Noodle dishes are some of the best dishes out there. Ramen, Pad Thai and Lo Mein are some of the best tasting meals you can have. And if you count pasta as a noodle? Well, the delicious dishes are infinite. As such, today we’re asking the question: are noodles gluten free?

Are noodles gluten free?

Many noodles are not gluten free. Any variety of noodle that contains wheat is not gluten free. This includes many varieties of egg noodles such as udon noodles, ramen noodles and and pasta.

Of course, manufacturers have cottoned onto the increased interest in gluten free diets, and gluten free varieties of these noodles are available. Be sure to read the packaging and search out gluten free varieties in the specialist aisle if you need them to be gluten free.

Luckily, some noodle varieties are naturally gluten free. Generally speaking, most rice noodle varieties are 100% gluten free, pending the individual manufacturer. This includes rice noodles, rice vermicelli and kway teow. With that said, some brands include small amounts of wheat flour for chewiness, so be sure to read the labels carefully.

Is vermicelli gluten free?

The name vermicelli refers to the style of noodle as opposed to an individual way of making noodles. Rice vermicelli is often gluten free, but wheat vermicelli (often used in Italian cuisine) is not gluten free. Some gluten free pasta brands may make a gluten free variety of Italian style vermicelli.

Are soba noodles gluten free?

Not all soba noodles are gluten free. Although many brands in Australia market themselves as being buckwheat flour noodles, an inspection of the label reveals that they contain wheat. There are some brands of soba noodles that are 100% buckwheat flour, but they are traditionally more expensive and harder to source. I have a recipe for 100% buckwheat noodles in my buckwheat flour e-book. I also have a gluten free soba noodle recipe on my website.

Are rice noodles gluten free?

Most varieties of rice noodles are gluten free, but it depends on the brand in question. Some brands add a small amount of wheat to improve texture and durability. Be sure to read the labels and source noodles from a gluten free manufacturer if you are coeliac.

Are sweet potato noodles gluten free?

Generally speaking, Korean sweet potato noodles (Dangmeyon) are gluten free. They are traditionally made with sweet potato starch and water. Be sure to read the label to check if the brand you’re looking at is 100% gluten free.

Are egg noodles gluten free?

Most egg noodles on the market are not gluten free as they are made with wheat flour. There are some varieties of gluten free egg noodles available, but they are often pasta styles as opposed to Asian styles of egg noodle (like ramen noodles). I have a recipe for gluten free egg noodles in my cookbook, Intolerance Friendly Kitchen. There is also a xanthan gum free, gluten free egg noodle recipe on my site.

Are ramen noodles gluten free?

Traditionally speaking, ramen noodles use wheat and are thus not gluten free. You may find some varieties of gluten free ramen noodles on the market, but they are not the traditional style or the most commonly available.

Are Hokkien noodles gluten free?

Traditionally speaking, Hokkien noodles use wheat and are thus not gluten free. I have yet to see gluten free Hokkien noodles widely available in Australia, but they might be available from specialist manufacturers.

Are Udon noodles gluten free?

Traditionally speaking, Hokkien noodles use wheat and are thus not gluten free. I have tried a few brands (Kantong and Wokka) in Australia that made thick rice noodles, akin to udon. However, a recent Google search doesn’t bring them up so I don’t know if they are still being made.

Tips for using gluten free noodles

• Always check the label to ensure the noodles are actually gluten free.
• Cook noodles on a low boil as opposed to a vigorous boil. They are often more fragile and prone to breakage, so a gentle boil will aid in keeping them in tact. Similarly, strain them gently if you can.
• A small splash of oil over cooked and drained noodles will help stop them sticking together as they cool.
• I like to add gluten free noodles last after adding sauce in things like a stir fry. This means you don’t have to toss them excessively and risk them breaking.
• A great stand in for egg noodles or any variety of gluten free noodles (which can be harder to find) is store bought gluten free spaghetti. It is widely available, cheap and holds up really well to stirring, sitting in liquids and rough handling. You can’t tell they’re not egg noodles once they’re in sauce, anyway.

