Buy Walking VideosShirataki Noodles: Low Calorie AND Low Carb
Is it possible to eat noodles AND lose weight. According to some, you can with shirataki noodles:
Although shirataki noodles have been around in Asia for quite some time, they’re becoming increasingly popular outside of Asia with people who are trying to lose weight or who are cutting back on carbohydrates.
Shirataki noodles are made from the tubers of an Asian plant (Amorphophallus konjac) called a konjac plant. The tubers are dried and ground to make a flour which is then used to make noodles.
The noodles have a gelatinous consistency and have no real flavor.
Shirataki noodles contain almost no calories, carbohydrates, fat, sugar, protein, or gluten. Although shirataki noodles contain carbohydrates, very little of it is digested in the small intestine.
In addition to having almost no calories or usable carbohydrates, shirataki noodles contain a type of soluble fiber called glucomannan.
I have seen these noodles at the grocery store in the refrigerated section by the tofu. Next time I go shopping, I’m going to pick some up and see if they taste good with some lean meat. If I create a new recipe, I’ll share it with you!
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April 19th, 2008 at 1:11 am
They don;t have them around here might have to mail order them
April 20th, 2008 at 11:07 am
The traditional shirataki noodles like the ones sold at http://www.miraclenoodle.com have zero calories and no tofu.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I’ve used them before. My husband loves them as a low carb noodle alternative. Just so you know, they are very stinky and need to be rinsed several times to remove most of the odor. I’m still not a fan because they taste too slimy for me and I’d rather not have pasta at all than something that reminds me of what I’m missing. I’ve also found that blotting them a little before you add any sauce to them helps the sauce to stick better. Good Luck!
July 27th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Don’t know if anyone will come across this page as I see there have been no comments for a few months. I will just say that after years and years of not being able to lose weight because of meds I’m on, (I’ve actually gained weight), these noodles are truly a miracle. I’m losing weight,eating awesome meals and am very full when I eat them. I usually can’t finish my meal but I try as I know the calories are so low. I’m still in shock. Here’s how I prepare them so that the smell is completely gone and the consistency is not gooey.
Rinse them for several minutes. Toss them into boiling water and boil for a minute or 2. Drain and place into a pan that’s been heated very high. I used a cast iron pan. Saute them until most of water has evaporated.
Viola!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
These sound more trouble than they are worth. Thanks to all of you who were honest!
June 26th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Tried them, and not that great, but better than nothing. Safeway carries them next to their tofu. 🙂
August 26th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Chicken Alfredo: I have tried them and I love them. Here is how I prepare them. Drain them in a collander and rinse with water. Drop them in boiling water for a minute or two, they will seperate and become a little curly. Drop them in the collander and don’t rinse, just shake to remove water and let them sit, cover the collander to keep them warm. They seem to firm a little. Meanwhile, heat a jar of (Classico) Alfredo sauce, about (4)carbs for a 1/4 cup. Broil a chicken breast with some spices to add a little zest. Place 1/2 the package of noodles on plate and sprinkle with parm. cheese (0) carbs, cover with sauce (4)carbs and top with diced chicken breast (0) carbs, sprinkle with parm. cheese again. It is one of the best low carb meals I have had.
August 29th, 2009 at 6:51 am
These are honestly pretty good. They basically take the taste of whatever you put on it – like tofu, which is part of what they are made of.
OK, I admit it is not Macaroni Grill, but these are intended for people watching calories and wanting to lose weight. If this is not you, go to Macaroni Grill and consume all the calories you can. But for people losing weight, this is a GREAT option. Besides, pasta always tastes like what it is mixed with, and its sauce, and that you have complete control over to do what you want. Its the noodles/pasta that give you the 50g+ per serving of carbs. These – 1g (after fiber) per serving!!
They are cheap, so give it a shot, and if you don’t like them, so be it. But it really is a great option.
I would love to hear some vegan recipes to cooking them!
January 5th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Shiritake noodles are really good and easy to prepare. They are often hard to find but ask your grocer to get them in for you. They are usually great about accomodating customers. I am making them tonight with alfredo sauce and steak and spinach. Sounds yummy, no? I encourage you to try them, you will be glad you did. It gives you a way to enjoy old favorites without the guilt!
October 29th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
These noodles are great’ I’ve sampled a few different brands and find them to either have more odour or less depending on the make, having said this I do not find their odour offensive in any way. It may appear as thought alot of preparation goes into the serving of the noodles, I however simply take them out of the bag, run steaming hot water over them to rinse and warm them, drain then add either an Asian style oyster sauce or a noodle powder out of a 2 min noodle packet and serve with a flavored tofu or some kind of protein. For those on the Dukan diet these would be a welcomed change. The benefits for me are a less sluggish after lunch slump. If I eat them for dinner I find the morning after I am full of energy. They are so bland you can add virtually any flavour to enhance your meal. And finally they’re quick and easy, all you need is a bowl and hot steamy water and maybe a small strainer plus whatever you’re planning to add in. Happy noodling:-)