Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (1)

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In This Post

  • What Are Shirataki Noodles?
  • Why You’ll Love This Shirataki Noodles Recipe
  • How To Cook Shirataki Noodles
  • More Sauces For Konjac Noodles
  • Storage Instructions
  • More Low Carb Noodle Recipes
  • Tools For Cooking Konjac Noodles
  • Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe)Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

Have you made shirataki noodles before? Sometimes they go by other names: Konjac noodles or miracle noodles. Until recently, they were not one of my favorite keto pasta options. The texture was a little off-putting. But then I decided to play with some different preparation methods, and found a way that works very well — this shirataki noodles recipe has a texture that’s really close to real pasta. Even my young kids went for it!

I liked this method so much that I now sometimes substitute these for the zucchini noodles in keto pho and zucchini alfredo, the spaghetti squash in keto pad thai and spaghetti squash casserole, or the kelp noodles in kani salad. Once you learn how to cook shirataki noodles this way, I think you’ll be a convert for many of your pasta dishes, too.

What Are Shirataki Noodles?

Shirataki noodles, also called konjac noodles or miracle noodles, are a low- or zero-calorie noodle made from the root of the konjac plant. They have been eaten in Japan for over a thousand years [*]! They don’t taste much like anything on their own, but will take on the flavor of whatever sauce you use, much like regular pasta.

These miracle noodles are made from glucomannan fiber, which is the gelatinous fiber found in the root of the konjac yam, but some other varieties are made from tofu. I personallybuy this brand, as I prefer konjac noodles over those made with tofu (see why I try to limit soy here).

Why You’ll Love This Shirataki Noodles Recipe

  • Neutral taste (so it takes on any sauce flavor)
  • Al dente noodle texture
  • Simple ingredients
  • Just 3.4g net carbs per serving with the sauce, or 1g net carbs without the sauce (won’t spike blood sugar!)
  • Ready in less than 30 minutes
  • Naturally low-calorie, low carb, keto friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free, and packed with prebiotic soluble fiber
Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (2)

How To Cook Shirataki Noodles

This section shows how to cook konjac noodles, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

How To Prepare Shirataki Noodles:

The instructions on the package typically say to just rinse and eat, but I don’t recommend this. If you don’t cook them properly, they can have a rubbery or slightly crisp texture. That’s why I tested extensively (6 times!) to find the best method, below. Made correctly, they have a texture very similar to al dente pasta (and you can try this method with shirataki rice too). Try it out and see!

  1. Rinse. Place the shirataki noodles in acolander and run under cool running water. This helps neutralize their flavor.
  2. Boil. Bring a largepotof water to a boil. Add thenoodlesand boil.

Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (3)

TIP: Boiling is technically optional, but recommended for texture.

You can skip it if you really want to, but I did a comparison test with and without, and doing this step definitely improved texture.

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Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (5)
  1. Drain. Return noodles to the colander to drain. Rinse well again under running water. Pat very dry with paper towels.
  2. Stir fry. Heat alarge skilletover medium-high heat. Add noodles (no oil) and stir fry until very dry. Remove and cover.

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TIP: The dry stir frying step is crucial for the best texture and flavor.

Whether you skipped the boiling step above or not, definitely don’t skip the stir fry step. It really helps to make your miracle noodles as neutral – and as close to real pasta in texture – as possible.

Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (7)

Finish With Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

You can use any pasta sauce you like for shirataki noodles! The one we’re making here is a creamy garlic parmesan sauce:

  1. Saute the garlic. Add olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Add broth and cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer until volume is reduced by half.
  1. Thicken with cheese. Stir in the parmesan cheese, until smooth and thick.
  2. Toss. Add noodles back to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Cook until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (10)
Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (11)

More Sauces For Konjac Noodles

Beyond the garlic parmesan sauce above, you can make shirataki noodle recipes with all your favorite pasta sauces! These are some of my favorites:

  • Sugar-Free Marinara Sauce – You can make this plain or add ground beef to it. You can also addgluten-free meatballsfor a full spaghetti and meatballs meal.
  • Alfredo Sauce– My favorite other than the garlic parmesan one above, and they are very similar. These noodles are the perfect replacement for fettuccine.
  • Pesto sauce – Make your shirataki noodles sing with a dollop of pesto sauce! You can also make it creamy by adding a little heavy cream to it.
  • Mushroom Sauce – Mix the noodles with a little butter, then make creamy mushroom chicken and serve over them.
  • Cheese Sauce – Instead of making cheese sauce for broccoli, try it on this pasta instead!
  • Chicken & Sauce – Top these noodles with marry me chicken in sun-dried tomato cream sauce, chicken Florentine in a creamy spinach sauce, or chicken marsala.

Storage Instructions

  • Store: Keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Meal prep: Make these ahead of time and store in the fridge. They reheat really well.
  • Reheat: Warm the noodles in the microwave or a hot skillet, until warm.
  • Freeze: Don’t freeze your shirataki noodles! Because the noodles have so much liquid in them, they will not thaw well after freezing.
Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (12)

More Low Carb Noodle Recipes

Noodles are a staple in many diets, but what if you’re looking for something a little lighter and low carb? Check out these noodle recipes — you won’t miss the starch!

Zucchini Noodles

Spaghetti Squash

Keto Pasta

Cucumber Noodles

  • Miracle Noodles– This is my go-to for shirataki noodles recipes. They are soy-free and the texture turns out great when you use the steps in the recipe below.
  • Colander– Draining the miracle noodles before cooking is imperative. This colander is great because you can place it on the bottom of the sink, and the base won’t allow water to splash back up to your noodles!
  • Large Pot – This pot has thick, even heat distribution for efficient cooking and works on a variety of cooktops.
  • Heavy Duty Skillet– Use this to get the noodles nice and dry, for the best texture.

