Shirataki rice, also called konjac rice or miracle rice, is the keto rice substitute of your dreams! Learn how to cook shirataki rice the easy way.
Why You'll Love It
Rice is an essential ingredient in many dishes for many cuisines, including African, Asian, and Latin American. I know how much I missed regular rice when I started the ketogenic diet since my African diet was very rice-heavy.
I use cauliflower rice quite a bit, but sometimes I just want something different. This low calorie, zero carb shirataki rice is one of the closest substitutes to the real thing on a low-carb diet!
You can still enjoy all of the same dishes you loved before this lifestyle change using shirataki/konjac rice. With zero net carbs and just a few calories, this low-carb rice should be a staple in your kitchen.
Even if you're not on the keto diet, this low-carb rice is also a healthy alternative for those concerned about cholesterol management because of its water-soluble fibers.
What Is Shirataki Rice?
Shirataki rice (konjac rice) is a common ketogenic rice alternative originating in Japan. Its name "shirataki" is derived from the Japanese word meaning "white waterfall" because of the translucent appearance of the rice.
This fiber-packed rice is made from Konjac, a root vegetable native to Southeast Asia. Miracle rice is primarily used in Japanese cuisine. Still, it has grown significantly in popularity over the years due to its very low carb content and its use in the ketogenic diet.
What Does Shirataki Rice Taste Like?
Shirataki rice tastes quite bland and is a bit chewy. However, it readily soaks up the flavors in your dish, which makes it such a great low-carb substitute for rice.
Some brands are also known to include oat fibers in their recipes, which stray away from traditional konjac rice. Check the labels carefully before buying to be sure it does not contain unwanted ingredients.
Shirataki Rice Nutrition Facts
This low-carb shirataki rice boasts a ton of health benefits. It is comprised of approximately ninety-seven percent water and three percent soluble fiber.
A serving of miracle rice contains 30 calories, 3g in carbs, and 3g of fiber. Some brands even have zero calories!
Interestingly, the carbs in this dish come from the dietary fiber glucomannan, which improves overall digestive health. It also has properties that aid in weight loss.
Ingredients Used
- Shirataki rice: This is the main ingredient used.
- Olive oil: You only need a little olive oil for this recipe.
- Spices: I use just black pepper and salt. Shirataki rice will soak up the flavors of what it's served with so you don't need a lot of spices to prepare it.
- Parsley: This is optional and is used as a garnish.
How to Prepare Miracle Rice Before Cooking
When you first open up the packet of shirataki rice, it has a somewhat unpleasant smell, similar to miracle noodles. The best way to get rid of this is by rinsing it out under running water for a few minutes.
If the smell really bothers you, you can pour boiling water over the noodles and let it sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse out thoroughly.
How To Cook Shirataki Rice
- Drain the shirataki rice in a colander and rinse under running water for about a minute.
- Pour in a dry skillet and stir for a few minutes on medium to low heat. Watch it carefully to make sure it does not burn. For best results, do not add any water or oil till it's dry.
- Once most of the water has been evaporated, add the olive oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix the ingredients together and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Recipe Variations
- For a complete meal, top with your favorite sauce for an easy stir fry. You can use a little soy sauce, but I prefer to use coconut aminos.
- You can add a little tomato sauce for an African-style keto jollof rice.
- Mix your konjac rice with green onions, shiitake mushrooms, sesame seeds, or your favorite low-carb veggies.
- Cook it with some chicken broth for an easy keto-friendly rice soup.
Helpful Tips
- Be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly in cold water before cooking to remove any unpleasant aromas when you first open the package of konjac rice.
- Do not skip the dry pan frying! This step is crucial to get rid of all the excess water in shirataki rice. Once all the water seems to have dried up, other ingredients can be added to the dish.
- Feel free to substitute olive oil in this recipe with other varieties if you would like, such as avocado oil or palm oil.
Storing and Reheating
Packaged konjac rice has a shelf life of about twelve months. So I usually store it in a dry place in my pantry, and it stays fresh for months.
Once prepared, the shirataki rice can last in the fridge for up to four days in an air-tight container. To reheat, toss in the microwave or stovetop until the dish is warm.
Whether cooked or uncooked, you should not freeze it as it would cause the rice to lose its flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, shirataki rice is very good for you! This dish has received the nicknames "miracle rice" and "skinny rice" for this very reason. Shirataki rice is delicious, healthy, and packed with fiber that makes up most of its carbohydrate content. Miracle rice has also been known to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Overall, it is an extremely healthy keto rice substitute.
Yes! Shirataki rice, miracle rice, and konjac rice are one and the same. They are all made from the konjac plant, native to parts of Asia. Konjac roots contain a soluble fiber called glucomannan, which makes you feel full very quickly.
You can also get konjac rice in noodle form. The most popular brands of konjac noodles are skinny noodles and miracle noodle brands. They make a fantastic substitute for traditional noodles or pasta on keto.
Both the rice and noodles have the same flavor and texture despite the difference in shape.
Shirataki rice sometimes has an unpleasant, fishy odor when you first open the package. But don't worry, this aroma does not affect the flavors of the rice in any way. It is simply caused when the water absorbs the natural odors of the konjac root vegetable. This odor is quickly removed when the rice is rinsed under cold water.
Konjac rice has a relatively mild and bland flavor compared to traditional white rice. Though some people have described its texture as "rubbery," this dish is still worth trying as it is an excellent base for sauces.
Many grocery stores, specialty food stores, and local Asian supermarkets carry Shirataki rice. Different brands can also be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or World Market.
Some popular brands include Miracle Rice and Better Than Rice. Each brand has received raving reviews for its quality.
Yes! Shirataki rice (konjac rice) is keto-friendly, and most brands contain zero net carbs. It is the perfect substitute for traditional rice since it has a similar flavor and texture without added carbs.
Enjoy Miracle Rice with these delectable keto dishes!
- African Peanut Stew
- Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Nigerian Stew
- Chicken Hearts Recipe
- African Chicken Stew
- Goat Curry
Try these other keto shirataki noodles recipes!
Shirataki Noodle Veggie Stir Fry
📖 Recipe
How to Cook Shirataki Rice (Miracle Rice Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 pack shirataki rice
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Drain the shirataki rice in a colander and rinse under running water for about a minute.2 pack shirataki rice
- Pour in a dry skillet and stir for a few minutes on medium to low heat.
- Watch it carefully to make sure it does not burn.
- For best results, do not add any water or oil till it's dry.
- Once most of the water has been evaporated, add the olive oil, black pepper, and salt.2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt
- Mix the ingredients together and let it cook for a few more minutes.
- Taste and adjust for salt or add your favorite seasoning.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly in cold water before cooking to remove any unpleasant aromas when you first open the package of konjac rice.
- Do not skip the dry pan frying! This step is crucial to get rid of all the excess water in shirataki rice. Once all the water seems to have dried up, other ingredients can be added to the dish.
- Feel free to substitute olive oil in this recipe with other varieties if you would like, such as avocado oil or palm oil.
Nutrition
Tayo Oredola is the founder of Low Carb Africa, where she shares healthy, low carb dishes with global flavors. She is passionate about teaching people how to cook drool-worthy dishes while losing weight and living their best lives. Tayo’s recipes have been featured on MSN, Women’s Health, Parade, Yahoo News, Pure Wow, Essence, and other online publications.
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