Are Konjac Noodles The Same As Shirataki Noodles?

Konjac and Shirataki noodles are the same and are used interchangeably. They are both derived from corm of the konnyaku or konjac plant, and both can be integrated into diets such as keto or low-carb.

Purposefully One-Pot, In 15 Minutes…

The time it takes to prepare this konjac eats couldn’t be any more simple. This is purposefully a one-pot recipe that’s simple and easy to make after a workout, on a busy day, or just when I don’t feel like cleaning a bunch of dishes (whoever loves doing this? lol).

This is for one of those days when you just want to use one pot and prepare your food quickly. The veggies go in the same pot, no multiple pot usage here! Once you get the hang of the one-pot method, you can easily make this over and over again, and begin to add different items and variations. The best thing…it’s not loaded with calories, so you can feel good about eating it if you want to cut calories or if it’s been one of those days where you didn’t get a lot of physical activity.

Made With Spinach – To Add More Magnesium Into The Diet

Spinach is high in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, iron, and manganese. As we all know, a large part of the population is low on magnesium (due to various factors such as the now ever-growing nutritional depleted soils), thus in general, I do try to gain some of that magnesium back via the foods I eat. One Washington Post article mentions that 70-80% of Americans over the age of 70 are magnesium deficient. One cup of cooked spinach has about 157mg of magnesium, and of course the Daily Value for magnesium is 400mg. The great thing about spinach is that it withers down to 1/4 of its size or more, so you can always pack in a powerful punch of nutrients into one little bite. For this, I can wither down a whole pack of spinach and be rest assured that my food is nutrient-dense. In case you are indeed interested in adding magnesium as a supplement, Calm is a very popular brand that a lot of people have liked. Some people use it to help them sleep as well.

A Low Calorie Noodle…#winning

Konjac/Shirataki noodles are becoming one of my fav eats, not only because it is low calorie…but also, I actually do like the chewy texture. There is 6 net carbs per serving, however, this also includes the flour, so leave out the flour if you would like to decrease carbs more. I love that I am not consuming 400+ calories with this pasta which is easy to do with common pasta dishes. These little noods contain only 30 calories for the ENTIRE package! Whaaa? When you add your tasty sauce, you get to have that pasta experience without all the heaviness, gluten, or extra calories if you do not want them. This might be an alternative to zucchini noodles as well.

How To Adapt Recipe For Keto and Paleo

Keto-Friendly: Simply leave out the flour. For the most part, I usually don’t add flour however, I know a lot of people like the comforting, thicker texture so it’s there for that. The recipe features about 6 net carbs per serving, and the carb amount will be even less if you leave out the flour.

Paleo: Same for keto, just leave out the flour or substitute with your favorite paleo-friendly version if would like

Gluten-Inclusive Version: Yes, I made up a new food category. I know that a lot of gluten-free flours may not have the best or exact thickening effect that a lot of people look for. So the next best thing to a gluten-free flour, that is gluten-inclusive would be from a non-hybridized ancient grain like Einkorn Flour. I have tinkered with this flour and like that you can get the same consistency and outcome, but without really using highly commercialized and hybridized wheat flour normally found in large grocery store chains. I have used Jovial’s Einkorn Flour and have liked using it. If you want to learn more, check out this nifty little book with great recipes:

What are Konjac Noodles?

These noods are gluten-free, and a great alternative to commercialized pasta, suitable for those with gluten sensitivities and a viable option for those with Celiac. The konjac root is also known as glucomannan, a dietary fiber which may be beneficial in regulating blood sugar. A herb that usually grows in parts of Asia, it contains a “corm” tuber-like structure which can be grinded up to make konjac flour and eventually noodles. If you have gluten sensitivities, you can also find a viable gluten-free salad topper here.

What Kind of Diets Can Eat Konjac or Shirataki Noodles?

