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Ask Dr. Gourmet
Are Sai-fun noodles (aka cellophane noodles) a carb or a vegetable?
I have a question about Sai-fun noodles used in Asian cooking. My husband calls them "slimy noodles," but I think they are also called cellophane noodles. Since they are made of mung beans, do they count as a carb or a vegetable?
Dr. Gourmet Says...
You are correct that saifun noodles are often called cellophane noodles. They are produced from flour made from mung beans, so they are considered a carbohydrate. According to the USDA database, a two ounce serving contains 197 calories and most of that comes from the 48 grams of carbs.
The noodles are just as your husband describes: slimy. They have little flavor and are used in soups and stir fries because they will easily pick up the flavor of the dish they are part of. I most often see them used in Summer Rolls.
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet