I know what you’re thinking…. WTF are miracle noodles and what kind of weird crap must be in them that they’re zero calories? Let me break it down…

There are tons of different “shirataki” products on the market but right now I’m going to talk about Miracle Noodles (which also come as Miracle Rice)

So this stuff is made out of Konjac AKA glucomannan

Konjac is a herb found in Asia.

The part of the konjac herb that grows underground is a great source of soluble dietary fiber.

So yes, it’s a herb which means it’s all-natural and while zero calorie ANYTHING seems shady, this stuff is not created in a lab.

Konjac is used as a gelatin substitute and to thicken or add texture to foods. It’s also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the Western world, konjac is best known as a dietary supplement for weight loss and cholesterol management.

We’re always wondering why the incidence of obesity is lower in Japan and it might have something to do with the fact that they’ve been using konjac to make zero calorie noodles for a longgggg time.

So long story short, they take this konjac root, add water and a little calcium additive and they create this really cool alternative to pasta and rice.

Does it taste exactly like “real” pasta or rice? Um…not really… but it has ZERO calories so I don’t expect it to taste just like the real thing. BUT it’s a really good alternative and is a great option for anyone on a low carb diet.

Here’s a recipe for a mexican style miracle rice dish but if you’re not ready to jump on the konjac bandwagon, feel free to make this dish with regular rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice!

Oh! It’s also Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Soy Free so really… what more can you want?

Mexican Miracle Rice

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• Propellant-Free Olive Oil Spray

• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and diced

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

• 1 tbsp Tomato paste

• 1 Plum Tomato, Diced

• 1/2 Red Onion, Chopped

• 1 Package Miracle Noodle Rice

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Garnish: Chopped Cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat non-stick saute pan over medium heat

2. Spray pan lightly with propellant-free olive oil spray (or use 1 tsp of olive oil to coat pan)

3. Add the jalapeno, garlic, tomato and red onion and stir to combine. Allow vegetable mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent

4. While vegetables are cooking, place the package of miracle rice in a strainer and use hot water to rinse them thoroughly. Once rinsed, pat dry with paper towel and then remove miracle rice from collander and place onto dry dish towel. Fold dish towel over the rice and squeeze miracle rice until thoroughly dry.

5. Once rice is dry, add it to the vegetable mixture and stir.

6. Add in tomato paste, stir to combine.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

8. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro!

Nutrition Facts (per 1 Serving, 1/4 of Recipe): 25 Calories, 0 g Fat, 6 g Carbohydrate, 1 g Fiber, 1 g Protein