How To Make Konjac Rice Taste Good?

The famous keto-friendly rice, also known as Konjac rice, is the perfect ‘healthy alternative’ for rice when you are on a ketogenic diet. It is low in carbohydrates, full of fibre and easy on the digestive system. And, it tastes a lot better than ‘cauliflower rice’!

Shirataki rice has been widely used in Japanese cuisine since the 16th century. Over the years, it has grown popular throughout Asia and in several other countries across other continents. 

This exceedingly healthy version of rice is made from the Konjac plant, a root vegetable in the taro and yam family. When cooked properly, it awards you multiple benefits. 

In this article, we have mentioned the correct way to cook konjac rice which is the secret to making them taste delicious! Let us begin by understanding what konjac rice is and its benefits. 

What Is Konjac Rice?

Konjac rice is technically Shirataki noodles sliced into smaller rice-like pieces. The name ‘Shirataki’ is derived from the Japanese word ‘white waterfall’, which describes the translucent texture of the noodles and rice. 

Shirataki rice is flavourless and a little chewy. Therefore, it quickly soaks up the flavours in your dish and acts as a perfect low-carb substitute for rice in various cuisines. 

Apart from cutting down carbs from your meals, this miracle product offers numerous other benefits mentioned below - 

It Helps Prevent Constipation.

The glucomannan in the Konjac rice increases probiotic bacteria in your digestive tract and significantly improves bowel function.

Moreover, the higher fibre content in konjac rice improves overall digestion and gut health. Consequently, it has been proven effective in preventing constipation.

It Aids In Weight Loss 

Eating Fibre-rich food like Shirataki rice keeps you fuller for longer. As a result, your urge to overeat or snack between meals diminishes. This prevents overconsumption and the development of unhealthy bingeing habits, ultimately aiding in weight loss. 

Reduces Cholesterol 

Studies from 2008 discovered that konjac, the primary component of Shirataki rice, helps reduce total cholesterol levels, LDL and triglycerides. Glucomannan present in this food item can act as an additional remedy for patients with blood sugar and high cholesterol. 

Improves Skin Health

Like all low-carb and fibre-rich food, Konjac rice promotes better digestion. Consequently, skin-related issues like acne caused by an unhealthy gut can be reduced with its consumption.

Moreover, Shirataki has also proven effective in reducing allergic responses and improving wound healing. 

Now that you know what Konjac rice is and how it helps you let us move on further to learn the best way to cook this recipe. 

The Correct Way To Cook Your konjac Rice For Perfect Meals 

Steps To Perform Before Cooking The Rice 

• Open the packet carefully and empty the contents in a strainer. 
• Rinse the noodle under running water to get rid of the unpleasant smell. 
• If the smell is too strong, rinse the rice with boiling water. 
• Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse once again thoroughly. 

The Process To Cook Shirataki Rice 

The procedure to cook konjac rice is extremely simple and requires only a few ingredients. These versatile low-carb rice can be added to any cuisine meal per your preference. 

Steps To Follow While Making shirataki rice.

• Pour the rinsed rice into a dry skillet and stir for a few minutes on low to medium heat. 
• Keep checking it in between to ensure it does not stick or burn. 
• For best results, it is recommended not to add oil or water until the rice is dry. 
• Once the water is evaporated, add olive oil, salt and a little black pepper. 
• Blend the ingredients well and let it cook for some more time on low heat.
• Serve with any meal of your choice.

• Do not forget to remove the unpleasant aroma as soon as you open the packet of shirataki rice. Wash it until there is no residual bad odour. 
• The dry pan frying technique mentioned above is crucial to get rid of excess water and gain the perfect consistency of rice. Proceed to other steps only after all the water has evaporated.
• If olive oil is not something you prefer, you can swap it with alternatives like avocado oil or palm oil. 

Re-heating & Storing Instructions

Packed konjac rice can stay fresh for up to twelve months when stored in a cool, dry place, and it has a shelf life of a year and easily stays fresh until then.

Once the rice is cooked, it takes up to four days to become stale. Therefore, you can refrigerate the cooked rice in an air-tight container for four days. To reheat, microwave the rice or place it on a stovetop until the dish is warm.

Delicious Recipe Variations To Try With Shirataki Rice 

Mexican - The cooked rice can be added to several Mexican delicacies, including ground beef casseroles and pot steak fajitas or served with cheesy tacos.

Cajun - Season your rice with Cajun seasoning and serve with sausage and fried vegetables like cabbage.

Asian- Add the prepared rice to Asian recipes like an egg roll in a bowl, or prepare a bed of rice to top it with Hunan or Mongolian beef.

Keto-friendly meals - Mix the rice with veggies like green onion and mushroom. Season it with low-carb veggies, sesame seeds and your favourite sauce. 

• You can also prepare keto-friendly rice soups or broths with Konjac rice. E.g. chicken broth, stuffed pepper soup, cabbage soup with ground beef. 

Conclusion

Konjac Rice has been used in Asian cuisine for ages and has proven to work miraculously in easing constipation and reducing cholesterol. Being a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, it is a healthier option to aid in weight loss. 

By cooking the rice with the process mentioned above, you can ensure that it tastes perfect and helps you obtain maximal benefits from this miracle product!