Salad > Japanese Salads

Namasu Seaweed Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup dried wakame seaweed
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced daikon radish
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the dried wakame seaweed in cold water for 10 minutes, or until it has rehydrated.
2. Drain the seaweed and squeeze out any excess water.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar has dissolved.
4. In a large bowl, combine the seaweed, carrots, daikon radish, and red onion.
5. Pour the vinegar mixture over the vegetables and toss to combine.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
7. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the salad.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 85
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute other types of seaweed for the wakame, such as hijiki or kombu.
- You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- You can use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar.

Variations:
- Add sliced cucumber or bell pepper for extra crunch.
- Use pickled ginger instead of red onion for a different flavor.
- Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a savory twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze out any excess water from the seaweed before adding it to the salad.
- If you can't find daikon radish, you can use regular radishes instead.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- None needed

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onion.

Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onion

Pairings:
- Serve with sushi or other Japanese dishes.
- Pair with a light white wine or sake.

Suggested side dishes:
- Miso soup
- Edamame
- Steamed rice

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the salad is too sour, add a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
- If the salad is too salty, add a bit more rice vinegar or water to dilute the dressing.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to thoroughly wash all vegetables before slicing and using.
- Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.

Food history:
- Namasu is a traditional Japanese dish that is often served during the New Year's holiday. It is believed to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet and sour, with a slight nuttiness from the sesame seeds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or appetizer.

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Region: Japanese

Taste: Tangy, Refreshing, Savory, Umami, Salty