If keto has one secret weapon, it's this humble noodle. Shirataki — also sold as konjac or "miracle" noodles — is how you keep eating pancit, ramen, japchae, laksa, and pasta while staying deep in ketosis. At Meals by Lily we lean on it constantly, because it turns "you can't have noodles on keto" into "watch us." Here's everything worth knowing.
What exactly are shirataki noodles?
Shirataki noodles are made from glucomannan, a soluble fiber drawn from the root of the konjac yam, mixed with water and shaped into noodles. That's basically it — fiber and water. Because glucomannan is a fiber your body doesn't digest for energy, the noodles are naturally very low in digestible carbs and calories, gluten-free, and grain-free. You'll find them as thin noodles, thick "rice" grains, and flat "hofan" style ribbons.
Why they're a keto game-changer
- Almost no carbs — keeps a noodle or rice dish well within keto limits
- Almost no calories — you feel full without the calorie load
- Fiber-rich — the glucomannan is a soluble fiber that adds bulk and helps you feel satisfied
- Neutral flavor — soaks up whatever sauce you cook it in, so it works across cuisines
- Gluten-free & grain-free — friendly for many dietary needs
Shirataki vs. regular noodles & rice
| Per cooked serving | Carbs (approx.) | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shirataki / konjac | ~1–3g | ~10–15 |
| White rice | ~45g | ~200 |
| Wheat pasta | ~40g | ~200 |
| Rice noodles / bihon | ~40g+ | ~190 |
Figures are general estimates and vary by brand and portion.
How to cook shirataki so it tastes great
Straight out of the pack, shirataki has a faint smell and a watery, rubbery texture — which is where its bad reputation comes from. The fix takes two minutes:
- Rinse well under running water for 30 seconds to remove the packing liquid.
- Dry-fry in a hot, oil-free pan for 3–5 minutes until the noodles squeak and look drier. This removes excess water and firms them up.
- Then sauce it. Now they'll grip flavor and have a proper springy bite — add them to your stir-fry, soup, or sauce as you would any noodle.
How we use shirataki at Meals by Lily
This is where it gets fun. Because shirataki carries any flavor, we build a huge range of dishes on it across our rotating menu — think keto versions of:
- Filipino — Pancit Shirataki Guisado, Pancit Shirataki Habhab, Chicken Shirataki ala Sotanghon Guisado, Classic Beef Pares Konjac Mami
- Japanese & Korean — shirataki ramen and tantanmen, Pork Shirataki Japchae, sukiyaki
- Southeast Asian — Pork & Shrimp Laksa Shirataki Noodles, Singapore-style shirataki
- Taiwanese & Chinese — Taiwan Beef & Tomato Shirataki Noodles, Konjac Hofan, Long Life Shirataki Noodles
- Rice dishes — konjac "rice" for biryani, bringhe, and fried-rice style meals
Same beloved dishes, a fraction of the carbs. Want to see more low-carb swaps? Read the best keto-friendly Filipino foods or, if you're just starting, Keto for Beginners.
Quick answers
Are shirataki noodles healthy?
For most people, yes — they're high in soluble fiber and very low in carbs and calories. Introduce them gradually if you're not used to lots of fiber, and drink water.
Do they need refrigeration?
Sealed packs are shelf-stable; once opened, keep them refrigerated in water and use within a few days.
Is konjac the same as shirataki?
Essentially yes — shirataki noodles are made from konjac. "Konjac," "shirataki," and "miracle noodles" all refer to the same glucomannan-based product.
Taste keto noodles done right
We do the rinsing, dry-frying, and saucing for you — pancit, ramen, laksa and more, all keto, all delivered chilled across Metro Manila. No carbs, no fuss.
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