Konjac noodles fall within a plethora of special dietary considerations. Just list a few:

• Gluten-Free
• Keto
• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Low Carb
• Low Calorie

Many companies such as Miracle Noodles, and Skinny Noodles have made their own versions of the shirataki noodles. However, I am enjoying the Better than Pasta brand for the time being. I know that some people may not enjoy the texture, however, as mentioned above, I personally enjoy the chewiness and sometimes enjoy it more than regular pasta. I feel the konjac recipe below, in particular, goes well with the noodles. The Miracle Noodles, which is sometimes called shirataki noodles is usually located in the fridge, and Better than Pasta noodles are located on the shelf.

Why Add Flours or Thickeners To Konjac Noodles?

Unlike regular noodles, which will continuously sop up water and moisture while it is in the pot, konjac/shirataki noodles will not absorb moisture. Thus, I have substituted heavy cream instead of half and half before to capture a slightly thicker texture. That is also why adding a little gluten-free flour, regular flour (if you are not gluten sensitive), or thickener of choice can help. I personally do not really need my sauces to be thick, and I am quite satisfied with just a great little meal being super easy to make and eat right away. But every person is different with this respect.

What’s Manchego? Re-thinking The Cheese…

Manchego is a Spanish cheese that is very similar to Parmesan in taste, however, it has less of the musty, nuttiness, and more neutral cheesy flavor. The longer it is aged, the more flavor it will develop. I try to get one that’s aged at least 24 months. Such as this Aged Manchego. Which I have been liking lately…for like everything.

I have been switching back and forth between Manchego and Parmigiano Reggiano for this recipe. Manchego is a bit more salty and lighter in flavor than Parmigiano. Parmigiano is very bold, rounded, and has deeper nuttier notes. Using wine as an analogy, I’d say Manchego is more like Pino Noir and Parmigiano is more like the best Merlot you ever recall trying. Overall, I think over time I have liked the Parmigiano Reggiano better. I will re-think changing the title. However, if you really want a quality Parmiggiano I LOVE the one by Mitica (which Whole Foods has). It is SO delicious and flavorful. It’s best Parmiggiano I’ve come across from a grocery store.

Different Shapes of Konjac/Shirataki Noodles

Miracle Noodles also makes fettuccine width pasta to more closely give you that visual pasta experience. I have tried their pastas before, but would need to try it again to see how it more closely compares to Better than Pasta. The Miracle Noodles are usually found in the refrigerated section, while Better than Pasta can usually be found on the shelf. 

Have you ever used Konjac noodles before? If so, what did you do with them? Any recipes? Do you like them?

Did you make this? Tag me at @ingrid.shots on Instagram. Would love to see your creations!

Yield: 2

Shirataki Pasta With Spinach And Manchego (Keto/GF)

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Low Calorie, Gluten-Free and guilt-free pasta you can make any time. Tasty notes of nutmeg and savory cheese makes this a cozy dish. Also try using Parmigiano Reggiano cheese instead for more intense flavor!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp half and half
• 1 tsp gluten-free flour (leave out for keto-friendly version)
• 1-2 dashes nutmeg
• 5 oz box of fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp crushed walnuts or favorite nut topper (optional)

Instructions

1. Drain konjac pasta in strainer and rinse with water for about 30s
2. In a pot, on medium heat, add half and half with flour and whisk until blended for about 2 mins (there should be a slight simmer while doing this). Sauce will thicken some.
3. Add cheese and nutmeg to pot and stir until cheese is melted
4. Add pasta to pot and stir
5. Grab spinach and stir in bit by bit, covering pot with lid to let steam for a few minutes, keep stirring. You can turn fire to low or simmer here.
6. When all leaves are withered. Top with nuts and enjoy! until leaves are withered and can blend well with noodles. You can lower the fire to low or simmer here.
   When all spinach is integrated into pasta, top with nuts and enjoy!
   

Notes

• About 6 net carbs per serving
• Leave out the flour if wanting to reduce more. It will have less of a hearty texture
• Also leave out flour to make it keto-friendly. I personally don't really use the flour that much anyways, but some like the thicker, cozier overall texture.
• Did You Make This Recipe? Tag @ingrid.shots on IG, Would love to see your creations!

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 9gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g