Awesome No Calorie Noodles : Shirataki / Miracle Noodles

peterdt
peterdt Posts: 820 Member
THIS ARTICLE COPIED FROM FITDAY.COM. I HAVE ONE BAG OF THESE ALMOST EVERY DAY AT LUNCH IN MY PHO NOODLE SOUP. VERY LOW CAL AND VERY FILLING. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! LITTLE CALORIE SAVINGS ADD UP TO A LOT OVER TIME! I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM. IF YOU LOVE AND MISS PASTA THIS IS AN AWESOME SUBSTITUTE. IN MY OPINION IT IS NOT QUITE AS GOOD AS OLD SCHOOL NOODLES, BUT STILL VERY GOOD AND MOST PEOPLE TRYING THEM WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT IT WOULD NOT KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT NORMAL NOODLES. HOWEVER, THEY MUST BE PREPARED CORRECTLY. NOT HARD TO PREPARE CORRECTLY, BUT IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE (READ BELOW). ALSO, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE TOFU SHIRATAKU NOODLES. 40 CALORIES IN AN 8 OZ SERVING BUT IT MAKES IT MUCH MORE PASTA LIKE AND IN MY OPINION NO COMPARISON TO THE RUBBERY 0 CALORIE ONES. SORRY FOR YELLING IN CAPS, JUST MAKING MY COPY AND THE WEBSITE COPY DISTINCT FROM EACH OTHER. :smile: :wink: :laugh: :happy: :tongue: :smooched:

Even if you're following a low calorie or low carbohydrate diet, you don't have to give up your favorite pasta dishes thanks to shirataki noodles. These noodles are great because they're extremely low in calories, contain no fat or cholesterol and are easy to prepare.

Nutrition Statistics

Shirataki noodles come in two forms, tofu shirataki and regular shirataki. Both types contain a yam flour base. The difference with tofu shirataki is the addition of a small amount of tofu. Shirataki noodles contain 0 calories per serving because they are almost entirely made of fiber. Tofu shirataki noodles contain 20 calories per serving because of the addition of tofu. Many people prefer tofu shirataki noodles to regular shirataki noodles because the texture is more pasta-like. Regardless of which you choose, both types make great pasta substitutes. You can purchase shirataki noodles in a variety of pasta shapes, including angel hair, spaghetti and fettuccine.

A Healthy Alternative to Pasta

Pasta dishes are usually very high in calories. A 1 cup serving of cooked spaghetti contains a whopping 221 calories alone, and 1 cup of pasta probably won't fill you or keep your stomach feeling satisfied. When you add in additional high calorie ingredients, like heavy sauces, the calories quickly add up. Tofu shirataki noodles contain a mere 20 calories and 3 g of carbohydrates per serving. With nutrition statistics this great, you can eat shirataki noodles every day without gaining weight.

Preparing Shirataki Noodles

The trick to enjoying shirataki noodles is to take the time to thoroughly rinse and dry them. Right out of the package, shirataki noodles have a strong, unpleasant odor and a slimy texture. You might enjoy shirataki noodles fresh out of the package, but there are a few steps you can take to greatly improve the taste, smell and texture of the noodles. Thoroughly rinse the noodles in cold running water. It's best to do this with a strainer or a colander. Dry the noodles with a few paper towels or a clean dish towel. Finally, cook the noodles for a minute in the microwave and then dry the noodles once more. You'll notice the noodles no longer smell and their texture is much firmer than before.

Shirataki Noodle Recipes

You can substitute shirataki noodles in all your favorite recipes that call for pasta. Shirataki noodles come packed in water, however, so there is no need to boil them before eating. Shirataki noodles work particularly well in cheesy, creamy dishes. Because the noodles are so low in calories and fat, a little bit of cheese or cream in the sauce improves the overall taste and texture of the dish.

If you love eating pasta but avoid eating calorie-rich foods, you should try shirataki noodles. Shirataki noodles might take a little getting used to because the taste and texture is different from pasta, but remember, you'll be saving tons of calories by making the switch to shirataki noodles.
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Replies

  • I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.
  • peterdt
    peterdt Posts: 820 Member
    I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.

    I JUST ADDED THIS TO MY POST, MAYBE YOU MISSED IT:
    I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM.
  • Thanks..next time I'm in Orlando, I will go by Whole Foods..really looking forward to trying it..one of my MFP friends said it made a tremendously positive change in his diet.
  • AimersBee
    AimersBee Posts: 775 Member
    I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.

    I JUST ADDED THIS TO MY POST, MAYBE YOU MISSED IT:
    I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM.

    i live in a small town where i haven't been able to find this product.. is there somewhere online that ships to northern canada...


    thanks!
  • I still prefer food. If you want a different subtitute, try some spaghetti squash.
  • peterdt
    peterdt Posts: 820 Member
    I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.

