What is Vermicelli?

Everything you need to know about vermicelli, including the different types of vermicelli, and our favorite ways to put these tiny but mighty noodles to good use!

An overhead photo of rice vermicelli, Italian-style vermicelli and fideos.

Table of Contents

What is Vermicelli?
Vermicelli Varieties
How is Vermicelli Made?

To Make Wheat Vermicelli
To Make Rice Vermicelli

Is Vermicelli Gluten-Free?
How to Cook Vermicelli
Try Vermicelli in These Recipes

Vermicelli, meaning “little worms” in Italian, is simply a type of round noodle best known for its thinness. In the U.S. vermicelli falls somewhere between spaghetti and angel hair pasta, with variations throughout the Mediterranean, Africa, Central America, Asia, and beyond.

Vermicelli doesn’t demand your attention. It’s rarely the main event, or even listed on the menu, unlike “Linguini with Clams” or “Stuffed Manicotti.” But what vermicelli lacks in recognition it makes up for in its ability to add compelling texture to a dish, soaking up the flavor and letting its co-stars steal the show.

In the Mediterranean, wheat vermicelli brings the perfect crunch to Lebanese Rice, while shorter vermicelli, also called fideo, acts as the base for Catalan Fideuà. It even makes its way to the sweet table, with rice vermicelli soaking up a sweet syrup for the refreshing Persian frozen treat Faloodeh. Always the bridesmaid never the bride!

Let’s give this little noodle the attention it deserves. Read on to learn all about vermicelli, including where to find it, how it's made, and our favorite vermicelli recipes.

Vermicelli spilling out of and open bag in front of a full bag of vermicelli and a kitchen towel.

Vermicelli Varieties

Many cultures have their own variety of thin noodles, from Japanese somen to Indian semya. But in terms of what’s typically described and packaged as “vermicelli” in Mediterranean cuisine, there are three main types:

Italian wheat vermicelli: Long, thin yellow-ish strands made from durum wheat semolina (and sometimes eggs if it’s fresh).
Fideo: Sometimes called “short vermicelli” or simply “vermicelli” these are simply shorter wheat vermicelli noodles. These are also common in Mexican and Latin American cuisine.
- Try It: Order short vermicelli from our shop! This shorter variety is perfect for making Lebanese rice, pilafs—Turkish-style and Egyptian, most from this region include short vermicelli or orzo for crunch–Fideuà and more.
Rice vermicelli: Sometimes called “rice noodles,” these are similarly thin but made from rice flour or rice paste. (This is different from cellophane or glass noodles made from mung bean and rice starch that become translucent after cooking.)

A bag of vermicelli sitting behind a pile of vermicelli.

How is Vermicelli Made?

The method to make vermicelli varies by region, with some still using traditional techniques like manual pressing and sun-drying. But commercial production is most common. Here are the steps:

To Make Wheat Vermicelli

Wheat flour, water, and sometimes salt are mixed and kneaded.
The dough is extruded or pushed through a machine (or a manual press) to create thin strands.
The strands are dried, either by the sun or in large heated drying rooms or tunnels.
The dried strands are cut and packaged.

To Make Rice Vermicelli

Rice is soaked, ground into a fine paste or flour, and mixed with water to create a smooth batter. The batter is spread on trays in thin sheets and steamed to cook.
The cooked sheets are cut into thin strands.
The noodles are dried, cut, and packaged.

Is Vermicelli Gluten-Free?

Rice vermicelli is gluten-free (though, of course, always check the packaging). Rice vermicelli is lighter both in color and flavor. Wheat vermicelli is not gluten-free. If you’re cooking with Italian-style vermicelli, which has a yellow tint, it’s safe to assume it is not gluten-free.

You can swap wheat vermicelli for rice in most recipes for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that rice vermicelli will have a milder flavor and typically a shorter cooking time. Check the package and adjust to avoid overcooking.

Cooked vermicelli in a strainer sitting over a pot.

How to Cook Vermicelli

You cook vermicelli just like any noodle. Check the package because it will depend on the brand, but generally speaking you cook them in boiling water until tender. This, of course, changes depending on the recipe. More often than not, you'll toast and simmer the vermicelli in broth or water along with other ingredients.