Sometimes, yakisoba noodles just aren’t an option. Maybe the store was out, or you simply forgot to grab a pack. No big deal. We’ve all been there, staring at a half-prepped stir-fry wondering what to toss in.
Good news is, there are plenty of swaps that work just as well. Some are super familiar, while others might surprise you. We’ve tried a bunch of them ourselves, and it turns out, you can still whip up something delicious without yakisoba noodles.
From pantry staples to alternatives you can grab at most stores, we’ve got options that’ll keep your stir-fry dreams alive. These substitutes work with the same quick-cook style and soak up all the saucy goodness.
7 Easy Substitutes for Yakisoba Noodles
Here are some alternatives to use in place of yakisoba noodles when you find yourself in a pinch:
1 – Ramen Noodles
If you’ve ever been stuck without yakisoba noodles, ramen noodles are an easy fix. They cook fast and soak up sauces just as well. They’re cheap, easy to find, and simple to use. Boil them for a few minutes and they’re ready to toss into any dish.
One pack of ramen noodles works as a one-to-one substitute for yakisoba. Toss out the seasoning packet unless you want the extra kick. The texture is slightly softer but still holds up for stir-fry dishes. Bonus points if you stir-fry them after boiling for extra chewiness.
Ramen noodles bring the same slurp-worthy vibes to your dish without the hassle. Want more ideas like this? Check out our guide on best ramen noodle substitutes for your next meal fix.
2 – Udon Noodles
If you’ve ever been stuck without yakisoba noodles, udon noodles are a solid stand-in. They’re thicker and chewier, so they add a bit more bite to your recipe. They hold sauces like a champ and work well in stir-fries or soups.
Use the same amount of udon as you would yakisoba, one-to-one. Fresh udon cooks fast, while dried will need boiling for a few extra minutes. Keep that in mind. The texture is heartier, making it great for heavy sauces or loaded dishes.
Udon noodles bring a satisfying heft to your plate without overcomplicating things. If you’re curious about more swaps, check out our guide on udon noodle substitutes for more ways to save your recipe.
3 – Soba Noodles
The thicker texture of soba noodles makes them a great option for yakisoba swaps. They’re easy to find and perfect for stir-fries thanks to their quick cooking time.
Soba noodles are made with buckwheat flour, giving them a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with savory sauces. Use the same amount as you would for yakisoba, one-to-one.
The slight difference in texture adds some variety to your dishes without changing things up too much. Soba brings its own flair to the table. If you want more inspiration on using soba noodles, our soba noodle substitutes guide has you covered.
4 – Spaghetti (Cooked Al Dente)
For a pantry staple swap, look no further than spaghetti. It’s easy to find and quick to cook. Plus, the thinner texture soaks up sauces just as well as yakisoba noodles.
To use spaghetti in place of yakisoba noodles, boil until al dente and toss them into your dish like you would with regular noodles. Though they won’t have the same shape or color, they’ll still add some yummy flavor and bite.
Spaghetti is a versatile option that adds a different touch to your stir-fry dishes.
5 – Rice Noodles
This option may be a bit less familiar, but rice noodles are easily found at most grocery stores. They’re thin and chewy, making them a great swap for yakisoba in stir-fries.
Rice noodles cook quickly and hold sauces well, just like yakisoba. Use the same amount as you would for yakisoba, one-to-one, when substituting.
The texture of rice noodles is slightly softer than traditional yakisoba noodles, adding some variety to your dish. If you want more ideas on using rice noodles in different dishes, check out our rice noodle substitutes guide for more tips and tricks.
6 – Egg Noodles
If you’re in a pinch for yakisoba noodles, egg noodles are another versatile choice. They’re easy to find and work well in stir-fries.
Egg noodles cook fast and soak up sauces just as nicely as yakisoba. Use the same amount as you would for yakisoba, one-to-one.
The flavor is slightly different, but still compliments a good sauce. If you want more ideas on using egg noodles, our egg noodle substitutes guide has plenty of tasty suggestions.
7 – Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Last but not least, how about a healthy and low-carb option? Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great substitute for yakisoba. They’re thinner than traditional noodles and take on sauces just as well.
To use zucchini noodles in place of yakisoba, simply spiralize raw zucchini into noodle-like shapes and sauté them in a pan with some oil until slightly softened. They’ll add some crunch to your dish and soak up the flavor nicely. While it may not be the most traditional swap, it’s still a tasty and nutritious option.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.