Recipes for gluten free noodles

The following are gluten free noodle and pasta recipes from my website. Where possible, I try to cater to specific diets including vegan, xanthan gum free, corn free and low FODMAP.

Gluten free egg noodles

These gluten free egg noodles are a recipe in my cookbook, Intolerance Friendly Kitchen. They are chewy and delicious and can be used fresh or frozen.

Gluten free egg pasta

A simple gluten free egg pasta recipe is a must have when on a gluten free diet. They’re fun to make and delicious to eat. I recommend a pasta machine for this recipe, but also for all of these recipes. These days you can easily find a cheap one that does the job.

Gluten free soba noodles (vegan)

These 100% buckwheat flour soba noodles are gluten free, vegan and xanthan gum free. They are a recipe in my first buckwheat e-book which you can find here.

Gluten free 100% buckwheat lasagne sheets (vegan)

Now that I have this incredibly easy lasagne sheet recipe in my back pocket, I find it hard to pay for store bought. This recipe is gluten free, vegan, xanthan gum free and makes 3 large sheets, which is the perfect amount to keep the buckwheat subtle. This is a recipe in my second buckwheat e-book which is linked here. There is also a non-buckwheat version on my website.

Gluten free beetroot pasta

This beetroot pasta recipe really is as vibrant as it looks. It’s a fun way to make pasta and gorgeous to look at.

Gluten free ravioli

Is there anything better than ravioli with brown butter sage sauce? Doubtful. To aid you in this pursuit, I developed a gluten free recipe that I absolutely love. It makes plenty so you will have leftovers, too.

Gluten free potato gnocchi

To complete the pasta trifecta: this simple gluten free potato gnocchi is another recipe that makes for great meal prep. It is xanthan gum free and contains a simple mix of flours to make things as easy as possible.

Recipes that use gluten free noodles

Low FODMAP Pad Thai (vegan option)

Pad Thai is easily one of my top 5 favourite dishes ever. It has everything and more. The traditional version doesn’t quite fit a low FODMAP and vegetarian diet, so I developed my own take on the classic. It is easily vegan and uses rice noodles which keep it gluten free.

Low FODMAP chilli oil noodles (vegan)

This recipe is probably one of the most delicious things on my website. It also only takes 5 minutes to make, which hardly seems fair. Serve it is a quick weeknight dinner or at a dinner party – it will impress regardless. I use my gluten free egg noodles linked above or store bought gluten free pasta for a vegan option.

Low FODMAP minestrone (vegan option)

There’s not much better than a big bowl of minestrone on a cold night. This version is a lighter, brothy version that is gluten free, low FODMAP and vegan if you don’t add the optional parmesan to serve.

Easy gluten free low FODMAP pasta sauce

After developing the low FODMAP chilli oil noodles, I wanted to develop an equally delicious pasta version. This dish uses garlic infused oil, pickled garlic and other bits and bobs to achieve a simple but flavour packed sauce for your pasta.

Low FODMAP ramen

This low FODMAP ramen is one of my favourite recipes from my cookbook, Intolerance Friendly Kitchen. It is Tantanmen inspired, with a rich and creamy low FODMAP broth. I like to use my gluten free egg noodle recipe above, but you can also use gluten free pasta.

Sweet and sticky ginger buckwheat noodles (vegan)

This simple dinner dish is quick and easy but still effortlessly delicious. It is vegan, gluten free and uses gluten free buckwheat noodles. If you can’t find them in the store, I have a xanthan gum free recipe for them here.

Low FODMAP pasta alla vodka

The most tomato-y tasting creamy and heavenly pasta is made courtesy of a little splash of vodka. This version is a low FODMAP take on the classic that uses store bought gluten free spaghetti.

Low FODMAP chow mein

One last recipe from Intolerance Friendly Kitchen, this low FODMAP vegetarian chow mein uses my gluten free egg noodles to make a filling and delicious lunch or dinner. The sauce is simple but packs a punch and it tastes just like I remember.

Low FODMAP vegan peanut butter stir fry

This easy stir fry packs a punch flavour wise but remains gluten free, vegan and low FODMAP. A quick and delicious weeknight dinner that rivals any ‘regular person’ stir fry.