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Recipe Card

Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe) - Wholesome Yum (18)

4.8 from 63 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Shirataki Noodles (Best Recipe)

Learn the BEST method for how to cook a shirataki noodles recipe (konjac noodles) to an al dente texture. This recipe takes just 25 minutes!

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 4 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Rinse shirataki noodles very well in a colander, under cool running water.

  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the konjac noodles and boil for 3 minutes. Rinse well again under running water.

  3. Pat very dry.

  4. Heat a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the noodles (no oil) and stir fry for about 10 minutes, until very dry. Remove the noodles and cover to keep warm.

  5. Add olive oil to the skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant.

  6. Add the broth and cream. Increase heat to bring to simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until volume is reduced by half.

  7. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese, until smooth.

  8. Add the noodles back to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

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Related Easy Recipes

  • Eggplant Lasagna

  • Sesame Kelp Noodles

  • Zucchini Noodle Salad

  • Keto Pasta Noodles

Recipe Notes

Serving size: ~1 cup, or 1/4 entire recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories235

Fat20.8g

Protein7.7g

Total Carbs5.5g

Net Carbs3.4g

Fiber2.1g

Sugar1.3g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Keywords:konjac noodles, shirataki noodles, shirataki noodles recipe

Calories: 235 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

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FAQs

Is it okay to eat shirataki noodles everyday? ›

Eating shirataki noodles every day is generally not considered dangerous for most people, especially when consumed as part of a balanced diet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: Digestive Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when consuming.

Do Japanese eat shirataki noodles? ›

They are part of traditional Japanese cuisine, but they are also valuable to people with allergies or intolerances to wheat, gluten or eggs, or, for their low caloric value, to people restricting their energy intake by dieting.

Are shirataki noodles too good to be true? ›

The Bottom Line

While it may sound too good to be true, it is possible to eat noodles that are low in calories, low in carbs and gluten-free. Better yet, these aren't some gimmicky health food trend but are part of a rich Japanese tradition.

Why can't I digest shirataki noodles? ›

For some, the glucomannan in shirataki noodles may cause mild digestive issues, such as loose stools, bloating, and flatulence ( 28 ). More serious side effects have also been reported, especially when shirataki noodles are consumed in large amounts.

Can you eat too much shirataki? ›

Shirataki noodles are generally well-tolerated. However, a 2014 study notes that glucomannan supplementation can cause side effects, such as bloating, trapped gas, or diarrhea. It is possible that eating large amounts of shirataki noodles may cause similar side effects, though no research exists on how common this is.

Do shirataki noodles make you gassy? ›

If you are unused to consuming a lot of fiber, you may experience some gas, bloating, or loose stool after you eat shirataki noodles. Usually, as you transition to a higher fiber regimen, these symptoms will improve.

What is the difference between konjac noodles and shirataki noodles? ›

Both are made from the konjac potato, the only difference between them being the shape: konjac comes in a rectangular block and shirataki are shaped like noodles. Because of their lack of taste and smell and their jelly-like consistency, konjac and shirataki have never been popular anywhere but Japan.

Do shirataki noodles taste fishy? ›

“Shirataki noodles are a type of wet food, pre-packaged in liquid. While pure glucomannan fiber does not have any flavor, raw Konjac root flour does have a fishy odor. This is the reason why Shirataki noodles have a fishy smell.”

What is the smell of shirataki noodles? ›

Yes, it does smell fishy even though it does not contain any fish. The fishy odour is due to the Calcium hydroxide as a coagulant agent in the manufacturing process. I explained this in my post Konnyaku steak.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating konjac? ›

Konjac contains short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs. Although fermentable carbohydrate in konjac has health benefits, some people may be unable to digest it. These carbohydrates are fermented in the intestines and cause gastrointestinal problems such as gas, stomachache, and cramps.

How long do shirataki noodles last in the fridge? ›

How long do shirataki noodles last? Be sure to look at the "use by" date printed on the package, but the noodles should last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Once cooked, the noodles should be used within 3-4 days.

Do you need to wash shirataki noodles? ›

The key is to prepare them the following way (specific details provided below): Remove the noodles from the package, place in a colander and rinse under cold water. Boil and drain noodles. Place the drained noodles BACK INTO THE POT, with the heat on medium, and dry-fry them until you remove the excess moisture.

Who should not eat konjac noodles? ›

Several countries have banned the use of konjac because of the high incidence of bowel or throat obstruction. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding people should not take konjac supplements. Stop taking konjac and get medical help if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as: difficulty breathing.

What is the healthiest noodle? ›

Vermicelli noodles, also known as rice vermicelli or rice sticks, are generally considered a healthier noodle option compared to many other types of noodles. Vermicelli noodles are typically made from rice flour, making them naturally gluten-free.

Can you overcook shirataki noodles? ›

Unlike starchy noodles, which can get mealy when cooked for too long, shirataki do not lose their texture so can handle a long simmer.

Are shirataki noodles a processed food? ›

Shirataki are translucent, gelatinous Japanese noodles that are made from the starchy tuber of the konjac plant (also known as konjac yam or elephant yam). Konjac is processed and refined into a flour called glucomannan flour.

Are shirataki noodles healthier than rice noodles? ›

However, if you wish to lose weight or stick to a low-calorie diet, shirataki noodles and spaghetti squash noodles would be better suited for you. You may want to choose whole grain noodles over rice noodles if you have digestive issues like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Why do you have to rinse shirataki noodles? ›

Cold Pasta Dishes: If you're making a cold pasta salad or a dish like cold sesame noodles, it's a good idea to rinse the noodles with cold water after boiling. Rinsing stops the cooking process, cools down the noodles, and removes excess starch, preventing them from sticking together.

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