Substitute for Egg Noodles

Substitute for Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are a staple food in China. In fact, there are more than 100 different kinds of Chinese egg noodles. What makes them so special? Egg noodles come in various shapes, sizes, and textures. Some are thin and chewy, while others are thick and hearty. There are even gluten-free egg noodles!

Now, if you are looking for a substitute for egg noodles, we have them prepared for you! To give you a glimpse of the best and healthiest alternative is the Shirataki Noodles. Take your time to read the list of the best egg noodle substitute as well as the healthiest alternative that you can have. 

Other starch substitutes for Rutabaga and cheeses like paneer are covered here. Plus learn how to substitute Mayonnaise for eggs and this could be considered as a side for meatballs with egg alternatives.

What you should know when substituting for Quinoa.

5 Best Easy-to-Find Substitutes for Egg Noodles in 2024

1. Fettuccine

Fettucine is the perfect substitute for egg noodles. It has a flat and wider appearance, commonly mixed in dishes like alfredo and broccoli pesto. Fettuccine comes from Italian cuisine, where it is known as tagliatelle. It is made from wheat flour and eggs and rolled into pasta dough. The only downside to this noodle is that it is not as soft and chewy as egg noodles. However, if you want something similar to a mild flavor, then fettuccine will do just fine.

What makes it a good alternative to egg noodles?

Like the egg noodles, Fettucine pasta can be used in soups, salads, and stir-fries, especially with those olive oils and garlic. When you use this, balance the amount of fettuccine or use the equal parts just as you do with egg noodles.

Substitute for Chinese egg noodles
Substitute for Chinese egg noodles – use a thin pasta like angel hair pasta.

2. Ribbon Pasta

Ribbon pasta originates in Italy, where it was first created as an appetizer. It has become very popular among people who want something healthy but still crave some flavor. The most common type of ribbon pasta is made from corn flour or rice flour. It is very thin and has a long noodle shape. It is served either dried or fresh, depending on the type of dish you are cooking. Fresh pasta is suitable for pasta dishes with fewer sauces, while dried ones are best for thick and creamy sauces. 

What makes it a good alternative to egg noodles?

This type of pasta can be used as an egg noodle replacement because it does not absorb water as regular pasta does. You can use this pasta to make any type of Asian dish, such as stir-fried vegetables, soups, and salads. It almost has the same taste and texture as egg noodles. Meaning, you do not need to change the entire recipe except for the pasta substitution. 

3. Lasagna

If you do not mind having wider, longer, and bigger noodles, then pick the lasagna as a substitute. If you are not familiar with this, it is a 2-inch wide and 13-inch long noodle usually filled with meat sauce. It is made from wheat flour and eggs.

What makes it a good alternative to egg noodles?

Lasagna is one of the recommended alternatives to cooked egg noodles because it is easy to find in stores. Like other types of pasta, lasagna goes with different ingredients like cheese, tomato sauce, spinach, and mushroom. You can choose between whole-grain lasagna, white lasagna, and gluten-free lasagna. And it is a great option for those who cannot eat gluten. When you substitute this, you will not have to worry about cross-contamination since it is made from wheat flour. 

4. Spaghetti

Spaghetti is the most common alternative noodle because it is widely available in grocery stores. They are mostly made from semolina flour and eggs. However, they differ in size and thickness. Regular spaghetti comes in diameter similar to egg noodles. While angel hair spaghetti is much much thinner. Both types of spaghetti are commonly found in supermarkets and can be used as substitutes for egg noodles. Meanwhile, dry spaghetti noodles are often found in boxes, while fresh ones are sold in plastic bags. 

What makes it a good alternative to egg noodles?

Spaghetti’s soft and thin strips are better than other pasta available. It has the same texture as egg noodles; thus you will not have a hard time mixing spaghetti into your recipe. You can cook spaghetti using boiling water and by adding oil to prevent sticking. This type of Italian pasta is perfect for making pasta salad, cheese, chicken, seafood, and other ingredients and pasta recipes.

What is the best egg noodle alternative
What is the best egg noodle alternative? – See our Top 5 alternatives for 2024

5. Linguine

Linguine is another noodle that can be substituted for egg noodles. It is also commonly mistaken as fettuccine because of its similar texture and appearance. The difference between linguine from fettuccine is that it is thinner and shorter than the latter. Linguine is made from semolina flour, eggs, and salt. It is usually served cold or at room temperature.

What makes it a good alternative to egg noodles?

Like other types of pasta, linguine is versatile. You can add it to soup, casseroles, and stews. Its tender texture makes it suitable in your recipe for egg noodles, and it is best for light sauces. When you use this as a substitute, you should never forget to pair this with olive oil, pesto, or tomato sauce. 

What Makes Egg Noodles Different from Regular Pasta

There are several differences between egg noodles from regular pasta. In case you did not know, the ingredient is the major difference between egg noodles and pasta.

