Best Konjac & Shirataki Noodles for Keto Pad Thai
The best low-carb noodle alternatives for keto Pad Thai, drunken noodles, and Thai soups. Taste tests and carb comparisons.
Why Konjac Noodles Are a Keto Game-Changer
Konjac noodles (also called shirataki noodles) are made from the konjac yam and consist almost entirely of glucomannan fiber. They contain zero net carbs, zero calories, and absorb the flavors of whatever sauce you cook them in — making them the perfect noodle for keto Thai dishes like Pad Thai and drunken noodles.
But not all konjac noodles are created equal. Some have an off-putting odor, others turn mushy, and a few have a rubbery texture that ruins a dish. We tested five popular brands to find the best ones for Thai cooking.
How to Prepare Konjac Noodles Properly
Before we get to the brands, here's the non-negotiable preparation method:
- Rinse: Drain the package and rinse the noodles under cold water for 30 seconds.
- Boil: Boil for 2-3 minutes to remove the characteristic odor.
- Dry-fry: The most important step. Heat a dry (no oil) nonstick pan over high heat. Add the drained noodles and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they squeak and all surface moisture is gone. This transforms the texture from rubbery to pleasantly chewy.
Product Comparison
| Product | Rating | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
Miracle Noodle Konjac Angel Hair The most popular brand. Angel hair cut is perfect for Pad Thai... | 4.5★ | $4.99 | View on Amazon |
Better Than Noodles Organic Konjac USDA organic. Slightly firmer texture that holds up well in stir-fries... | 4.3★ | $5.49 | View on Amazon |
Skinny Pasta Shirataki Fettuccine Wider cut works well for drunken noodles. Mildest odor of the bunch... | 4.2★ | $3.99 | View on Amazon |
Palmini Hearts of Palm Linguine Not konjac — made from hearts of palm. 2g net carbs. Firm, al dente texture... | 4.4★ | $5.99 | View on Amazon |
House Foods Tofu Shirataki Konjac + tofu blend. Softer texture, less odor. 1g net carb per serving... | 4.0★ | $3.49 | View on Amazon |
Our Top Pick: Miracle Noodle
Miracle Noodle's angel hair cut is our top pick for keto Pad Thai. The thin noodles most closely resemble rice noodles in width, and after proper preparation (rinse, boil, dry-fry), the texture is pleasantly chewy without being rubbery. They absorb the Pad Thai sauce beautifully.
Best for Stir-Fries: Better Than Noodles
Better Than Noodles has a slightly firmer texture that holds up exceptionally well in high-heat stir-fries. If you're making pad kra pao or drunken noodles that require aggressive wok tossing, these are your best bet.
Best Non-Konjac Option: Palmini
If you can't get past the texture of konjac noodles, Palmini hearts of palm linguine is an excellent alternative. It has 2g net carbs per serving (still very keto-friendly) and a firm, almost al dente texture that's closer to real pasta. The flavor is neutral and it doesn't require the extensive prep that konjac does.
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