Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame)

Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame)

4 servings
This restaurant-style Japanese Seaweed Salad (a.k.a. "wakame") is perfect when paired with a tray of sushi, or your favorite Asian soup. You can make this at home in just 10 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 50 grams dried wakame seaweed

    1.7 ounces

  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ½ teaspoon grated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 baby cucumber

    very thinly sliced, skin on

  • ½ teaspoon toasted white sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds

Directions

  1. 1

    Place the seaweed in a medium-sized bowl and cover with water. Let sit for 10 minutes until rehydrated.

  2. 2

    While seaweed is soaking, prepare the dressing: In another medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

  3. 3

    When the seaweed is rehydrated, strain the seaweed in a colander and rinse thoroughly. Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible, squeezing the seaweed if necessary.

  4. 4

    Add the seaweed, sliced cucumber, and sesame seeds to the bowl of dressing and toss well to coat.

  5. 5

    Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

  6. 6

    When ready to serve, garnish with extra sesame seeds. 

Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame)

Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame)

4.9(19)10 min4 servings

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25 minutes0 salad bowl

Ratings & Reviews

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Exceptional

Based on 19 ratings

asiancaucasian.com
4.9(19 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that vibrant, savory, and slightly sweet seaweed salad from your favorite sushi spot? This quick Japanese Seaweed Salad (Wakame) recipe brings those authentic restaurant-style flavors right to your kitchen in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment for sushi or any Asian-inspired meal.

What makes this wakame salad truly shine is the perfectly balanced dressing. It combines the umami of reduced-sodium soy sauce with the bright tang of rice vinegar and the subtle sweetness of mirin and sugar. Freshly grated ginger and garlic, along with a hint of red pepper flakes, create a complex flavor profile that elevates simple wakame into a standout dish, all while being incredibly fast to prepare.

Prepare yourself for a delightful textural experience. You'll find tender, rehydrated wakame seaweed paired with the refreshing crunch of thinly sliced baby cucumber. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, brightened by a gentle warmth from the ginger and a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes. The rich aroma of toasted sesame oil and the visual appeal of both white and black sesame seeds complete this light, invigorating side dish, sure to become a regular in your rotation.

While delicious as is, you can easily personalize your Japanese Seaweed Salad. For an extra citrusy note, a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the dressing. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. You could also add a sprinkle of finely chopped scallions for a fresh oniony bite, or even a dash of chili oil for more intense heat and depth.

This authentic wakame salad is an ideal accompaniment to a beautiful sushi spread, providing a fresh counterpoint to richer dishes. It also pairs wonderfully with a comforting bowl of miso soup or any of your favorite Asian-inspired meals, serving as a bright and invigorating starter or side.

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