Oodles of Noodles

September 3, 2009

I totally get the attraction of Top Ramen noodles. They’re quick, easy, and yummy. Oh yeh, and one package of Chicken Flavored Top Ramen has 380 calories and more than 1400 mg of sodium. That’s more than 50% of the recommended daily allowance for sodium.

How about replacing your dried brick of Top Ramen noodles and packet o’ salt for a steaming bowl of hot noodles that has just 40 calories and 30 mg of sodium?

Okay. I’m going to tell you what they’re called and before you make that face you make when you normally hear the word, hear me out.

The noodles are called Tofu Shirataki Noodles and you can find them in the refrigerated section of most stores with the other tofu products.

I’ve been eating Tofu Shirataki Noodles for several years and I LOVE them. I heat them up in a broth of low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of low-sodium soy sauce for a snack or sometimes I really kick it up and make a great noodle bowl for dinner.

So remember I told you how the plain bowl of Chicken Top Ramen had 380 calories? Well, here’s the recipe for my – - –

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Less than 300 Calorie Ginormous Noodle Bowl
Ingredients: In order of preparation

1 package Tofu Shirataki Spaghetti
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (crimini, shitake, oyster…)
3 tablespoons shallots or diced onion
1/2 cup carrots, thin-sliced rounds
1/2 cup red pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup broccoli, finely chopped
1 cup baby spinach
2 oz cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 cups organic low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon organic Tamari Soy Sauce

Directions:

• Empty the package of noodles in a colander and rinse in cool water for several minutes to remove scent from packing liquid.
• Heat high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with Butter-Flavored Pam Vegetable Spray and add shallots and mushrooms until mushrooms are soft and shallots sweat.
• Add carrots to pan and stir-fry for another minute.
• Add red pepper and stir-fry for another minute.
• Add broccoli, baby spinach, chopped chicken and garlic and stir-fry until spinach is wilted.
• Add chicken broth, Tamari, and noodles. Cook all ingredients together until noodles are heated through and broth is steamy hot.
• Pour into a bowl and enjoy!

If desired, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a dash of sesame oil before eating.
1 teaspoon toasted Sesame Seeds (20 calories) optional
1 teaspoon sesame seed oil (40 calories)  optional

Does it take longer to prepare this recipe than it does to throw a package of  Top Ramen Noodles into a pot of boiling water? Sure. It takes more time….and it has less calories and sodium, has more nutrition, is more satisfying and tastes incredible. Besides, aren’t you worth a little extra effort?

Posted in Apron Adventures, Food Finds