Konjac noodles, made from the starchy roots of the konjac plant, are a unique alternative to traditional rice or wheat flour for low calorie food. With 97% water and 3% plant starch, they are low in calories and high in glucomannan, a health-promoting substance, making them popular for keto and low-carb diets. Furthermore, these noodles have a distinct texture, bouncy and rubbery, and are filled with a light, chewy density. They have a salty taste but are filling and can be used in deep, rich dishes like curries and stir-fries, complementing sharp ingredients like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
What are Konjac Noodles?
Konjac noodles are made using konjac flour which contains high levels of soluble fibre, extracted from root vegetables such as konjaku, konnyaku potato, devil’s tongue or elephant yam with edible corm. Konjac flour also contains glucomannan which provides lots of soluble fibre and “prebiotics” to stimulate gut microbes.
Noodles are gelatinous, and come in both dry and wet packaging. It requires just rinsing and draining before making them and they are easy to prepare. Submerging noodles for one minute in boiling water may help remove their odour; similarly, their taste allows any cuisine they are cooked in to shine through; great examples being soups and stir fries!
How Can I Prepare Them?
- To remove any odour, the first and most essential step in the preparation of noodles is rinsing them thoroughly – ideally using a colander.
- Next, pour water into a pan and boil your noodles on high for two or three minutes on high; adding vinegar can also help cut back on their chewy texture.
- Once drained, place them into a hot, dry pan without oil for 7 to 10 minutes – this should remove their rubbery texture completely and produce soft, delicious results that squeak when they hit your mouth!
Now that your noodles are prepared, they can serve as an ideal ingredient in an array of hot and cold low calorie food – including stir fries, stews, hotpots, curries and any dish with strong sauces such as stir fries or stews. An alternative low-carb choice for Italian pasta lovers could also include konjac noodles; their texture and appearance certainly compare favourably though their taste may differ!
As long as they remain unopened in their original packaging, konjac noodles can last months in your pantry due to their shelf stability. Once opened, any raw noodles should be placed in an airtight container filled with water and stored in the fridge.
Are They Good For You?
There are a number of health benefits that have been associated with the use of glucomannan fibre.
- Assisting you in your Weight Loss: Even if eating does not actually lead you to lose weight, it does make you feel full, which improves the possibility that you will eat less; yet, eating does not cause you to lose weight.
- Reducing the Symptoms of Constipation: The high fibre content, which helps to reduce the symptoms of constipation. On the other hand, consuming an excessive amount might result in undesirable consequences on the digestive system, such as bloating and loose stools.
- Achieving Lower Levels of Cholesterol: Recent studies on the consumption of konjac fibre have shown that it can be beneficial in terms of lowering cholesterol levels. It is beneficial to incorporate them into your meals because they are low in carbohydrates and do not contain any components that are starchy.
In spite of the fact that there are a few obvious health benefits associated with konjac noodles, it is essential to consume them in moderation. Consuming an excessive amount of glucomannan fibre may cause you to suffer discomfort in your digestive system. In addition, they do not contain sufficient quantities of essential nutrients to make a contribution to your diet. For this reason, pair them with vegetables, healthy fats, and protein in order to produce meals that are both well-balanced and low in calories.
Check this out for in-depth information – WHAT IS KONJAC? ITS BENEFITS, SIDE EFFECTS AND USES
Easy Meal Prep with Konjac Noodles
Konjac noodles are extremely adaptable. Here are some suggestions for recipes to inspire your creativity to create delicious meals:
- Asian Delights: Stir fry them with your favourite proteins and vegetables to make a delicious, easy Asian dinner.
- Sweet Pad Thai: Make the rice substitute with low-carb noodles in your favourite pad Thai recipe.
- The Sensations Of Soup: A filling, high-fibre ingredient. Please include them in soups, broths and other dishes.
- Ingenious Casseroles: make lasagna and other casserole dishes as an alternative to noodles that are low in carbs.
Conclusion
Although they are not a magic weight-loss solution, konjac noodles can be an important part of a balanced diet. They are a fantastic choice for people controlling their blood sugar or watching their weight because of their low-calorie and high-fibre content. Always remember that moderation is vital, and for the best health effects, combine them with a balanced diet and make delicious low calorie food. Thus, the next time you’re searching for a filling, low-carb choice, think about trying konjac noodles. You may be shocked at how tasty and adaptable they can be!