg or wheat flour, allowing them to be suitable for vegetarians and some vegans.

Furthermore, they can easily be used in a range of recipes – from stir-fries to salads – providing much more flexibility compared to the usual ramen noodles flavors.

If you’re looking for a noodle alternative that is inexpensive yet packed with flavor and nutrients, yakisoba is definitely worth considering.

5. Any Chinese-style wheat noodles

Ditch the boring, standard ramen noodles, and step up your pantry with Chinese-style wheat noodles!

These noodles are every bit as diverse, flavorful, and easy to prepare as ramen noodles. They can be boiled as you would ramen, but they also take nicely to frying and serving with rich sauces.

For a unique texture, try pan-frying the noodles in oil until they just start to turn golden brown.

Their versatility allows them to balance out any dish – from stir fries to casseroles to soups.

So go ahead and give Chinese-style wheat noodles a try next time you’re getting creative in the kitchen!

6. Chow Mein

Chow Mein is a much healthier and more flavorful alternative to Ramen Noodles.

Not only does Chow Mein contain significantly less sodium than ramen, but it also has no added MSG and can be prepared with fresh ingredients such as garlic, ginger, onions, and vegetables for a completely balanced meal.

Moreover, making Chow Mein is simple and fast, meaning you don’t have to wait too long for a delicious home-cooked meal.

By switching from Ramen Noodles to Chow Mein, you’ll get the best of both worlds—a flavorful meal that’s good for your health!

7. Champon

If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional Ramen noodles, why not try Champon?

Not only is it much more nutritious than ramen, but it’s also extremely easy to make.

Made with thick wheat noodles and vegetables, the umami broth packs a flavor punch that goes well with the crunchy vegetables and chewy noodles.

And unlike dry ramen noodles, Champon stays moist because of its broth-based recipe – so you won’t miss out on any of the yummy flavors.

Plus, it’s quick enough to prepare in between classes or cram sessions for an energizing snack throughout your day.

8. Gluten-Free Ramen Noodles

Gluten-Free Ramen Noodles are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the classic ramen dish.

Whether you’re newly gluten-free or already accustomed to this lifestyle, these noodles provide all the flavor without gluten, thanks to their carefully selected ingredients.

With an array of toppings and broths to choose from, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love. For an added boost of texture, nuts and seeds can be sprinkled on top.

Even better, it’s easy to make at home – just heat up your favorite broth, toss in some veggies, add pre-cooked noodles, and your instant cup of ramen is ready!

So why wait – next time you’re looking for something quick and tasty, go with gluten-free ramen noodles.

9. Wonton noodles

Wonton noodles are an excellent replacement for traditional ramen noodles. Not only do they bring a different but equally delicious flavor, but they also offer more health benefits due to their higher content of vitamins and minerals.

Wonton noodles are typically made with pork or shrimp, so many seafood lovers enjoy them!

Additionally, wontons add crunch and texture to a soup that ramen noodles don’t provide. With the wonton noodles providing an enjoyable alternative to regular ramen, you can now happily switch up your lunchtime routine.

10. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a delicious and healthy alternative to popular ramen noodles. While the flavor of traditional ramen is based mainly on sugar, salt, and monosodium glutamate, Pad Thai has a much richer flavor profile. 

This dish includes garlic, fish sauce, tamarind paste or lime juice for acidity, palm sugar for sweetness, and a variety of spices like chiles, turmeric, and coriander.

Not only is Pad Thai an enjoyable taste experience with its complex blend of flavors, but it’s also an excellent source of protein from ingredients such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken.

So why settle for dull ramen when you can have a filling dinner in the form of flavorful Pad Thai?

11. Rice Noodles

If you’re looking for a light, healthy and delicious alternative to ramen noodles, try rice noodles! Rice noodles are made of different types of rice flour, making them easy to digest.

Unlike most ramen noodles which contain egg or wheat, rice noodles are suitable for those eating vegan or gluten-free diets.

Despite being lower in calories than ramen noodles, they still have a satisfying and textured chewiness to them that makes them just as enjoyable to eat.

Best of all, rice noodles take less time to cook, so you can whip up a tasty meal in no time at all!

12. Glass Noodles

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to ramen noodles, try out glass noodles.

It is also known as cellophane noodles, which are made from mung bean or sweet potato starch, whereas standard ramen noodles have wheat flour in them.

Glass noodles have a unique and pleasantly mild flavor to them, making them the perfect base for adding other delicious ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

They also cook up super fast – just 3-4 minutes – making them an ideal snack to reach for when you’re short on time.

Plus, they are gluten-free for those with sensitivities. Give them a try next time you’re after some quick noodles in your life!

13. Shirataki noodles

Shirataki noodles are becoming a go-to option for many health-conscious individuals looking for an alternative to ramen noodles.

Shirataki noodles have far fewer calories and carbohydrates than their ramen counterparts, making them an obvious choice as a tasty low-calorie meal base.

They are made from natural ingredients like konjac yam, which make them both vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

These benefits, combined with the fact that they are even easier to prepare than traditional ramen – simply drain and rinse – make Shirataki noodles an ideal substitution in any recipe.

You won’t be sacrificing flavor either; these unique noodles have their own distinct texture combined with the ability to absorb whatever sauce or broth you choose to cook them in.

Try out Shirataki noodles today for a nutritious and delicious swap!

