Three Secret Tips to Shirataki Noodles, the Low Carb Pasta Alternative

You heard shirataki noodles are healthy -- low carb, low calorie, and gluten-free. People have eaten and enjoyed them for hundreds of years in Japan. And yet, you find yourself nervous about prepping or cooking them. Psst, we have some secret tips for you!

When you first open shirataki noodles, you'll be met by an "ocean-like" scent. Don't be alarmed. The scent comes from the natural alkaline water in which the noodles are packed. It's what keeps them fresh and ready-to-eat with no preservatives or refrigeration needed*.

Secret Tip #1: After opening the package, rinsing and draining shirataki noodles in a colander, toss noodles into a bowl, add 1-2 teaspoons of vinegar, and mix gently into noodles. Let stand 1-2 minutes. The acid of the vinegar instantly neutralizes the alkaline, and its scent. Now rinse and drain the noodles thoroughly again. Voila! All you're left with is fiber-rich shirataki noodles to fill you up without extra carbs or calories. Prepare the noodles as indicated below.

But if you're new to shirataki noodles, you might be asking yourself: What's the best way to prepare them?  
Secret Tip #2: The Pan Fry Method.
  • After you drain and rinse the noodles, pat them dry with a clean paper towel. 
  • Cut them to a shorter length if you like. 
  • Toss them into a non-stick skillet. (If desired, you can spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray first.) 
  • Using tongs, stir and separate the shirataki noodles over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they "squeak." 
Pan frying the noodles removes most of the moisture and the gummy texture some dislike. Now toss with your favorite sauce. Many shirataki fans prefer cheese-based or Asian-style sauces over those that are tomato-based.

You also can parboil or microwave shirataki noodles for 2-3 minutes -- which brings us to...
Secret Tip #3: Use shirataki noodles and shirataki rice in soups. If you don't want to hassle with the Pan Fry Method above, the simplest way to enjoy shirataki noodles and rice is in place of regular pasta or white rice in soups like chicken noodle, minestrone, pho, ramen, and chicken & rice. It's a quick, easy way to cut carbs and calories instantly. Get shirataki soup recipes on our website here.

Bonus Secret Tip #4: Did you know you can use shirataki noodles in the slow cooker? That's right. Just drain, rinse, and add to the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of the cook time. And because they are a good source of fiber, shirataki noodles basically cannot be overcooked. That means you'll never have to eat mushy noodles again. Read more about shirataki and slow cookers in our recent blog post here.

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes! 

*Note: Traditional shirataki noodles like Skinny Noodles brand do not contain tofu/soy. Some other shirataki brands add tofu in order to make the noodles more white in color like traditional Italian pasta. Shirataki made with tofu/soy has extra carbs and calories and requires refrigeration. Skinny Noodles brand shirataki is soy-free, paleo friendly, and made in the USA.

Skinny Noodles Salad with Shirataki Noodles

Spring has sprung -- which means it won't be long before you're hosting an Easter buffet, making Spring Break plans, or attending a backyard barbecue. After the chill of winter, most of us enjoy these longer days and warmer temperatures. But more get-togethers often means more challenges for those watching what we eat for weight management or other health-related reasons. So how can you enjoy guilt-free without eating like a rabbit? Low carb, low calorie, and gluten-free shirataki noodles and shirataki rice can be life-savers when it comes to creating healthy sides. Used in place of pasta or white rice, fiber-filled shirataki helps satisfy hunger (and the craving to slurp noodles) without extra calories and carbohydrates.

For this month’s featured recipe we chose our Skinny Noodles Salad because it's a fast, easy, and delicious way to create a healthy side dish for the next Spring buffet or potluck. Hop over those other sides without feeling deprived. If you're tired of using the typical spaghetti shirataki, jazz things up with our new Skinny Ramen. It's a fresh twist on regular spaghetti that will have everyone singing the praises of light, healthy eating!

Worried about preparing shirataki noodles? Watch our Chef Tommy make Skinny Noodles Salad in the video below.

Skinny Noodles Salad
Ingredients:
  • 1 - 8 oz package Skinny Noodles Spaghetti Shirataki, drained and rinsed
  • 4 oz carrots, shredded
  • 4 oz snow peas, trimmed and shredded
  • 4 oz red bell pepper, shredded
  • 4 oz baby corn, sliced lengthwise
  • 1/3 C your favorite ready-to-use Asian dressing (soy sesame or miso sesame, etc.) OR mix the following ingredients together:
    1/3 C soy sauce
    1 Tbsp sesame oil
    2 Tbsp brown sugar
    1 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
In large bowl add noodles, carrots, snow peas, red bell pepper, and baby corn. Whisk soy sauce, oil, sugar, garlic powder in a bowl until well combined OR use 1/3 cup of ready-to-use dressing. Pour over noodle salad, toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Makes 2 servings.
Per Serving: 185 calories, 7g fat, 26g carbohydrates, 11g fiber, 6g protein
Weight Watchers PPV: 4

Visit us at www.getskinnynoodles.com to learn more about shirataki noodles, get cooking tips, and explore all of our shirataki noodles recipes!