    I JUST ADDED THIS TO MY POST, MAYBE YOU MISSED IT:
    I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM.

    i live in a small town where i haven't been able to find this product.. is there somewhere online that ships to northern canada...


    thanks!

    surely Amazon will ship there.
  • peterdt
    peterdt Posts: 820 Member
    I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.

    I JUST ADDED THIS TO MY POST, MAYBE YOU MISSED IT:
    I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM.

    i live in a small town where i haven't been able to find this product.. is there somewhere online that ships to northern canada...


    thanks!

    surely Amazon will ship there.
    [/quote

    ]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=shirataki+noodles&sprefix=shirataki,aps,0
  • TrashyAbercrombie
    TrashyAbercrombie Posts: 51 Member
    I live on these noodles...I work at a grocery store in a town of like 700 people and my boss was able to get them in our store for me. Too bad they're like $3.29 around here :I

    I always make a shrimp alfredo out of them.. or if I want ramen but don't want all the calories.. I'll just take the seasoning packet out of the ramen and mix it with the Spaghetti shaped shirataki noodles.
  • kaa02c
    kaa02c Posts: 103 Member
    I read about these a while back, but thought they had to be ordered online. Thanks for the info. Headed to Whole Foods this weekend!
  • sunnyside1213
    sunnyside1213 Posts: 1,205 Member
    They also make spaghetti noodles. Make sure you rinse them first.
  • keem88
    keem88 Posts: 1,689 Member
    the texture can be hard for some people to get past. my favorite way to have them is a stir fry with lots of veggies and soy sauce yum! haven't tried them with spaghetti sauce yet, i feel like that would be kinda gross
  • keem88
    keem88 Posts: 1,689 Member
    I just printed this out..thanks...I've heard about these noodles..I'm a big pasta lover and have wanted to try these! Now, I just have to find them, locally.

    I JUST ADDED THIS TO MY POST, MAYBE YOU MISSED IT:
    I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM.

    WHY ARE YOU YELLING? sorry, caps gets on my nerves lol
  • peterdt
    peterdt Posts: 820 Member
    I live on these noodles...I work at a grocery store in a town of like 700 people and my boss was able to get them in our store for me. Too bad they're like $3.29 around here :I

    I always make a shrimp alfredo out of them.. or if I want ramen but don't want all the calories.. I'll just take the seasoning packet out of the ramen and mix it with the Spaghetti shaped shirataki noodles.
    those recipes sounds awesome and easy.
  • horseplaypen
    horseplaypen Posts: 442 Member
    I really want to like these... I tried them twice, never noticed any funky smell (I eat a lot of tofu generally) but boiled them anyway. What I can't get over is the texture... they're sort of crunchy? Maybe that's not the right word, but I usually cook my pasta until it's very, very soft, and the shirataki noodles were just too odd and crisp for my liking. Made me think of something nasty I won't say here so as not to spoil it for others. :)

    Maybe I'll try buying the different shaped ones and preparing them differently next time. They ARE so low calorie that I just want to keep trying!
  • peterdt
    peterdt Posts: 820 Member
    I really want to like these... I tried them twice, never noticed any funky smell (I eat a lot of tofu generally) but boiled them anyway. What I can't get over is the texture... they're sort of crunchy? Maybe that's not the right word, but I usually cook my pasta until it's very, very soft, and the shirataki noodles were just too odd and crisp for my liking. Made me think of something nasty I won't say here so as not to spoil it for others. :)

    Maybe I'll try buying the different shaped ones and preparing them differently next time. They ARE so low calorie that I just want to keep trying!

    Did you try to Tofu Shirataku? They do have 40 calories in 8 oz, which is almost nothing and have a much better feel. I did not like the other 0 calorie ones either.
  • horseplaypen
    horseplaypen Posts: 442 Member
    Did you try to Tofu Shirataku? They do have 40 calories in 8 oz, which is almost nothing and have a much better feel. I did not like the other 0 calorie ones either.

    Yup, the 40 calorie ones. I've never seen any that are 0 calorie. What do they make them out of?!?
  • rachietuk
    rachietuk Posts: 308 Member
    I really want to like these... I tried them twice, never noticed any funky smell (I eat a lot of tofu generally) but boiled them anyway. What I can't get over is the texture... they're sort of crunchy? Maybe that's not the right word, but I usually cook my pasta until it's very, very soft, and the shirataki noodles were just too odd and crisp for my liking. Made me think of something nasty I won't say here so as not to spoil it for others. :)

    Maybe I'll try buying the different shaped ones and preparing them differently next time. They ARE so low calorie that I just want to keep trying!

