Shirataki noodles, also known as miracle noodles or konjac noodles, are a fantastic noodle replacement on the keto diet. They are gluten-free, high in fiber, low in calories, and extremely low in carbs!
With shirataki noodles, you don't have to give up noodles or pasta on your low carb journey. They are highly versatile and very easily replace high-carb noodles in your dishes.
And because these noodles are extremely low in calories and carbs per serving, you can easily eat more than one serving without guilt.
Understanding how to cook with these amazingly healthy noodles will be a game-changer for you on your keto journey. Read on to learn more about shirataki noodles and how to cook them.
What are shirataki noodles made of?
These low carb noodles are made from the konjac plant grown in Southeast Asia. Konjac, also known as glucomannan, is a type of yam with a starchy root known as corm.
The corm can be processed in many ways, one of which is flour. That flour is then used to make shirataki noodles. As a result, konjac noodles are high in water-content and fiber, while being low in carbs.
What do shirataki noodles taste like?
These low carb noodles are pretty much a blank canvas for your culinary masterpiece! They do not have much flavor, which means you can control what they taste like with your sauce or broth of choice.
They have a natural, earthy aroma when you first open up the packaging. However, after taking the appropriate steps to rinse and drain your noodles, the noodles lose that initial earthy note and soak in the aromas of your dish.
The texture of these noodles is a little chewy. They have some elasticity similar to what you’d find in ramen noodles.
Are Shirataki Noodles Keto?
Yes, these miracle noodles are definitely keto-friendly. Most brands contain zero or very low net carbs which make them perfect on a keto diet.
They are also very low in calories and contain no added sugars. Also, thanks to their high fiber content, you only need a small quantity to get you feeling really full.
Where can I buy them?
Some major grocery stores stock shirataki noodles, including Amazon, Walmart, and HEB. You can also find them at specialty Asian food stores.
I have tried multiple brands of shirataki noodles. Ultimately, it’s completely subjective, but I personally love the skinny noodles brand from Amazon.
They offer various noodle shapes, like angel hair, fettuccini, and even rice. They also have less fishy aroma than some other brands seem to have when opened.
How to prepare shirataki noodles
To prepare your noodles for cooking, drain out the excess liquid using a colander, then rinse under cold water. Drain the noodles a second time. Microwave them for a few minutes, and rinse them one more time, and you're good to go.
Another way to prepare shirataki noodles is by soaking them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinsing under cold water.
The good news is that these miracle noodles cannot be overcooked. There’s so much fiber in the noodles that they do not turn to mush the way that pasta noodles do if cooked for too long.
How to cook shirataki noodles
Shirataki noodles can take the place of pasta or spaghetti in any dish that calls for it. Because it comes soaked in water, before you use it in stir-fries or eat with a sauce, it helps to evaporate some of the water so your food does not end up soggy.
The best way to do this is, after washing the noodles, place them in a pan and stir till the water evaporates. Then you can add the other ingredients or add some salt and olive oil and eat with a sauce.
How to store them
Unopened noodles do not have to be frozen or refrigerated. You can store them in your pantry as long as they have not reached their expiration date.
If already opened, you can drain and store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Shirataki Noodles Recipes
These miracle noodles are generally used in keto recipes to replace pasta or noodles. Here are some wonderful recipes that make use of them.
Shirataki Noodle Vegetable Stir Fry with Chicken is so comforting and filled with mouthwatering flavors. You can use chicken or any protein you have on hand, and add as many of your favorite mixed veggies you like!
Shirataki Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, especially on a cold day. It’s easy to make and cooks particularly quickly if you’ve got an instant pot. It is the best substitute for chicken noodle soup on the keto diet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Shirataki noodles usually come soaked in water. The first time you open it, you'll notice that it has a somewhat fishy smell. This happens when the water absorbs the odor of the konjac root. All you need to do is rinse it thoroughly to get rid of the fishy smell.
Yes, they are basically the same. Miracle noodles is one of the names by which shirataki noodles go by. Other names are konjac noodles or skinny noodles.
As the name suggests, Tofu shirataki noodles simply contain one additional ingredient: tofu. They are a little higher in carbs and fiber. They also have a chewier texture.
Be on the lookout when searching for shirataki noodles so you buy the original with no tofu, if you’re strict about your carb intake.
Other keto noodle replacements
You don't have to entirely give up noodles or pasta on your keto diet. Apart from shirataki noodles, some other fantastic replacements are palmini pasta, zucchini noodles, and spaghetti squash.
Check out these keto noodle recipes!
Palmini Noodles Shrimp Stir Fry
Zucchini Noodles with Ground Beef
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