Brussels Sprout and Bacon Shirataki Pasta ~geefee Recipe~

Craving a Warm Dish on a Cold Day? Brussels Sprout and Bacon Shirataki Pasta – An Easy & Low-Calorie Meal

As the weather gets colder, we bring you a shirataki pasta recipe featuring Brussels sprouts, an easy way to get vitamin C to help prevent colds. Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious, with about four times more vitamin C than regular cabbage, and they become incredibly sweet and delicious when stir-fried. By using low-calorie yet satisfying shirataki noodles, you can achieve both the "visual satisfaction" of pasta and "calorie control." When we tried it, the saltiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts complemented each other perfectly, resulting in a simple yet highly satisfying dish.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Basic Ingredients

• Shirataki noodles: 200g (1 bag)
• Brussels sprouts: 8-10 pieces
• Bacon: 2-3 slices (approx. 50g)
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
• Red chili pepper: 1/2 (sliced) or to taste
• Salt and pepper: A pinch

Instructions (Steps and Tips)

Preparation

1. Shirataki noodles: Remove from the bag, rinse well under running water, parboil in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then drain. Make sure to thoroughly drain the water, pressing with kitchen paper to further reduce any odor (we found this eliminated the unique smell of shirataki).
2. Brussels sprouts: Trim the stem ends slightly, peel off any dirty outer leaves, and cut in half. For larger sprouts, cut them lengthwise again to ensure even cooking.
3. Bacon: Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Cooking Steps

1. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat, add minced garlic and red chili pepper, and sauté until fragrant (be careful not to burn).
2. Add bacon and fry over medium-high heat until crispy, rendering out the fat. The crispiness is key to the flavor.
3. Add Brussels sprouts and cook, moving them around to get a nice sear on the cut sides (approximately 4-6 minutes over medium heat). This brings out their sweetness.
4. Add shirataki noodles and toss everything together. If necessary, stir-fry to evaporate any excess moisture using the residual heat of the pan, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or black pepper for a refreshing touch. You can also add a little grated cheese if you like.

Tips for Delicious Cooking and Variations

Tips

• Searing the cut sides of Brussels sprouts well brings out their sweetness and makes them delicious. If you have time, we recommend pan-frying them slowly.
• Pre-boiling and thoroughly draining shirataki noodles reduces their odor. Finally, stir-frying them over high heat to evaporate moisture helps the flavors meld.
• For variations, you can substitute bacon with chicken breast or sausages, or for a vegetarian option, use mushrooms with extra olive oil.

Variations

• Japanese style: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce at the end.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle with grated cheese or Parmesan.
• Healthy: Reduce bacon, use less olive oil, and add more lemon.

Nutritional Points and Calorie Estimate

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, vitamin K, and folate, contributing to immune support and gut health. Shirataki (konjac) is mostly water and dietary fiber (glucomannan), making it an attractive low-calorie, low-carb option. Bacon, while adding flavor and satisfaction, is higher in fat and salt, so it's recommended to adjust the quantity.

Estimated calories (calculated from the total for 2 servings): Approximately 350-450kcal (1 serving: approximately 175-225kcal). This is an estimate and will vary depending on the amount of bacon and oil used.

Summary

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Shirataki Pasta is an easy and satisfying dish that combines vitamin-rich Brussels sprouts with low-calorie shirataki noodles. It can be prepared quickly, and by adjusting the amount of oil and bacon, it can also be a diet-friendly meal. When we tried it, the Brussels sprouts became surprisingly sweet when well-seared, and they paired perfectly with the shirataki noodles. We encourage you to try this dish as a warm side or a light main course on a cold day.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.