Seaweed Six Ways
Consuming a sea vegetable like seaweed may not be your first choice; however, this is a very common ingredient for many Korean cuisines. Known for being low in fat, but packing a load of fiber, minerals, and vitamins is what makes this vegetable so popular. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy the algae, here is seaweed six different ways:
- Kimbap
Known for being a quick snack on the go, kimbap is anyone’s best friend. A dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, but mainly consisting of steamed rice with meats and veggies rolled in a sheet of kim (dried seaweed). Either eaten as a main dish or as a side, it’s a roll of deliciousness that will have you rolling for more.
- Miyeokguk
A soup that you won’t want to let slip past you, seaweed soup can be enjoyed on other days besides your birthday. Although being super light, the benefits that come with it aren’t. A lightly seasoned broth made of brown seaweed, accompanied with some kind of protein (beef, tuna, seafood etc…), and enjoyed with some classic side dishes such as rice and kimchi makes for a perfect, filling meal that will have you with energy all day long!
- Miyeok Julgi Bokkeum
Side dishes are a must with any Korean meal you enjoy. With that being said, why not give this seaweed side dish a try? Made out of the stems of the algae that have been sauteed and seasoned with onions, garlic, sea salt and honey, it's a slightly sweet but very savory accompaniment to any meal you decide to have. A sweet, salty, chewy and crunchy combination too good to pass up!
- Miyeok Muchim
Although seeming like a simple salad, the flavor that comes with it is anything but that. A mix of seaweed, cucumbers and radishes dressed in a vinegar dressing is a lot more flavorful than you think. This dish is a perfect way to eat until you can’t any more without having to feel guilty about it at the end.
- Kimmari
One of the many street foods that you’ll find walking down the streets of Korea consists of japchae noodles wrapped in a seaweed sheet, dipped in batter and fried to perfection. You simply can’t have just one! This dish is what many consider to be tteokbokki’s best friend. Stop at any vendor and you’ll see that this duo is on fire!
- Seasoned Kim
Although this sea vegetable is quite popular in dishes, it’s also a great snack on its own. You’ll find that dried seaweed seasoned with a bit of salt hardly lasts long on supermarket shelves due to their popularity. A great snack for anyone in a rush or to share along with friends, the crispiness and flavorful punch this snack brings will have you reaching for it any chance you get.
A plant that not only does good for your body but the ecosystem as well will have you wondering what it can’t do! What’s one seaweed dish you’re willing to try out? Let us know in the comments below!
Written by Briseida Rivera
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