WAKAME Seaweed salad

Wakame Seaweed Salad IKRiNKA

Wakame seaweed is a true all-rounder in the kitchen and can be used in many different ways. It is no wonder, as this brown alga is convincing due to its sweetish aroma, which is why it is also referred to as "sweet vegetable seaweed." Those who want to buy wakame should pay attention to a high quality of the seaweed, which is particularly popular for preparing delicious wakame salad or miso soups.

What is wakame?

Wakame is a type of seaweed and is classified as a brown alga. In Japan, the seaweed is known as Goma Wakame and is an essential part of the local cuisine. Here, numerous dishes such as salads, soups, and rice stir-fries are refined with the seaweed.

Originally, wakame comes from the Pacific around Japan, China, and Korea. Today, it can also be found in South America, Australia, and the Atlantic. As a cultivated seaweed, it is grown in shallow waters all over the world. The seaweed must grow for about two years before the leaves can be harvested.

What parts of the brown alga can be consumed?

Generally, the entire alga can be processed. The root, for example, is a special delicacy with a high nutritional value. In our region, wakame can mostly be purchased in its dried state. To prepare it, the purchased wakame is soaked in water and can then be used for seaweed salad, sandwiches, and soups.

Where can you buy wakame seaweed?

You can buy wakame in delicatessens, Asian markets, and supermarkets with a fresh produce section. Ordering from an online shop is even more convenient. Fresh wakame, organic wakame, and wakame from conventional cultivation are available. In addition to the dried seaweed, which is primarily available from us, there are already prepared salads to buy. These are traditionally prepared with sesame oil and fresh sesame seeds. Purchasing online is usually quick. However, pay attention to the quality of the product.

How does wakame seaweed taste?

The leaves are sweet and have a slightly salty sea note. They taste particularly good in combination with a few other ingredients. Furthermore, the crunchy consistency makes this sea vegetable a popular ingredient in Asian dishes.

How healthy is this sea vegetable?

The sea vegetable is rich in proteins, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the minerals calcium and magnesium. Even vitamin B12 is part of its nutritional profile. In addition, the seaweed contains iodine. Since the iodine content in our soil is generally very low, there is often a deficiency in this country. Therefore, the seaweed can be a good source. Nevertheless, the food should only be consumed in moderation, as too much iodine can also have negative effects. Especially people with thyroid problems, children, and the elderly should let it soak for several hours and rinse it well before enjoying it. This reduces the iodine content.

How long does wakame keep?

You can store dried wakame seaweed for several months without any problems. A dry, dark, and cool storage location should be preferred. Prepared seaweed can be kept in the refrigerator for about two to three days but should be consumed quickly. You can also freeze dishes containing wakame seaweed. The quality remains intact.

How do I prepare wakame seaweed properly after buying it?

Preparing the sea vegetable is basically quite simple. If you want to use the dried seaweed, rinse it well with cold water and soak it in lukewarm water for about five minutes. The seaweed gains a lot of volume during this process. Afterward, squeeze out the soaked seaweed well and continue with the further preparation according to the recipe.

As a vegetable, wakame seaweed is cooked. A bath of half a minute in boiling water is sufficient for this. Immediately afterward, you should rinse it with ice-cold water to maintain its bright green color.

The dried seaweed can also be crushed to serve as an intensely aromatic spice.

Which dishes can I prepare with wakame seaweed?

The classic is a salad with the sea vegetable. For this, the seaweed is prepared as described above and refined with a dressing of ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame. This is usually accompanied by chili and sesame seeds. Fish such as salmon is a suitable pairing.

Another classic dish with wakame seaweed is miso soup. This is prepared with vegetable broth, ginger, spring onions, and tofu, and is supplemented with the sea product as a delicious vegetable component. For this, they are boiled.

The superfood is also popular as a companion to sushi, in combination with glass noodles and other vegetables, in rice stir-fries, and even as a salty contrast in desserts. As you can see, the power vegetable from the sea has a lot to offer and can be prepared in particularly creative ways.

Tip: As a spice, wakame seaweed is an ingredient for delicious spreads and thus replaces the need for salt.