We all have those days where pasta cravings hit and all you want to do is shove your face in a vat of al dente deliciousness. But what stops us are the calories, carbs and copious amounts of guilt. However, today is your lucky day.
Behold, tofu shirataki noodles.
Photo courtesy of www.house-foods.com
What is it?
Tofu shirataki is Japanese noodles made of konjac yam root and tofu, making it low in calories but high in fiber as well as omega-3’s. The noodles, which come in two servings per container, have only 20 calories per serving.
How does it work?
Photo courtesy of www.house-foods.com
Konjac yam is ground into glucomannan, the most water-soluble fiber known to man, which can absorb water up to 100 times its weight. Basically, it makes you feel more full once it hits your stomach. Plus, tofu is an excellent source of protein (which we could all use a little more of. Except John Cena).
Does it actually taste good?
It has a slippery texture, but it tastes good. It’s not dry or grainy like the whole wheat pastas you force yourself to buy in attempt to be healthier. The addition of tofu changes the texture and appearance to be more like that of regular noodles. Plus, you can add any of your favorite sauces on top. We recommend pesto or marinara.
GIF courtesy of Giphy.com
So why should I care?
Who doesn’t want to inhale an obscene amount of pasta every once in awhile and not feel guilty? Tofu Shirataki Noodles will be your new best friend. Did we mention that these noodles also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar?
Photo courtesy of house-foods.com
But wait, there’s more. The noodles come in many different types, like spaghetti, angel hair, fettuccine and even macaroni. They’re also allergen-friendly, so all you gluten-intolerant, soy-free foodies, what are you waiting for?
OMG, where do I get them?!
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Whole Foods. Lucky. Safeway. Akins. They can also be found in select stores based on your state. For online shoppers, there are many ways to buy them online (*cough* Amazon *cough*).
One Small Hitch
If you prepare the noodles as the package instructs, you will get a slimy texture. Follow the steps shown below to give your noodles a texture more similar that of conventional pasta.
Tofu Shirataki Noodles
Ingredients
Instructions
Using a colander, rinse noodles under cold water for 1-2 minutes — thisgets rid of the fishy smell.
Drain and place noodles into a pot or nonstick wok filled with salted boiling waterfor 2-3 minutes.
Return noodles to wok or pot, and with a spatula, stir noodles around the pan on medium heat for a few minutes — this will dry the noodles out.
Add your condiments and your favorite sauce, such as marinara, alfredo or pesto. Now they’re ready for rapid consumption.