How to use shirataki rice & Make it taste like the real thing
How to use shirataki rice & Make it taste like the real thing! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by I Heart Umami on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $26.22 total, $13.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 package (200 g) Shirataki Rice (Konjac Rice) (drained and rinsed)
- 4 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced for chips; 2 tsp minced for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (Canola or Vegetable) (for initial garlic chip frying)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or tamari for gluten‑free)
- 1 teaspoon Mirin (optional) (adds subtle sweetness)
- 2 large Eggs (lightly whisked)
- 2 stalks Scallions (thinly diced for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Drain and Rinse Shirataki Rice
Open the package, pour the rice into a colander over a bowl, discard the liquid, then rinse the rice under cold tap water 2‑3 times, shaking the colander to remove excess water.
Time: PT5M
Dry the Rice
Let the rice sit in the colander for 2 minutes to drain completely. Pat lightly with a paper towel if needed.
Time: PT2M
Dry‑Fry the Rice
Heat the nonstick skillet over medium heat with no oil. Add the drained rice, spreading it in an even layer. Stir gently for about 5 minutes until the grains become slightly firm and any remaining moisture evaporates.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Fry Garlic Chips
Add 2 Tbsp neutral oil to the same skillet (still cold), then add the sliced garlic cloves. Cook over medium‑low heat, stirring occasionally, until the slices turn light golden and crisp.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium‑low heat
Reserve Garlic Oil and Chips
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy garlic chips to a small bowl. Set aside. Keep the infused oil in the skillet for the next steps.
Time: PT1M
Add Butter and Minced Garlic
Add 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet with the garlic oil. Once melted, stir in 2 tsp minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Sauté the Shirataki Rice
Add the pre‑dry‑fried rice back into the skillet. Toss continuously so every grain is coated with the butter‑garlic oil mixture.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Season with Soy Sauce (and Mirin)
Create a small well in the center of the rice, pour in 1 Tbsp soy sauce (and 1 tsp mirin if using). Let it sizzle for 30 seconds, then fold the sauce through the rice.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Add the Eggs
Push the rice to the sides of the pan, pour the whisked eggs into the cleared center, and scramble gently. Once the eggs begin to set, fold them into the rice until fully incorporated and the mixture is no longer wet.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Finish and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle diced scallions over the top, add the reserved garlic chips, and drizzle a little of the remaining garlic‑oil for extra flavor.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Low‑carb, Keto‑friendly, Gluten‑free if tamari is used, Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (butter), Soy (soy sauce)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shirataki Rice (Konjac Rice): Cauliflower rice, riced broccoli
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Neutral Oil (Canola or Vegetable): Sunflower oil, grapeseed oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos
- Instead of Mirin (optional): Sake with a pinch of sugar
- Instead of Eggs: Egg whites (2)
- Instead of Scallions: Chives
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Colander
- Nonstick Skillet (ceramic or oil‑free)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Small Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Rinse shirataki rice thoroughly to eliminate the packaging odor
- Dry‑fry the rice without oil to remove excess moisture
- Fry garlic slices in a cold pan to achieve crisp chips without burning
- Coat the rice with butter‑garlic oil for flavor and texture
- Add soy sauce (and optional mirin) in a hot spot for a light smoky finish
- Fold in whisked eggs quickly to avoid soggy rice
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra umami boost, finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
- Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten‑free version.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when frying the garlic chips.
Troubleshooting
Rice remains wet and soggy at the end
Increase the dry‑frying time; ensure the skillet is hot and keep stirring gently until all moisture evaporates.
Garlic chips are burnt
Start with a cold pan and keep the heat at medium‑low; remove chips as soon as they turn golden.
Rice becomes too dry or hard
Add a splash (1‑2 Tbsp) of extra garlic‑oil or a tiny knob of butter during the sauté step.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked shirataki fried rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze; texture degrades.
Room temperature: Consume within 2 hours of cooking; do not leave at room temperature longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Rinse and dry the shirataki rice a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed bag.
- Prepare the garlic chips and store them in a small container; they stay crisp for several hours.
- Whisk the eggs in advance and keep them covered in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shirataki rice in Japanese cuisine?
Shirataki rice, made from the konjac yam, originated in Japan as a low‑calorie staple for those seeking lighter meals. It gained popularity during the 20th century as a diet food and is now celebrated for its high fiber content and ability to mimic the texture of traditional rice.
How does shirataki garlic fried rice differ from traditional Japanese fried rice (yakimeshi)?
Traditional yakimeshi uses cooked short‑grain rice, while this version replaces the rice with konjac rice, drastically reducing carbs and calories. The flavor profile is similar, but the texture is lighter and more bouncy, and the dish is suitable for low‑carb diets.
What traditional regional variations of low‑carb rice substitutes exist in Japanese cuisine?
Besides shirataki, Japanese cuisine features "konnyaku" noodles and "somen" made from konjac. In some regions, tofu‑based rice alternatives are used, but shirataki remains the most common low‑carb rice substitute nationwide.
What occasions or celebrations is fried rice commonly served at in Japanese households?
Fried rice (yakimeshi) is a versatile weekday comfort food, often served after a special occasion or as a quick meal following sushi or ramen. The low‑carb version is increasingly served at health‑focused gatherings and diet‑friendly family dinners.
What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in Japanese fried rice that I can incorporate into this shirataki version?
Traditional yakimeshi includes soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, scallions, and sometimes diced ham or shrimp. You can add any of these to the shirataki version; the recipe already uses soy sauce, mirin, scallions, and garlic for authentic flavor.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with shirataki garlic fried rice?
It pairs nicely with miso‑glazed salmon, teriyaki chicken, or a simple tofu‑stir‑fry. A side of pickled vegetables (tsukemono) or a light miso soup balances the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making shirataki garlic fried rice?
Common errors include not rinsing the rice enough, which leaves a fishy smell; using too much oil, which makes the dish greasy; and over‑cooking the garlic chips, which turns them bitter. Follow the rinsing and dry‑frying steps carefully.
Why does this recipe dry‑fry the shirataki rice without oil before adding butter and garlic oil?
Dry‑frying removes the excess moisture trapped in the konjac fibers, allowing the rice to crisp up and develop a pleasant bounce. Adding oil afterward ensures the grains are evenly coated without becoming soggy.
Can I make shirataki garlic fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the rice and garlic chips up to a few hours in advance. Store the cooked rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat quickly in a skillet or microwave. Keep the garlic chips separate to stay crisp.
What does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami specialize in?
The YouTube channel I Heart Umami focuses on low‑carb, keto‑friendly, and health‑conscious Asian-inspired recipes, often highlighting ingredient swaps like shirataki noodles and rice to reduce carbs while preserving flavor.
How does the YouTube channel I Heart Umami's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?
I Heart Umami emphasizes nutritional tweaks, such as using konjac rice and cauliflower rice, whereas many traditional Japanese channels stick to classic ingredients. The channel blends authentic techniques with modern diet trends, offering practical low‑carb adaptations.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








