A healthful and tasty alternative to pasta and rice noodles, this product is made from the thin clear gel-like inner flesh of kelp after its green outer "skin" has been peeled away. The resulting mixture is blended with water and sodium alginate, then strained into noodle-like shapes.
They are a great source of calcium, iron and iodine. They are also gluten-free and low in calories. They can be enjoyed raw and can be used to create delicious recipes such as a raw pad Thai or a salad with sesame dressing. They are perfect for people following the Paleo, Whole30 or Keto diets.
The most popular brand of kelp noodles is called Sea Tangle and can be purchased online or at some grocery stores that specialize in health food options. You may also find kelp noodles at some Asian grocers, especially those that carry more alternative ingredients such as gluten-free noodles.
To use kelp noodles, they can be washed right out of their packaging and then soaked in a bowl with hot tap water mixed with lemon juice and baking soda for about eight minutes. After soaking, the noodles can be rinsed and drained well before being added to any recipe. They have a neutral flavor that can be enhanced with sauces and spices or kept plain for a simple, refreshing snack. They are also a great substitute for any recipe that calls for traditional wheat or grain-based pasta. For example, you can use kelp noodles to make a healthy and fast vegetarian lasagna or a hearty vegetable soup.
