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Seaweed Salad with Vinegar

The Quirky Foodster Team

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4
Servings

Ingredients

  • Dried wakame seaweed, soaked and drained — 20 g (0.7 oz)
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced — 1
  • Rice vinegar — 3 tbsp
  • Sugar — 1 tbsp
  • Salt — 1/2 tsp
  • Toasted sesame seeds — 1 tsp

Method

  1. Combine the softened wakame and sliced cucumber in a bowl.
  2. Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
  3. Pour the dressing over the seaweed and cucumber and toss well.
  4. Chill briefly, scatter with sesame seeds, and serve.

Introduction: A light, tangy salad of softened seaweed dressed with sweetened vinegar, a refreshing dish reflecting the coastal bounty central to Japanese cooking.

Cultural Background: Seaweed has been an essential part of the Japanese diet for centuries, gathered extensively along the country’s long coastline, and vinegar-dressed dishes like sunomono showcase this ingredient in a simple, clean preparation.

Tips: Squeeze excess water from the softened wakame before mixing, so the salad isn’t diluted.

Variations: A few cooked, thinly sliced shrimp can be added for a heartier version.

Nutrition: Approx. 50 kcal per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Was seaweed a staple food throughout Japanese history?

A: Yes, Japan’s extensive coastline made seaweed a consistently important and widely gathered food source across many centuries.

Q: Can other seaweeds be used?

A: Yes, various seaweed types can be prepared this way, according to regional availability and preference.