Keto-Friendly Kelp Noodles Make Pasta Guilt-Free
Kelp noodles may sound unappetizing, but they’re actually the secret to enjoying your favorite pasta recipes guilt free. In fact, you may end up ditching your carb-heavy pasta permanently in favor of these gluten-free, keto-friendly, paleo, and vegan noodles.
What are kelp noodles?
As the name implies, kelp noodles are made from edible kelp. To make them, you first strip the away the kelp’s outer skin to reveal a thinner, gel-like layer. This step helps minimize the kelp’s fishy flavor. Then, you dry the inner layer, grind it into a powder, and blend it with water and sodium alginate, a brown seaweed extract that thickens the mixture and allows the noodles to hold their shape.
At first glance, kelp noodles appear similar to thin, semi-transparent spaghetti — but the kelp noodles’ taste and texture is quite different. They’re crunchy when eaten raw, but kelp noodles soften in water. Kelp noodles don’t have a strong flavor on their own and will take on the flavor of the ingredients in whatever dish you’re preparing. Cooking with kelp noodles is popular in Asian cuisine, and you can find them in salads and soups. They’re also commonly used in pastas as a low-calorie, grain-free alternative.
Kelp Noodles Nutrition
The main selling point for kelp noodles is that they’re very low in calories; a serving typically has fewer than 10 calories. They also do not contain cholesterol, fat, or sugar, and have a minimal amount of carbs. Additionally, a serving of kelp noodles supplies your body with roughly 15 percent of calcium for the day, as well as four percent of its daily iron needs.
Kelp noodles are also a good source of iodine, a mineral that’s important for the thyroid gland to function properly. Everyone needs iodine, but it’s especially important for pregnant women and children, as it’s crucial for proper bone and brain development. Just be careful to not go overboard with the kelp noodles, as an entire package of kelp noodles will take you over your daily recommended limit of iodine.
Recipes With Kelp Noodles
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When it comes to kelp noodle recipes, the options are endless. Soften them to add to your pad thai or stir fries, or leave them raw to bulk up your salads and add a satisfying crunch. No matter how you use them, don’t kelp all the deliciousness for yourself. These recipes deserved to be shared!
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