Shirataki noodles can be found in many Asian markets or online and make an excellent base for various dishes.

14. Buckwheat Soba 

Made from buckwheat flour, soba is another popular Japanese noodle that’s often served cold with a dipping sauce.

You can also find it pre-packaged with seasonings if you want something quick and easy to prepare.

buckwheat is an ideal ramen noodles alternative

Buckwheat has a nutty flavor which makes it great for soups and other hearty dishes, making it a perfect alternative to traditional Ramen noodles.

15. Green Bean Noodles

If you’re looking for a healthier but similarly flavorful alternative to ramen noodles, look no further than green bean noodles.

Full of proteins and vitamins, green bean noodles will become the perfect substitute for regular ramen without sacrificing taste! 

Although they may look like regular ramen noodles, green bean noodles are made with high-fiber mung beans that provide loads of nutrition and fiber as well as an exceptional flavor.

Green bean noodles can easily be prepared by soaking them in boiling water for just minutes before adding them to your favorite stir-fried vegetables, soup, or any other dish for a particularly delicious meal.

Give it a try and make your meals much healthier today!

16. Veggie noodles

For anyone looking for a low-calorie, low-carb, and high-protein alternative to regular ramen noodles, veggie noodles are definitely worth considering.

Not only are they packed with the same umami flavor you get from ramen, but they also come with the added health benefits of being high in essential vitamins and minerals.

With the various delicious options available, incorporating veggie noodles into any meal is sure to make it more nutritious and exciting.

Plus, they cook up quickly and can be added to virtually any dish or sauce — making them as easy to use as their non-vegetarian counterpart!

So if you’re looking for a lighter and healthier option for your next pasta fix, then why not try veggie noodles instead of ramen noodles?

17. Pho 

A Vietnamese noodle soup made with rice noodles, pho is one of the most popular international alternatives to ramen.

The broth is usually made with beef or chicken and flavored with various spices like star anise and cinnamon, giving it a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate with ramen.

These are just a few of the delicious alternatives to Ramen noodles that you can try today.

So if you’re looking for something new and exciting, give one of these options a go and see what you think!

FAQs on ramen noodles substitute

Q1. Can I use normal noodles instead of ramen noodles?

If you’re thinking of using regular, traditional-style noodles as a substitute for ramen noodles, you should be aware that there are some significant differences between the two. According to most experienced chefs, traditional noodles not only cook faster than ramen, but their texture is also completely different.

Regular noodles tend to be softer, whereas ramen noodles are chewier and hold the sauce better due to their unique composition. In addition, because ramen has been specifically formulated with flavorings such as soy sauce and beef stock, it’s unlikely that regular noodles will provide the same type of flavor even with the addition of those ingredients.

Therefore, while replacing ramen noodles with regular ones may be an option, making sure that your dish tastes right could require some experimentation and possibility plenty of trial-and-error too.

Q2. Is ramen the same as egg noodles?

No. When it comes to noodle-based dishes, ramen and egg noodles are two of the most popular choices. While ramen is generally considered to be a whole dish with a specific set of ingredients and flavors, egg noodles are ingredients in various dishes.

Unlike ramen, which is made from wheat flour and salt, egg noodles can have other ingredients like eggs or even herbs and spices. Their texture also distinguishes them from ramen; while both can be cooked soft or al dente, egg noodles tend to come out chewier and more substantial than their more delicate ramen counterpart.

Thus, although both may be used in similar noodle-based recipes, they cannot be assumed to be interchangeable.

Q3. Is instant ramen the same as spaghetti?

Is instant ramen the same as spaghetti? Absolutely not! While both require boiling water for preparation, their tastes and histories could not be any more different. Spaghetti has its roots in traditional Italian cooking, offering a rich and savory flavor, often served with tomato sauce.

On the other hand, ramen is a product of Japanese cuisine featuring a salty broth that affects the taste of the wheat-based noodles it contains. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a classic Italian-style dish or indulge in an Eastern noodle experience, it’s clear that instant ramen and spaghetti are two very distinct dishes.

Q4. Can Maggi be cooked like ramen?

Many people have asked if Maggi noodles, the popular snack food from India, can be cooked like ramen noodles. The answer is yes, and it’s surprisingly easy! Maggi noodles come in myriad styles for lots of different recipes.

For a classic ramen-style dish, you’ll need to cook your Maggi according to package directions with boiling water first. Then add any type of broth you prefer and stir into prepared noodles. Lastly, add some vegetables or other desired ingredients and simmer until everything is cooked through.

You can even customize your broth selection based on preference – miso ramen sounds especially delicious! In the end, you’ll have a delicious bowl of ramen-style noodles worthy of its Japanese counterpart.

Q5. Can you substitute spaghetti for ramen noodles? 

Many people may think that substituting spaghetti for ramen noodles is an unconventional choice, but it can actually be a delicious and nutritious option.

Ramen noodles may provide convenience in their quick cook time, but switching to spaghetti can result in a much healthier meal.

Not only does spaghetti have fewer calories than ramen noodles, but it also has less sodium and offers a larger variety of shapes with whole wheat or veggie pasta options.

When cooking spaghetti instead of regular ramen noodles, it’s best to substitute the flavor packet included in the ramen package with herbs or spices on the spaghetti.

This will add even more nutrition and flavor to your dish while helping you get creative in the kitchen.

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