Pasta is, without a doubt, the tastiest food known to humankind. However, it’s also the first thing to go if you’re on a diet. While we’ve tried every grain-free and gluten-free alternative (Banza chickpea pasta is our longtime favorite, as is Kristen Bell’s), we’re always willing to give something new a shot. So when we learned about kelp noodles, which are raw, vegan, gluten-free, keto, and other dietary restrictions, we knew we had to try this culinary magic.
Sodium alginate, a salt derived from brown seaweed, is used to make kelp noodles, which are made from kelp seaweed, water, and sodium alginate. They are available at Whole Foods, online, and at nearby health food stores. There are several brands of kelp noodles available, but we tasted those made by Sea Tangle Noodle Company.
Kelp noodles can be made into raw pad Thai, as shown in this gorgeous recipe from Swoon Food, by simply rinsing them in cool water before eating. You can also stir-fry kelp noodles with vegetables and sauce if you prefer warm noodles, or you can add them to soups.
These noodles are a fantastic source of calcium and iodine, and each serving has 10 calories and 1 g of carbs. However, like all pasta, this is processed (sorry, Whole30 participants). Zoodles, spaghetti squash, or spiralized carrots may therefore be a healthier alternative if you’re concerned about reducing your intake of processed foods. Kelp noodles, however, are definitely worth a try if you want to switch up the texture of your food. Eat them sparingly because kelp noodles have an iodine content of 54 mcg per serving, which means that eating the entire pot will cause you to exceed the daily recommended intake of 150 mcg.
Despite our best efforts, these adorable little guys don’t taste anything like wheat noodles. Although the texture is entirely different, the flavor is surprisingly neutral (there is no taste of fishy seaweed here). They are gelatinous, rubbery, and barely crunchy, but they taste fine in soups or strong sauces like pesto or marinara. Unfortunately, this pasta does not outperform chickpea pasta, zoodles, and rice noodles. But is it a welcome new addition to our healthy pasta menu? Without a doubt.
How do you make them? Kelp noodles can be eaten raw—just rinse them in cool water, and they’re ready to be transformed into raw pad Thai, like this gorgeous recipe from Swoon Food. If you prefer warm noodles, you can also stir-fry kelp noodles with veggies and sauce or toss them into soups.
Despite our best efforts, these adorable little guys don’t taste anything like wheat noodles. Although the texture is entirely different, the flavor is surprisingly neutral (there is no taste of fishy seaweed here). They are gelatinous, rubbery, and barely crunchy, but they taste fine in soups or strong sauces like pesto or marinara. Unfortunately, this pasta does not outperform chickpea pasta, zoodles, and rice noodles. But is it a welcome new addition to our healthy pasta menu? Without a doubt.
Wait, what are kelp noodles? Kelp noodles are made from kelp seaweed, water and sodium alginate, a salt that’s extracted from brown seaweed. You can buy them at Whole Foods, online or at local health food stores. There are a few different brands out there, but we taste-tested the kelp noodles from Sea Tangle Noodle Company.
Pasta is, without a doubt, the tastiest food known to humankind. However, it’s also the first thing to go if you’re on a diet. While we’ve tried every grain-free and gluten-free alternative (Banza chickpea pasta is our longtime favorite, as is Kristen Bell’s), we’re always willing to give something new a shot. So when we learned about kelp noodles, which are raw, vegan, gluten-free, keto, and other dietary restrictions, we knew we had to try this culinary magic.
These noodles are a fantastic source of calcium and iodine, and each serving has 10 calories and 1 g of carbs. However, like all pasta, this is processed (sorry, Whole30 participants). Zoodles, spaghetti squash, or spiralized carrots may therefore be a healthier alternative if you’re concerned about reducing your intake of processed foods. Kelp noodles, however, are definitely worth a try if you want to switch up the texture of your food. Eat them sparingly because kelp noodles have an iodine content of 54 mcg per serving, which means that eating the entire pot will cause you to exceed the daily recommended intake of 150 mcg.
How to Prepare and Cook Kelp Noodles?
In addition to absorbing flavors, kelp noodles are interesting and versatile.
They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including raw if you prefer.
Kelp noodles are now more in demand due to their rising popularity.
Consequently, there are now many brands available on the market.
If you’re wondering how to make kelp noodles, don’t worry.
The pasta can be added just like any other type of food.
Enjoy with your preferred sauces or garnish after adding your favorite herbs and spices.
One dish to which kelp noodles can always be added is a salad.
For a tasty and nutritious raw food treat, you can make a salad with noodles, chopped, shredded cabbage, cilantro, mint, and an almond butter dressing.
The noodles can also be softened in warm water before being eaten with your preferred sauce.
One ingredient that pairs well with kelp noodles is marinara sauce.
When you stir-fry kelp noodles with different ingredients, they taste fantastic as well.
Use the spices, seasonings, and herbs according to the recipe or your preference.
Using kelp, you can create your own version of soupy noodles.
With chicken, eggs, and other ingredients, you can make a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish.
In fact, there are countless options for kelp noodles.
What Do Kelp Noodles Taste Like?
Let’s find out how kelp noodles taste now that we are aware of their health benefits and delectable flavor.
Glassy noodles are flavorless on their own, but they can take on any flavor.
As a result, foodies frequently compare noodles to tofu because both have no flavor but can absorb any seasoning.
However, they don’t taste anything like other noodles.
They are sometimes contrasted with shirataki noodles, though, as they both have few calories.
But they have different textures and taste.
Angel noodles, angel threads, Cheon so chae, and semi-transparent or glass noodles are some of the other names for kelp noodles.
Everyone has a favorite name when there are many to choose from, so some names might be more common in some places than others.
Kelp noodles go well with any food because they can take on any flavor.
Regardless of how you prepare them, the result will be a delicious meal.
The addition of the noodles to any recipe not only makes the food taste better, but it also improves it.
If you want a low-calorie or gluten-free option, you can always substitute kelp for rice or other grains in your pasta recipes.
On the other hand, you can substitute squash spaghetti, konjac, shirataki, or zucchini noodles if you don’t have kelp.
Among the many nutrients found in kelp, which is a type of seaweed, are iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Consequently, eating the noodles gives you a sufficient amount of goodness.
Due to the natural fiber called alginate that is present, it can also serve as a fat blocker.
FAQ
Are kelp noodles good for you?
Most importantly, kelp noodles are healthy. They contain vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron, and are low in calories, carbs, fat, and sugar. Kelp noodles also fit into a range of diets.
What do kelp noodles contain?
The three ingredients that make up kelp noodles are typically kelp, sodium alginate, and water. Brown seaweed known as kelp is edible, and salt made from seaweed is known as sodium alginate. Due to the seaweeds’ high mineral content and nutrient density, kelp noodles are a nutritious alternative to pasta.
Do kelp noodles taste like pasta?
Despite being made of kelp, these noodles have no fishy smells or flavors. With their neutral flavor, these noodles will absorb the flavor of other foods they are cooked with or served with. Tastes Just Like Regular Noodles! – Feel like you’re eating pasta again.
Can I eat kelp noodles everyday?
A: You can eat our kelp noodles every day because they are 30% kelp.
