Tofu noodles have always been a staple in the Asian diet but with so many people getting involved in a healthy lifestyle and trying to shed those extra pounds, these noodles have grown in popularity. This chewy noodle is known by many names such as soybean curd noodles, tofu shreds, bean curd noodles, soy noodles and soy vermicelli.

Tofu noodles are made from ground and compressed tofu and are packed with protein and nutrients. These noodles can be found in the refrigerated or frozen foods section of many stores but dried tofu noodles are also available but need to be soaked in water mixed with baking soda until they soften, then rinsed before use. Tofu noodles are usually served in salads, soups, or stir-fries.

A Healthy Noodle

Naturally rich in soy protein and low in calories and carbohydrates, tofu noodles are a great addition to a low carb diet. A regular two ounce serving of pasta contains a waist-expanding 210 calories and 42 grams of carbohydrates while a four ounce serving of tofu noodles contain a mere 20 calories and only 3 grams of carbohydrates.

You can use tofu noodles just as you would any noodle or pasta but they really work best in their traditional Asian dishes and tofu noodles can be a real treat if you use them in recipes that compliment their texture, such as Lo Mein or served with a spicy peanut or sesame sauce or as an ingredient in soups.

Shirataki Tofu Noodles

You also might like to try the shirataki tofu noodles that are making a big stir in diet circles. These noodles are made of tofu and yam flour, from the yam-like konjac plant grown in China and Japan. High in fiber, and very low in calories, these versatile noodles are very low in calories and carbohydrates and you can use Shirataki noodles in soups, salads, or where ever you'd normally use your favorite noodles.

The secret seems to be the water-soluble dietary fiber that fills you up faster and satisfies your hunger longer. Could it be that the shirataki tofu noodle will be the next big diet craze?

Whether you’re looking for a way to shed some extra pounds or just looking for a new adventure for your taste buds, you should definitely give tofu noodles a try. They’re a delicious treat and a wonderful low calorie, low carbohydrate meal.