Shiratake Noodles - Product & Recipes

SHIRATAKE NOODLES

I first discovered these noodles about 2 years ago and they are a staple in my pantry!

Shiratake noodles are made from Konjac which is a Japanese yam. The yam is dried and then ground into flour and then the noodles are made. YUP- NO WHEAT - NO GLUTEN!

They are also ZERO CALORIES, ZERO FAT, ZERO SUGAR, only 4 carbs, 1 g of fiber, 2 g of protein!

Shiratke noodles are a great substitute for ANY PASTA!

Brands: there are several different bands available: NoOodles, Nasoya, Miracle Noodle, etc.

DON'T BUY: don't buy the brands that say "tofu" unless you want some added calories, fat, etc.

While you can get the shiratake noodles at most Asian Markets (they are refrigerated), Vons, Winco and other groceries in Bakersfield by the tofu products/produce, I usually just order mine off amazon.com for convenience.

My Favorites: the NoOodle brand.

Preparation: all shiratake noodles (unless dried) come packed in liquid. This is because they are a vegetable! And like all canned or packaged vegetable products they need liquid; however, they DO NOT need to be refrigerated! Even the one's that are sold in the refrigerated section, do what you're comfortable with.

Preparing them is simple! 

 (be careful- this one has calories because they have added chickpea flour and potato starch, but there is one by this brand that doesn't contain those)

If you get the packaged one's at the market you will have to empty the contents into a strainer and then RINSE them. They will have a fishy smell- don't worry it washes off and is just a byproduct of the yam sitting in the water. This is why I buy the NoOodle brand.

If you buy the NoOodle brand they are packaged in a broth (either chicken or tomato) and do not have to be rinsed. You can choose to use the broth or not. NO fishy smell. They DO NOT have to be refrigerated.

If you are making a ramen type soup then just heat them up in a soup pot, add your veggies or whatever and you're done.

If you are making stir fry you will want to pan fry the noodles first to remove the liquid, this does take sometime depending on how dry you want your noodles. Keep in mind that these noodles DO NOT HAVE STARCH and will not dry out and be the same consistency as traditional pasta, but the texture is pleasing, even for a pastaholic like me!

So....here are a few simple recipes to get you started:

RAMEN

1. Drain and rinse noodles if needed. Pour into soup pot, add pre made broth if not using boxed noodles.

2. Add mushrooms, bok choy, cabbage, carrots or other vegetables to taste.

3. Bring soup to a boil for about 3 minutes.

4. Cool a bit and enjoy!

SPAGHETTI OR LINGUINE

1. Drain and rinse noodles if needed. Box noodles only need to be drained not rinsed.

2. Place noodles in hot frying pan and cook for about 5-8 minutes to removed liquid or until done to taste.

3. Remove noodles from pan and set aside. Saute onion, garlic, mushrooms and bell pepper in pan with a small amount of olive oil.

4. Add noodles back to pan and add marinara or tomato sauce of your choice and heat through.

5. Serve with cheese or not as desired and enjoy!

STIR FRY

1. Drain and rinse noodles if needed. Box noodles only need to be drained not rinsed.

2. Place noodles in hot frying pan and cook for about 5-8 minutes to removed liquid or until done to taste.
3. Remove noodles from pan and set aside. Saute choice of meat (chicken or beef), onion, garlic, mushrooms, mini corn, cabbage or other vegetables of choice in pan with a small amount of sesame oil.
4. Add noodles back to pan and add a small amount of soy sauce or other Asian seasonings if desired.
5. Enjoy!

**The great thing about these noodles is they come in just about every shape and size! I even order one that is shaped like rice and it is really good.

**I personally don't care for the wider noodles. I have found that they tend to be more "rubbery" in texture and not worth the effort. I usually will just hold off until carb day to have the real thing.

**Unlike regular pasta, these noodles soak up every flavor so go easy on onions, garlic and soy sauce but that is also what makes them so amazing!

Blessings,

3.1runmom