What are shirataki noodles? What do they taste like, and how would you cook with them? We’re answering these questions and more below, plus we’ll give you some tips for making them the tastiest they can be.
Let’s dive in…
What Do Shirataki Noodles Taste Like?
Shirataki noodles are not like pasta or rice noodles. They’re made with tofu and a fiber called glucomannan, which is derived from the Asian konjac root.
Interestingly, shirataki noodles do not taste at all like like tofu or root vegetables. In fact, they’re essentially flavorless. In this way, they share commonalities with tofu in that they’ll pick up whatever flavors they’re cooked with.
Shirataki Noodle Texture
Prepared shirataki noodles are extremely soft and gelatinous like silken tofu. They’re not really chewy like rice noodles, which are tacky and slightly firm even when cooked well.
Shirataki noodles are slippery, and some people even find them a little rubbery. Frying them in a pan before adding them to a recipe seems to reduce this aspect of their texture, though it doesn’t tend to be problematic in soups.
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Do You Have to Cook Shirataki Noodles?
You can find these noodles in dry or precooked form. If you have a package of dried noodles, you will need to cook them before you eat them. They’ll just take a much shorter amount of boiling time in hot water than most other types of noodles.
If you have the moist, precooked kind, however, you can simply add them to your soup or any finished meal. Do be aware that, due to their super soft texture, even vigorous stirring can break them up. Save them until you’re ready to serve your meal for best results.
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How Long Do Shirataki Noodles Last?
An unopened package of shirataki noodles generally has a pretty long shelf life, sometimes up to a year. Make sure you read the expiration date to find out when it’s time to toss an unused package.
Cooked shirataki noodles that have been exposed to air won’t last for very long. A few days may be all you’ll get, possibly slightly longer if they’re kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
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Shirataki Noodle Recipes
Any noodle dish can be made with shirataki noodles. That means vegan pesto pasta, vegan ramen and stir-fries can all be made with these versatile noodles. Check out the videos we’ve selected for tips on cooking them like a pro.
This is a recipe for a vegan pad thai with shirataki noodles and baobab powder instead of tamarind paste (though you can use tamarind paste if that’s what’s in your cabinet). Gather together these ingredients:
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Shirataki noodles
- TVP
- Bean sprouts
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions
- Roasted peanuts
- Chili flakes
- Baobab powder or tamarind paste
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Agave or maple syrup
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If you’ve never had vegan pho, you have to try this incredibly easy soup recipe. It’s extremely simple and tasty, but feel free to add any veggies you’d like. For the basic soup, all you need are these ingredients:
- Shirataki noodles
- Vegan bouillon
- Hoisin
- Sriracha
- Fresh cilantro
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Wrap Up
If you’re trying to expand your noodle horizons, give shirataki noodles a go. They’re excellent in soups and stir-fries, and as they’re soft and flavorless, you can use them with absolutely any ingredient combination. Try replacing rice noodles with shirataki noodles in your next vegan pad thai.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
