Rediscover the charm of wakame! From salted to dried wakame, enjoy the bounty of the sea in a variety of recipes

Wakame is a popular seaweed that is used in a wide variety of dishes. Here we will introduce basic information about wakame and some easy and delicious recipes

Types of wakame and how to soak them

1. Salted wakame - After harvesting, it is sprinkled with salt and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, it is soaked in water for 5-6 minutes to remove the salt and rehydrate.
2. Dried wakame - Dried wakame is treated with ash or wood lye before drying. The best time to buy is in the spring when the new crop comes out. It will expand to 9-10 times its original size after soaking in water for 20 minutes.
3. Cut wakame - Salted wakame that has been rehydrated and dried. Convenient to use as is.
4. Mekabu - The root part of wakame seaweed, not the sprouts. It is also available raw and is good for vinegared dishes and miso soup.

Recommended ways to eat wakame

Wakame is used in a wide range of dishes, including salads, simmered dishes, soups, and steamed dishes. Mekabu in particular is often finely chopped and used in vinegar dishes

Recipe introduction

Stir-fried wakame seaweed

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Salted wakame seaweed: 80g
• Garlic, ginger: 1 clove each
• Roasted white sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons
• Sesame oil, soy sauce, salt

How to make it

1. Quickly rinse the wakame seaweed, soak it in water, squeeze it out and cut it
2. Chop the garlic and ginger into thin strips
3. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan and fry the garlic and ginger
4. Add the wakame seaweed, season with soy sauce and salt, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds

Wakame seaweed and tofu salad with sesame vinegar

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Cut wakame seaweed: 5g
• Tofu (cotton): 2 blocks
• 2 cucumbers
• 2 slices of bacon (thinly sliced)
• White part of 1 green onion
• salt

How to make it

1. Rehydrate the wakame in boiling water and drain
2. Blanch the tofu and cut into 1.5cm cubes. Thinly slice the cucumber and sprinkle with salt to soften it
3. Chop the green onions into thin strips and fry the bacon, draining the oil
4. Mix wakame seaweed, tofu, cucumber, bacon, and green onion, and pour the dressing over

These recipes will help you take advantage of the rich flavor of wakame while adding a fresh touch to your daily meals. Wakame is a wonderful ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes due to its convenience and nutritional value. Be sure to give these recipes a try!