Egg Noodles vs. Regular Pasta Ingredients

First, egg noodles are made from eggs and wheat flour or rice flour. It is traditionally made through hand pulling, a pasta maker, or a pasta machine. Now, in the modern age, noodles are mixed with tapioca starches or arrowroot to enhance the flavor and shapes of the strands. If you have tried to make one, you definitely know that egg noodles are always ready to serve after cooking.

Moreover, egg noodles originate in Asia, especially in China. Hence people would confuse several types of noodles like wonton noodle soup, chow mein noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, etc. They are usually cooked with hot soup and vegetables and less likely with cheese or oils. 

Second, regular pasta is made from wheat flour only. Sometimes, it also sometimes contains semolina pieces. It is cooked in boiling water, mixed with a little oil to avoid sticking together, and then drained before serving. 

Italy, where pasta originated, normally has durum wheat in pasta, a traditional ingredient that they follow. And unlike egg noodles, pasta is often served with olive oil, meat, light sauces, herbs, and spices. It mostly comes in sauces than soup. 

can i use egg noodles for spaghetti
Can I use egg noodles for spaghetti? Yes you can, and the taste will be nice.

Egg Noodles vs. Regular Pasta Texture

Egg noodles have longer and softer strands than regular pasta. The shapes and sizes vary from different countries, but most of the time, it comes in long, flat, and thin strands. However, European countries, especially Germany, produce shorter and thicker noodles. 

On the other hand, pasta has various lengths, shapes, and sizes. Although most of them have longer and thicker strands, some pasta, such as lasagna, comes in wider pasta sheets. Meanwhile, fettuccine has long and flat strips. 

What are the Healthiest Types of Noodles

If you want fewer carbohydrates and less gluten in your diet, we have listed down healthier noodles that you can use as a substitute for your recipe for egg noodles. 

1. Whole Wheat Spaghetti

Whole wheat spaghetti is healthier than regular pasta because it contains fiber and nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. It also helps you feel fuller longer. In addition, whole wheat spaghetti is the perfect pasta to use for your fresh vegetables, fish, and tomato sauce. You will not have to worry about eating this because it is soy-free, egg-free, nut-free, and vegan. 

2.  Buckwheat Soba Noodles

Buckwheat soba noodle comes from buckwheat flour instead of wheat flour; hence, it has a thin and springy noodle. This type of noodle is more nutritious than regular pasta because it does not contain gluten and has higher protein quality. Moreover, buckwheat noodles are low on calories and cholesterol. They are also rich in antioxidants and minerals. 

3. Shirataki Noodles

Shirataki noodles are Japanese noodles made from konjac starch. Konjac is an edible tuber that looks like a giant white radish. It is commonly used in Asian dishes to add texture and firmness to soups and salads. It has little to zero carbohydrates, is made up of 3% fiber and 97% water, and is free of fat, sugar, and gluten.

4. Rice Noodles

Rice noodles are another healthy alternative for pasta because it does not contain any wheat flour. Unlike other noodles, rice noodles do not require cooking since they come already boiled. They are very versatile and can be used in stir-fries, soups, salads, and even desserts. Its nutritional contents include dietary fiber, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, and phosphorus. 

5. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles are made from zucchini squash high in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and fiber. These noodles are usually found in Italian cuisine and are great for adding flavor and texture to soups or vegetable stews. This is a better choice when looking for healthy options because it does not contain gluten, dairy products, eggs, oil, or salt. 

6. Japanese Soba Noodles

These soba noodles can be made extra healthy with a whole. wheat flour and very low salt. Also, see alternatives to soba noodles.

What is the Healthy Substitute for Egg Noodles

If you want a healthier substitute for egg noodles, we recommend you go for Shirataki noodles. As mentioned previously, it is made out of konjac roots, which are then made into konjac starch. This primary ingredient is full of glucomannan, a dietary fiber used in the body for energy. It is also very low in carbohydrates and calories. 

Shirataki noodles do not contain wheat, eggs, or gluten. Therefore, this is a safe and healthy alternative for egg noodles, wheat noodles, and pasta. And since it is high in fiber content, this can help your body have better digestion and ease regular bowel movements.

See our big list of substitutes for common food and pantry items.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular noodles for egg noodles?

Yes, you can! However, you should make sure that the noodles you choose are 100% gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, but some do not. If you are unsure whether the brand you are using is gluten-free, check with the manufacturer first. Also, make sure that the substitute noodles have the same cooking process stated on their packaging. 

Can I use pasta instead of noodles?

Pasta is a good option if you are looking for something quick and easy. But remember that most pasta contains gluten, which is why it will not work as a substitute for egg noodles. You can try substituting them with brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or whole-grain pasta. 

Can I use rice noodles instead of egg noodles?

Yes! Rice noodles are a great alternative to egg noodles because they are easier to cook than regular pasta. Just boil them before eating. 

Can you substitute macaroni for egg noodles?

No, this is not possible. Macaroni contains gluten, so it cannot replace cooked egg noodles. Also, its shape, which is an elbow pasta, makes it different from egg noodles. When cooked, macaroni is best for heavy or rich sauce, cheese, and meat. So, we suggest you use fettuccine instead.  You can also substitute eggs in mayonnaise.

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