Pasta – without carbs or calories

A new noodle is earning the appreciation of dieters for its lack of carbs, fat and calories.

Shirataki noodles, made from a water-soluble fibre, have begun appearing in most large supermarkets. Larry Crowe / AP Photo

The conventional wisdom of cutting carbs and calories generally has meant that pasta is a no-go.

But recently, a new noodle has challenged that thinking, giving dieters a fresh – albeit slightly different – way to have their pasta and their New Year’s resolutions. We’re not talking spaghetti squash, which, while delicious in its own right, has never made a satisfying substitute for the real deal.

Shirataki noodles have attracted the attention of many dieters of late. Their appeal? No carbs, no fat – and almost no calories.

No kidding?

It’s true. These slightly chewy noodles – which usually are found alongside tofu and other refrigerated Asian foods in grocers’ produce sections – are made from a water-soluble fibre that comes from a type of sweet potato (some are made with tofu as well, which contains a tiny bit of fat). Though they once were found only in Asian markets, they have begun showing up in most large supermarkets.

And it’s not just a desire to cut carbs that is fuelling the growth of this product (which has gone from just one or two varieties to many in a span of two years). The food and shopping expert Phil Lempert, the founder and editor of SupermarketGuru.com, says the growth of the gluten-free (which shirataki happens to be) category also is driving the popularity of this product.

Shaped like spaghetti, fettuccine and even rice, shirataki noodles come packed in water and require nothing more than draining, rinsing and briefly boiling.

And while these noodles can replace your favourite pasta in many dishes, you’ll need to keep in mind two things. First, don’t skip the rinsing step. This washes away the slight bitterness and funky smell. Fear not: both disappear entirely once you’ve rinsed and boiled.

Second, while they certainly are filling, in keeping with their lack of carbs and calories the noodles have virtually zero flavour. But Grace Young, the author of Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge, considers that an advantage. She says a lack of flavour makes shirataki the perfect ingredient for dishes where the other ingredients or the sauce define the dish.

Young was first introduced to shirataki by a home cook in the Philippines who used the carb-free noodles all the time because she was diabetic but still wanted pasta. Young says she adds them to homemade broth with fresh vegetables, or simply prepares them with a good quality soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.

Because of their bland flavour and chewy texture, Young advises picking companion ingredients for shirataki carefully. Salty and bright, tangy flavours work well, along with crisp textures and even the toothsome quality of cooked mushrooms and meats. This way, she says, every bite will have that perfect blend of taste and consistency.

To give shirataki a more pasta-like consistency, also try dry roasting in a well-oiled or non-stick frying pan over high heat for about a minute (be careful not to burn them) before adding them to your favourite dish.