Delicious Hijiki Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty dish, Hijiki Salad is the perfect choice! This salad hails from Japan and is made with hijiki seaweed, which has been enjoyed for centuries. Traditionally, it has been a part of Japanese home cooking and is known for its unique flavor and chewy texture.
Hijiki Salad is popular among health enthusiasts because it’s packed with nutrients and has a delightful taste that makes it a great side dish or a light meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Let’s dive into the ingredients and make our own delicious Hijiki Salad!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Hijiki seaweed (dried) | 1/2 cup |
| Carrot (julienned) | 1 medium |
| Cucumber (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Bell pepper (sliced) | 1/2 |
| Green onions (chopped) | 2 |
| Sesame oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | to taste |
You can use arame or dulse seaweed as alternatives if you can’t find hijiki.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak the hijiki: Place the hijiki seaweed in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes until it expands and softens.
- Prepare vegetables: While the hijiki is soaking, peel and julienne the carrot, slice the cucumber and bell pepper, and chop the green onions.
- Drain and rinse: After 30 minutes, drain the hijiki and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt.
- Cook the hijiki: In a small saucepan, add the drained hijiki and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until it’s tender. Drain again and let it cool.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled hijiki, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and salt.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value (%) |
| Calories | 100 | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Fats | 4g | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Calcium | 80mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a dash of spice or chili flakes to the dressing!
- Feel free to add in other vegetables like radishes or snap peas for some extra crunch.
- Make sure to not skip the rinsing step for the hijiki, as it helps remove any saltiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
FAQs
What is hijiki?
Hijiki is a type of edible seaweed that is dark brown or black when dried. It is known for its chewy texture and is rich in nutrients!
Is hijiki salad vegan?
Yes, Hijiki Salad is completely vegan, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet.
Can I make hijiki salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator and add sesame seeds before serving.
Where can I find hijiki seaweed?
You can usually find hijiki at Asian grocery stores or online. Look for it in the dried seaweed section.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually improve over time!
What can I serve with hijiki salad?
Hijiki Salad pairs well with rice dishes, grilled tofu, or as a side for sushi!
Is hijiki safe to eat?
Yes, hijiki is safe to eat when prepared properly. However, it is known to contain some arsenic, so enjoy it in moderation.
Can I use fresh seaweed instead of dried?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the quantity since fresh seaweed has more moisture than dried hijiki.
What are the health benefits of hijiki?
Hijiki is rich in fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium and iron, making it a healthy choice for your diet!
Can I add protein to hijiki salad?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for extra protein and to make it a heartier meal!
