Nutrient-Rich Wakame Seaweed Salad
Experience the ocean's bounty with this vibrant Wakame Seaweed Salad, a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also supports your health. Rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, wakame has been celebrated for centuries in Asian cuisine for its remarkable nutritional profile. This salad marries the umami of soy sauce and sesame oil with the tang of rice vinegar, creating a refreshing yet flavorful dish. The addition of scallions, carrots, and cilantro adds color and crunch, making it a visually appealing and satisfying side or light meal. Packed with antioxidants and trace vitamins, this salad helps cleanse the body and promote healthy hair growth. Enjoy a dish that is not only tasty but also nourishing and full of life!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried wakame seaweed
3/4 ounce (Whole or cut, soaked in warm water)
Rice vinegar
3 tablespoons (Not seasoned)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons (Low-sodium preferred)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (Toasted for enhanced flavor)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (Granulated)
Red pepper flakes
To taste (Optional for heat)
Finely grated ginger
1 teaspoon (Freshly grated)
Minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly minced)
Scallions
2 (Thinly sliced)
Shredded carrot
1/4 cup (Freshly shredded)
Chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (Freshly chopped)
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried wakame seaweed in warm water for about 5 minutes, or until it fully hydrates and softens. Once ready, drain and rinse it under cold water, gently squeezing out any excess moisture. If you prefer uncut wakame, slice it into 1/2-inch-wide strips to your desired texture.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, red pepper flakes (to taste), finely grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a flavorful dressing.
3
Add the soaked wakame, sliced scallions, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro to the dressing. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring the seaweed and vegetables are well-coated in the dressing.
4
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and nutty flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and healthy dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutrient-Rich Wakame Seaweed Salad?
It is a refreshing, vibrant dish featuring hydrated wakame seaweed, shredded carrots, and scallions tossed in a savory dressing made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Wakame Seaweed Salad is 100% vegan as it contains no animal products.
How long does it take to hydrate dried wakame?
Dried wakame seaweed typically takes about 5 minutes to fully hydrate and soften when soaked in warm water.
What are the primary health benefits of wakame?
Wakame is rich in essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, and contains antioxidants that support hair growth and overall body cleansing.
Can I use seasoned rice vinegar instead of unseasoned?
This recipe calls for unseasoned rice vinegar. If you use seasoned, you may want to reduce the amount of added sugar and salt.
Is this seaweed salad gluten-free?
The recipe uses standard soy sauce which contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
What gives the salad its nutty flavor?
The nutty flavor comes from the combination of toasted sesame oil in the dressing and the toasted sesame seeds used as a garnish.
How should I prepare the fresh ginger for this recipe?
The ginger should be finely grated to ensure it blends smoothly into the dressing and provides a consistent flavor throughout.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salad?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your personal heat preference.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy meal.
How do I prepare the seaweed after soaking?
After soaking, drain the seaweed and rinse it under cold water, then gently squeeze out any excess moisture before slicing if necessary.
What role does cilantro play in this recipe?
Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color that complements the umami flavors of the dressing.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together, though it is best consumed within a day or two for optimal freshness.
Why is low-sodium soy sauce preferred?
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content of the dish without sacrificing the deep umami flavor.
What is the texture of wakame seaweed once prepared?
Once hydrated, wakame has a tender, slightly chewy texture that holds up well against the crunchy vegetables.
How much dried wakame do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 ounce of dried wakame seaweed.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use a small pinch of garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
What vegetables are included in this seaweed salad?
This recipe includes thinly sliced scallions and freshly shredded carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses one teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the acidity of the rice vinegar.
How should I slice the scallions?
Scallions should be thinly sliced to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Are sesame seeds necessary for this recipe?
While optional, toasted sesame seeds provide a necessary crunch and enhance the overall presentation and flavor.
What does 'umami' refer to in this dish?
Umami refers to the savory, 'fifth taste' provided primarily by the soy sauce and seaweed components.
Can I add other proteins to this salad?
Yes, you could easily add tofu, shrimp, or grilled salmon to make this a more substantial main course.
What should I do if the seaweed is too long?
If the wakame pieces are too large after soaking, simply slice them into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
Is this recipe low in calories?
Yes, seaweed salads are naturally low in calories while being very nutrient-dense.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No cooking is required; you only need to soak the seaweed and whisk the dressing ingredients together.
What type of seaweed is used?
The recipe specifically uses wakame, a type of edible seaweed common in Japanese cuisine.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved before adding the seaweed.
Can I substitute the rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar can be used in a pinch, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
Is this dish traditionally Japanese?
Yes, wakame salad is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is celebrated for its health-promoting properties.