Hijiki Harmony a Sweet Savoury Seaweed Salad
Hijiki Harmony: look into into Delicious Japanese Cooking!
Fancy trying something new? Ever wondered about the magic of Japanese side dish ? Well, you're in for a treat! Today, we are making hijiki seaweed salad , and honestly, it's way easier than it sounds.
It's savoury, slightly sweet, and packed with umami. Trust me, this seaweed recipe will become a new favourite!
What's the Deal with Hijiki?
This Japanese salad recipe , also known as Hijiki no Nimono , isn't some modern fad. It's a traditional dish with roots deep in Japanese culture.
We're talking centuries! It's also surprisingly easy to make. Expect about 35 minutes from start to finish. This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Perfect for sharing or meal prepping!
Why You'll Love This Seaweed Salad
One of the best things about this easy Japanese recipe is how healthy it is. Seaweed salad benefits include being rich in minerals.
It's also low in calories. Perfect if you are looking for healthy Japanese side dishes ! This recipe is ideal for a light lunch, a bento box addition, or a side for your Japanese dishes .
Plus, it's easily adaptable to be vegan Japanese recipes ! What's not to love?
Ready to get started? Let's gather the goodies!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Hijiki Seaweed Salad
Ready to make this delicious Japanese side dish ? Let's gather our ingredients. Trust me, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday!
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you'll need for this hijiki seaweed salad , also known as Hijiki no Nimono :
- Dried hijiki seaweed : 2 oz (57g) . Look for shiny, black strands. Good quality hijiki should have a slight sea-like aroma, not smell dusty.
- Warm water: 1 cup (240 ml) . This is for soaking your seaweed, like giving it a spa day!
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp . It adds that lovely nutty flavour.
- Fried tofu (atsuage): 4 oz (113g) , cut into thin strips. Atsuage has a great texture.
- Carrot: 1 small (approx. 2 oz/57g) , peeled and julienned. Adds a nice crunch!
- Frozen shelled edamame: ½ cup (85g) , thawed. These little green gems add a pop of colour and flavour.
Sauce for the Win
The sauce is where the magic happens! These ingredients really make this a tasty dish.
- Dashi (Japanese soup stock): ¼ cup (60ml) . Adds an umami punch! For a Vegan Japanese Recipes , use kombu dashi.
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp . Essential for that savoury depth.
- Mirin (sweet rice wine): 2 tbsp . Adds a touch of sweetness and shine.
- Sake (rice wine): 1 tbsp . Gives it a subtle complexity.
- Sugar: 1 tbsp . Balances the saltiness.
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp . Don't skip toasting them!
Seasoning Notes
This recipe really focuses on a good balance.
The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sake is key. Adjust to your taste! Soy sauce is a must have. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Mirin adds a subtle sweetness that balances the soy sauce. You can substitute sherry plus ½ teaspoon of sugar.
Equipment You'll Need
You don't need anything fancy to make this easy Japanese recipes .
- Large bowl: For soaking the seaweed.
- Small saucepan: For simmering everything together.
- Colander: For draining the seaweed.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Standard kitchen tools. You already have it!
This Japanese salad recipes is perfect as a healthy Japanese side dishes . It’s so simple to make. This is a great way to enjoy the seaweed salad benefits and explore Japanese cooking ! I hope you try making the hijiki seaweed salad .
Cooking Method: Mastering Hijiki Seaweed Salad
Fancy a taste of the Japanese Dishes without slaving away in the kitchen? This Hijiki Seaweed Salad (also known as Hijiki no Nimono) is just the ticket.
Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up! It’s a winning combination of sweet, savoury, and umami, and a super easy Seaweed Recipe .
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Okay, let's get organised. This Japanese Cooking lark is much easier if you do. First, get your dried hijiki seaweed soaking in warm water.
About 1 cup should do it. While that's softening up, chop your fried tofu and carrot into thin strips. Grab your frozen edamame too.
Having all this prepped? it makes the actual cooking a breeze. Safety wise? Nothing too scary here. Just don't burn yourself on the hob!
step-by-step: Simmer to Success
- Soak the hijiki in warm water for 15 minutes .
- Drain it well. Snip any long bits.
- Sauté tofu and carrots in 1 tbsp sesame oil for 2 minutes .
- Add hijiki, ½ cup edamame , and the sauce ingredients: ¼ cup dashi , 2 tbsp soy sauce , 2 tbsp mirin , 1 tbsp sake , 1 tbsp sugar .
- Simmer for 15 minutes till the liquid is mostly gone.
- Cool slightly. Then, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds .
