Have you ever tasted kelp noodles? They’re delicious! Lately, I’ve been eating my fair share of this tasty low-carb noodle. They’re my new favorite food. We eat these gluten-free noodles several nights a week with dinner. They’re the perfect paleo pasta.
What are kelp noodles? They’re simply noodles made from seaweed. These paleo noodles have changed my life because they’re incredible in Asian dishes, which are a favorite of mine. Here’s how to prepare kelp noodles!
Kelp Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 package kelp noodles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Using a strainer, thoroughly rinse noodles
- Place noodles in a medium bowl
- Fill with warm water, lemon juice, and salt
- Let stand for 30 minutes
- Rinse and strain
- Serve
Equipment
Kelp noodles have a slightly crunchy texture that is different than that of traditional pasta. The soaking preparation method above will make the noodles far less crunchy. The lemon juice and salt do a wonderful job in softening the noodles so that they have an incredibly palatable texture.
My favorite way to serve this seaweed based noodle is in my low-carb Sesame Noodles recipe, a Chinese take-out style dish just like the kind we used to eat before I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1998. Those were the days when I lived in New York City, stayed up all hours of the night working, and ate loads of Chinese food!
Here are some of my paleo condiment recipes that are delicious served over kelp noodles:
Easter says
Sodium alginate is the slime that comes off of the kelp “leaf” and it is clear. It is also the active part of kelp that binds heavy metals, especially radioactive metals.
Florence says
If kelp noodles bind heavy metals especially radioactive metals, how can they be safe to eat?
Thanks.
Elana says
Florence, thanks for your comment. I eat kelp noodles 1-2 times per week. I have my heavy metal levels tested quarterly and haven’t had any issues :-)
Shannon says
Because they do just that – bind them. They dont ever release them. So they may have heavy metals, but they dont release them in your body, they actually collect small amounts of metals you may have and bind those too until they leave your body. I found this out through a book called Thyroid Healing.
Elana says
Shannon, thanks so much for your comment!
therese says
I cant find any information about where they are from… this company Sea Tangle doesnt say so they could be contaminated… heavy metals are very difficult to get rid of and very detrimental to ones health,.. anyone have any information on where to find a brand that is harvesting in the NW, Hawaii or Canada ??
Brian says
Anyone who has ever cooked with Kelp knows it goes really well with noodles. It’s also super healthy as you point out. Thanks Elana!
Elana says
Brian, you’re welcome!
Sabrina says
You can buy kelp noodles online from several Canadian retailers, they go for about $5 a package: http://healthyprice.ca/products/noodles/kelp-noodles
Peggy says
Have been using them for about 2.5 years now. Learned about them from Ani Phyo, raw foods master. She has a yummy raw pad Thai with kelp noodles. Took a while to find them. Ordered online. They are super , and can be also added to salads.
Elana says
Thanks Peggy!
Andrea T says
I have not tried kelp noodles but can’t wait to pick some up and try your recipe. I’m gluten free and I am always looking for alternatives. Thanks!
Elana says
Andrea, you’re welcome!
Rodica says
I soaked them in water with few drops of sesame oil. I cook some ground meat with ginger and garlic, red pepper and some coconut “soya sauce”. My 6 years old loves this dish. One of my favorites.
Elana says
That’s great Rodica!
acm says
I’ve used them for spaghetti (with our usual meat/tomato sauce) and found them just fine (read: barely noticed the difference). Am going to try cold sesame noodles next! :)
Elana says
ACM, you’ll love them :-)
Samantha says
I have hashimotos autoimmune disease so I don’t eat gluten dairy and because I love animals I don’t eat those either. I do however eat kelp noodles every day. Your method of preparing them is best but sometimes I don’t have time to do it that way so I just rinse them for 5 minutes swirling them in a bowl of water and emptying, refilling etc. I make a dressing for them with miso vegetable broth. It’s so delicious. I also add sautéed Chinese eggplant and broccoli and cauliflower. Sometimes I make a dressing with the aioli mustard from trader joes mixed with broth. I sprinkle cayenne and powered onion fresh or dried or both basil cilantro. And sambal oleck, the one with the green top!!!!
Elana says
Thanks Samantha!
Manya says
YES! We eat these pretty often. I actually “cook” them to soften them. I usually make up my own version of coconut curry with red, green, or a masamam and mix in left over veggies, chicken, etc. I make up the sauce and then simmer on a low heat the noodles in it before adding all the other stuff. Comes out AMAZING! A lot like the Thai clear noodles.
Elana says
Thanks Manya!
Aimee Ryan says
I love the crunch of kelp noodles, lovely with tamari sauce and veg for a quick, healthy meal.
Elana says
Thanks Aimee!