Are Yakisoba Noodles Gluten Free? Surprising Answer!

Are Yakisoba noodles gluten free? Let’s take a look.

gluten free yakisoba noodles alternatives

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Hey there, gluten-free foodies! If you’re like me and follow a gluten-free diet and also love noodles (does anyone NOT love noodles?), you’ve probably considered slurping down some tasty yakisoba noodles but worry about gluten lurking in the mix.

Well, fear not, because in this article, we’re going to dig deep into the world of noodles, unravel the mysteries of gluten, and uncover some fantastic gluten-free alternatives that will leave you feeling full and satisfied!

Wow, I just promised a lot. 🙂

Table of Contents

What are Yakisoba Noodles?

Okay, let’s start at the beginning. What are Yakisoba noodles anyway?

Yakisoba is a popular Japanese dish that features stir-fried noodles that look similar to ramen noodles. A traditional yakisoba dish is made with pork, carrots, cabbage, onions and a special sweet and salty sauce.

Related Article: Super Easy Gluten Free Ramen Recipe

Yakisoba noodles, known as chukamen, are made from good ol’ wheat flour, water, and salt. And that, of course, is the problem. Wheat contains gluten, which means standard yakisoba noodles are definitely not gluten free.

The good news is that traditional Yakisoba sauces can easily be made gluten free. The sauce is most often a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and ketchup. Just make sure to choose a gluten free soy and oyster sauce (Kikkoman makes both), and you should be good to go for the sauce.

Gluten: What Is It and Why All the Fuss?

Now, let’s talk about gluten. Gluten is a pesky protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. It’s the stuff that gives dough its elasticity and can make life miserable for folks with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or intolerance. If gluten gets into their systems, it can lead to all sorts of unpleasant symptoms like digestive issues, stiffness, brain fog and more.

So, if you’re on Team Gluten Free, it’s crucial to steer clear of the gluten-packed noodles.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Yakisoba Noodles

But wait, all hope is not lost. I didn’t know this until recently, but there are actually quite a few Japanese noodle varieties that are naturally gluten free.

Here are a few options that would be a perfect alternative. Choose one to try and then go ahead and indulge in all that yakisoba goodness.

Rice Noodles

Ah, rice noodles, the champions of gluten-free Asian cuisine! These thin and delicate noodles are typically made from rice flour or rice starch.

I like this brand of rice noodles, because they are easy to find on Amazon and the regular grocery store. They are easy to make too. Just cook ’em up in boiling water and voila – you’ve got yourself a gluten-free yakisoba extravaganza!

Buckwheat Noodles (Soba)

Buckwheat is good choice when it comes to gluten-free noodles. Despite its name, buckwheat flour is not related to wheat and doesn’t contain gluten.

Enter soba noodles! Soba noodles, made from 100% buckwheat, are a fantastic gluten-free substitute for yakisoba noodles. Look for them in the on Amazon, the Asian food aisle or at your favorite Japanese restaurant.

Veggie Noodles

Hey, health-conscious foodies, this one’s for you! If you want to ditch the carbs or add some extra nutrients to your yakisoba game, why not try vegetable noodles?

Grab your trusty spiralizer and get creative with zucchini, sweet potato, or butternut squash. These gluten-free alternatives bring a fresh twist to your yakisoba, and your body will thank you too!

You can also purchase pre-made veggie noodles like these.