    I agree. I was excited to try these, but the texture was horrible. Not soft, not hard, not crunchy, just strange. I couldn't eat them.
  • mjterp
    mjterp Posts: 650 Member
    THIS ARTICLE COPIED FROM FITDAY.COM. I HAVE ONE BAG OF THESE ALMOST EVERY DAY AT LUNCH IN MY PHO NOODLE SOUP. VERY LOW CAL AND VERY FILLING. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! LITTLE CALORIE SAVINGS ADD UP TO A LOT OVER TIME! I BUY MINE FROM WHOLE FOODS AND/OR A LOCAL ASIAN STORE. CAN BE PURCHASES FOR JUST OVER A $1 WHEN ON SALE, BUT USUAL PRICE IS $1.69 AT WHOLE FOODS AND A BIT MORE AT OTHER STORES. ALSO CAN BE PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM. IF YOU LOVE AND MISS PASTA THIS IS AN AWESOME SUBSTITUTE. IN MY OPINION IT IS NOT QUITE AS GOOD AS OLD SCHOOL NOODLES, BUT STILL VERY GOOD AND MOST PEOPLE TRYING THEM WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT IT WOULD NOT KNOW THAT THEY ARE NOT NORMAL NOODLES. HOWEVER, THEY MUST BE PREPARED CORRECTLY. NOT HARD TO PREPARE CORRECTLY, BUT IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE (READ BELOW). ALSO, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE TOFU SHIRATAKU NOODLES. 40 CALORIES IN AN 8 OZ SERVING BUT IT MAKES IT MUCH MORE PASTA LIKE AND IN MY OPINION NO COMPARISON TO THE RUBBERY 0 CALORIE ONES. SORRY FOR YELLING IN CAPS, JUST MAKING MY COPY AND THE WEBSITE COPY DISTINCT FROM EACH OTHER. :smile: :wink: :laugh: :happy: :tongue: :smooched:

    Even if you're following a low calorie or low carbohydrate diet, you don't have to give up your favorite pasta dishes thanks to shirataki noodles. These noodles are great because they're extremely low in calories, contain no fat or cholesterol and are easy to prepare.

    Nutrition Statistics

    Shirataki noodles come in two forms, tofu shirataki and regular shirataki. Both types contain a yam flour base. The difference with tofu shirataki is the addition of a small amount of tofu. Shirataki noodles contain 0 calories per serving because they are almost entirely made of fiber. Tofu shirataki noodles contain 20 calories per serving because of the addition of tofu. Many people prefer tofu shirataki noodles to regular shirataki noodles because the texture is more pasta-like. Regardless of which you choose, both types make great pasta substitutes. You can purchase shirataki noodles in a variety of pasta shapes, including angel hair, spaghetti and fettuccine.

    A Healthy Alternative to Pasta

    Pasta dishes are usually very high in calories. A 1 cup serving of cooked spaghetti contains a whopping 221 calories alone, and 1 cup of pasta probably won't fill you or keep your stomach feeling satisfied. When you add in additional high calorie ingredients, like heavy sauces, the calories quickly add up. Tofu shirataki noodles contain a mere 20 calories and 3 g of carbohydrates per serving. With nutrition statistics this great, you can eat shirataki noodles every day without gaining weight.

    Preparing Shirataki Noodles

    The trick to enjoying shirataki noodles is to take the time to thoroughly rinse and dry them. Right out of the package, shirataki noodles have a strong, unpleasant odor and a slimy texture. You might enjoy shirataki noodles fresh out of the package, but there are a few steps you can take to greatly improve the taste, smell and texture of the noodles. Thoroughly rinse the noodles in cold running water. It's best to do this with a strainer or a colander. Dry the noodles with a few paper towels or a clean dish towel. Finally, cook the noodles for a minute in the microwave and then dry the noodles once more. You'll notice the noodles no longer smell and their texture is much firmer than before.

    Shirataki Noodle Recipes

    You can substitute shirataki noodles in all your favorite recipes that call for pasta. Shirataki noodles come packed in water, however, so there is no need to boil them before eating. Shirataki noodles work particularly well in cheesy, creamy dishes. Because the noodles are so low in calories and fat, a little bit of cheese or cream in the sauce improves the overall taste and texture of the dish.

    If you love eating pasta but avoid eating calorie-rich foods, you should try shirataki noodles. Shirataki noodles might take a little getting used to because the taste and texture is different from pasta, but remember, you'll be saving tons of calories by making the switch to shirataki noodles.