Visual cues? The liquid should be almost gone. The carrots should be tender.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Hijiki
Here are my sneaky tricks to make it amazing! Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them totally changes the flavour.
Don't skip that bit! Also, don't overcook the hijiki. Mushy seaweed is not what we're going for! It is one of the best Easy Japanese Recipes .
A common mistake is not soaking the seaweed long enough. Make sure it's nice and soft before you start cooking.
You can also make this ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavours have had a chance to meld! It's super flexible as far as Healthy Japanese Side Dishes go too.
Also it could be considered a Vegan Japanese Recipes if you make your dashi from kelp not fish. This salad is a brilliant Japanese Side Dish .
Packed with flavour and good for you, it's a win-win! Plus, it’s a tasty intro to the world of Japanese Salad Recipes and a gateway to all sorts of Seaweed Salad Benefits .
What’s not to love?
Recipe Notes for Perfect Hijiki Seaweed Salad
Okay, before you dive into this awesome hijiki seaweed salad , let's chat about a few things. These are the tips and tricks that will take your Japanese cooking skills from zero to hero.
Trust me, even the simplest Japanese dishes have a few secrets.
Serving Up Some Inspiration
Plating this seaweed recipe is easy. Think simple and clean. A small bowl is perfect. Add a sprig of parsley or a thin lemon slice.
Bam! Fancy. I love serving it alongside grilled salmon. Miso soup is a MUST. It is a perfect Japanese side dish .
Storage Sorted
Honestly, leftovers are the best. Store your hijiki no nimono in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
Freezing isn't ideal, but it works in a pinch. Just expect a slight texture change. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave is all you need.
Remixing the Recipe: Your Way!
Want to make this vegan Japanese recipe ? Easy peasy! Just make sure your dashi is kombu based. Skip the bonito flakes.
I once swapped the carrots for sliced cucumber. It was a surprisingly refreshing twist. Talk about a Japanese salad recipe upgrade.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
This healthy Japanese side dish is packed with goodness. Seaweed salad benefits are real. It is low in calories but high in minerals.
You know? Hijiki seaweed is a great source of iron and calcium. It’s like a multivitamin in salad form. Each serving has roughly 150 calories.
It’s guilt free and delicious.
Honestly, this easy Japanese recipe is a winner. It is one of the easiest Easy Japanese Recipes you can find.
The slight saltiness of the seaweed. The sweetness of the mirin. Everything is pure perfection. Plus, it’s so good for you.
So go ahead and give it a go. You won't regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is hijiki, and does hijiki seaweed salad taste like the ocean?
Hijiki is a type of seaweed that's dark brown or black when dried, and it expands when soaked. It has a slightly earthy, subtly sweet, and savory flavor, not overly "fishy" like some seaweeds. When prepared well in this salad, it's more like a pleasant umami flavor a bit like mushrooms, but from the sea!
Is there anything I can substitute for the atsuage (fried tofu) in this hijiki seaweed salad recipe? I can't find it anywhere!
No worries, finding atsuage can be a bit like hunting for a unicorn sometimes! You can definitely substitute with firm tofu. Just press it really well to remove excess water, then pan-fry it lightly until golden brown and a little crispy.
This will give you a similar texture and prevent it from being too soggy in the salad.
How long does hijiki seaweed salad last in the fridge? I'm a big fan of meal prepping like all the cool kids on Instagram.
Good news, this salad is great for meal prepping! You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and improve over time, so it's often even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is hijiki seaweed salad healthy? I've heard some things about arsenic...
Yes, hijiki is packed with minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, and it's a good source of dietary fiber. There have been concerns raised about arsenic levels in hijiki, but soaking and cooking it properly, as described in the recipe, helps to reduce any potential risks.
Eating it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is perfectly fine. Think of it like enjoying the occasional cheeky Nando's - fine in moderation!
Can I make this hijiki seaweed salad vegetarian or vegan? My friend's coming over, and she's gone full-on plant based, innit.
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian/vegan, make sure your dashi is made from kombu (kelp) instead of bonito flakes (fish). You can also adjust the dashi ingredient by using vegetable broth if you don't have kombu readily available.
The rest of the ingredients are already plant based friendly, so you're all set for a delicious vegan feast!
How can I adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the hijiki seaweed salad to my personal taste? I like things with a bit of a zing.
Taste as you go! This is where your inner food critic comes out to play. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more sugar. For a saltier kick, add a touch more soy sauce. You could even introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for a bit of heat that balances the sweetness and saltiness beautifully.
Think of it as your own personal "spice up your life" moment!
Hijiki Harmony A Sweet Savoury Seaweed Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
