What are Shirataki Noodles?

Shirataki noodles are a thin and translucent Japanese noodle. They are gelatinous and have a spongy type of feel to them as well. You can find them in many Asian supermarkets and since they have become more popular by word of mouth they are starting to show up on the shelves at your local grocery store. If you do have to travel to an Asian market to get them check the packaging, there are two kinds available, pure bean and half tofu.

If you like the taste of traditional Italian pasta then you might be in for a palatable confusion when you taste Shirataki noodles for the first time. They are packed in water and if you rinse them off and cook them with eggs or any kind of sauce the flavor will be absorbed into them. Their admired reason is because they are low in carbohydrates and calories. They generally have a shelf life of one year and its best to use them before that time since the water they are packed in can develop an unpleasant smell.

Shirataki noodles are mainly used in Asian noodle dishes but they are now being used for western and European dishes too. You can use them in pasta dishes such as pasta salad with chicken and also in turkey Tetrazinni. These noodles are long and need to be cut up in order to cook with them; you can cut them with kitchen sheers for best results. They can also be eaten right out of the package, just rinse them off under hot water or boil them on the stove. You can add them to any hot dish you are preparing and it will add a different texture to your soups and pasta recipes.

Many people who are trying to find new foods to help themselves loose weight are finding out the benefits of Shirataki noodles. You can use them for broth dishes and over time you can substitute traditional pasta for these noodles. If you want to create some stir fry dishes then these noodle are what is generally used. These have been marketed as a miracle noodle and as a low carb choice. There is fiber in these noodles and no bad carbohydrates so they help with cholesterol intake and that helps with weight loss.

Although these noodles have not been accepted as a cure for a pasta craving they do function as a dietary supplement as opposed to starchy pastas. Those who are on a gluten free diet can enjoy Shirataki noodles without provocation. The half tofu choice seems to be the most well-liked between the pure bean types. A lot of health food stores boast that they have no carbs, no calories and no gluten. When shopping for these noodles you will want to search in the refrigerated section. As far as side effects or effects of shirataki noodles on prescribed medications, there aren't any known.

The other benefits include 1 gram of protein, they are dairy free and contain no sugar or guilt. The tofu is not kosher and they cannot be frozen for later use since they are packaged in water. They come in three different shapes, spaghetti, angel hair and fettuccini. If you are looking for a low carb solution then this noodle will do the job.