    I am going to stop at Whole Foods and buy them on my way home from work. Was planning spaghetti tonight so this will be GREAT!!!
  • Changing_Charity
    Changing_Charity Posts: 197 Member
    I love pasta. I havent had it in weeks! I cant wait to try these noodles!
  • I really want to like these... I tried them twice, never noticed any funky smell (I eat a lot of tofu generally) but boiled them anyway. What I can't get over is the texture... they're sort of crunchy? Maybe that's not the right word, but I usually cook my pasta until it's very, very soft, and the shirataki noodles were just too odd and crisp for my liking. Made me think of something nasty I won't say here so as not to spoil it for others. :)

    Maybe I'll try buying the different shaped ones and preparing them differently next time. They ARE so low calorie that I just want to keep trying!

    I agree. I was excited to try these, but the texture was horrible. Not soft, not hard, not crunchy, just strange. I couldn't eat them.
  • TrashyAbercrombie
    TrashyAbercrombie Posts: 51 Member
    I really want to like these... I tried them twice, never noticed any funky smell (I eat a lot of tofu generally) but boiled them anyway. What I can't get over is the texture... they're sort of crunchy? Maybe that's not the right word, but I usually cook my pasta until it's very, very soft, and the shirataki noodles were just too odd and crisp for my liking. Made me think of something nasty I won't say here so as not to spoil it for others. :)

    Maybe I'll try buying the different shaped ones and preparing them differently next time. They ARE so low calorie that I just want to keep trying!

    Did you try to Tofu Shirataku? They do have 40 calories in 8 oz, which is almost nothing and have a much better feel. I did not like the other 0 calorie ones either.

    My best explanation of Shirataki noodle texture is that they're like chewing on canned mushrooms. I recommend these to everyone I know but no one can ever get past the texture of them. XD
  • I'm a little confused. You give the steps to cook (microwave) the shirataki noodles but right below that you say there is no need to cook them. Am I missing something here? I definitely am going to try these and thanks for all the information!
  • Dstrand1
    Dstrand1 Posts: 15 Member
    Search on Chelle at mfp- she posted the best way to prepare the noodles by rinsing then dry frying in a hot pan for 5 mins. They won't stick. The texture is greatly improved. There are several threads on this by her( and others)
  • The first time i came across these was 7 years ago in Okinawa, and ive been in love since. Great substitute for those high calorie pastas and they came in a variety of different types of noodle.
  • corimat17
    corimat17 Posts: 37 Member
    I buy these at Shoprite for $1.99. They are in the produce section. I usually rinse them twice and then microwave them for about a minute.
  • T1mH
    T1mH Posts: 568 Member
    They can often be found at asian grocery stores or health food stores. Some of the big chain stores have them as well. They will likely be in the glutun free section but some have tofu in them and will be found with other refrigerated tofu foods. The tofu ones aren't zero calorie (20-40 cals usually). The ones with tofu in them are supposed to have more the texture of regular pasta and I have found this to be to true in my opinion.

    You can not simply cook them like pasta and pour sauce over them and expect them to be good. You need to cook them with whatever sauce or flavor your using, they will soak it up if you do. So bake them in the oven with spagetti or alfredo sauce or stir fry them in your fry pan with stir fry sauce or soy sauce or whatever sauce your using. But give the noodles some cooking time to pick up some flavor.

    I think they are a great pasta substitute. When I cook them I use real cheese and real sauces because of all the calories I save on the pasta it can still be a low cal meal and be very tasty. If you go crazy low calorie with these, with low calorie sauce and no fat cheese your going to be disappointed. Same as you'd be disappointed if you put that no taste sauce and chewy cheese on real pasta. Yet most people that try these do exactly that and then report that the noodles are awful.
  • cozylove
    cozylove Posts: 33 Member
    I have just redisovered the Tofu Shirataki (House Brand). They are much improved and very edible now. The texture and taste by itself reminds me of boiled egg whites. But after I rinse and prepare the noodles they remind me of lighter udon noodles. This is a great transition for me from regular pasta to whole wheat pasta to low carb.
  • cozylove
    cozylove Posts: 33 Member
    I have just redisovered the Tofu Shirataki (House Brand). They are much improved and very edible now. The texture and taste by itself reminds me of boiled egg whites. But after I rinse and prepare the noodles they remind me of lighter udon noodles. This is a great transition for me from regular pasta to whole wheat pasta to low carb.
  • tipadoo
    tipadoo Posts: 104 Member
    bump
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    I've tried these noodles a variety of ways (different sauces, different cooking methods) I just cannot for the life of me enjoy them at all. I feel like I'm eating worms every time I try them. I find spaghetti squash a much better alternative.