Konnyaku is a firm jelly made from the corm of a Konjac plant. It's been a part of the traditional Japanese diet for centuries, but more recently, it's been popularized worldwide by people looking to reduce their calorie intake. Shaped into noodles, it's called Shirataki, and the almost-zero-calorie noodles come in shapes ranging from spaghetti to fettuccine.
Because konnyaku is composed almost entirely of water, it tends to have difficulty picking up flavors. That's why it's often stewed or added to soups, but that's not the only way to cook it. I like cutting it into thin pieces and then pan-frying it until it's browned. This creates more surface area, and the browning evaporates all the surface moisture, forming a crust that hangs onto the sauce much better.
Pan-fried konnyaku can then be used as a plant-based meat substitute in a wide variety of dishes, but today, I've kept it simple by glazing it with a savory sweet sauce with a spicy kick. Pirikara konnyaku (literally "spicy konnyaku") is a popular appetizer in Japan that's fantastic, accompanied by an ice cold beer, or packed as a side dish into a bento box lunch.
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Units
Ingredients
- 220 grams konnyaku
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Chili flakes to taste
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
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Cut 220 grams konnyaku into thin slices.
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Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat, and then add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and Chili flakes.
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When the chilies have stopped sizzling, add the sliced konnyaku and try to spread them out in a single layer. Pan-fry undisturbed until it's browned on one side.
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Flip the konnyaku over and brown the second side.
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When the konnyaku is browned on both sides, add 1 tablespoon sake, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar and let the sauce reduce until each slice of konnyaku is evenly glazed and no liquid is left in the pan. Finish by sprinkling on ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds.
Kathy Stroup says
That's interesting konnyaku. What's in it? I think I bought that one years ago, but I didn't know what to do with it, and I really didn't like it. Oh, now I see. It's kelp powder that's making those flecks. I'm going to try this with the plain one, since that one is sold out at my supplier.
I really do love konjac. It's got a fun texture and a mild flavor. I think it's just a matter of how you prepare it. And how could it not taste good with all that delicious stuff on it? It's a great Keto dish, too.