🥢 Keto Chilled Sesame “Noodles”
Ingredients

For the Keto Noodles:

  • 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil (e.g., avocado or olive oil)
  • 12 ounces shirataki noodles (or zucchini noodles as a low-carb alternative)

For the Sesame Sauce:

  • 1 cup tahini (sesame paste, low in carbs compared to Chinese sesame paste)
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste (for umami, as a substitute for furu/fermented tofu)
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for black vinegar)
  • ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth; use sparingly)
  • ½ teaspoon chili oil (or to taste)
  • ½ tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie for a hint of umami, or a low-carb alternative)
  • ¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)

For Garnish:

  • Sliced scallions
  • Chili oil (to taste)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (coarsely ground using a mortar and pestle)

Instructions

Prepare the Keto Noodles:

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a small skillet, heat the neutral-flavored oil just until it begins to shimmer. Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool.
  2. Cook the Shirataki Noodles:
    • Rinse shirataki noodles thoroughly under cold water. Boil for 2-3 minutes to reduce the odor, then drain well. Toss with the cooled oil in a medium bowl or on a small rimmed baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Prepare the Sesame Sauce:

  1. Make the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and miso paste until smooth.
    • Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, sweetener, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, chili oil, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
    • Whisk in the mayonnaise and then whisk in enough of the water until a thin, creamy, and silky sauce forms. Adjust water quantity to achieve the desired consistency.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Serve:
    • Divide the noodles among bowls. Drizzle the sesame sauce generously over the noodles.
    • Garnish with sliced scallions, additional chili oil (to taste), and coarsely ground toasted sesame seeds.
  2. Chill and Enjoy:
    • Serve the noodles chilled for a refreshing, keto-friendly meal or side dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate, depending on portion size)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 4 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2 g
    • Net Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Tips

  • Use Shirataki Noodles: Shirataki noodles are extremely low in carbs and calories, making them an excellent substitute for traditional noodles in keto recipes. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly and boil to remove any residual odor.
  • Tahini vs. Chinese Sesame Paste: Tahini is a great low-carb alternative to Chinese sesame paste and provides a similar nutty flavor without the added sugars.
  • Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice preference. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Store-Bought Alternatives: If you don’t have Kewpie mayonnaise, you can use any low-carb mayo, or make your own using egg yolk, mustard, and vinegar.

Benefits

Supports Gut Health: Shirataki noodles contain glucomannan, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic, helping support digestive health.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Using shirataki noodles significantly reduces the carb count while providing a similar texture to traditional noodles.

High in Healthy Fats: The sauce is made with sesame oil, tahini, and mayonnaise, which are all sources of healthy fats that help you stay full longer.

Rich in Flavor: This keto version retains the deep, nutty, and umami flavors of the original recipe while being low in carbs and sugar.