Seaweed Shake

Seaweed “Shake” is a condiment commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It’s a versatile seasoning that adds a unique umami flavor when sprinkled on various dishes. Unlike a green smoothie, this “shake” refers to the practice of shaking the seasoning onto food using a shaker or your fingers. It pairs well with sushi rice, sushi bowls, broths with noodles, and a variety of fish, meat, or vegetable dishes.

MAKES: About 1/4 cup

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 sheets nori or 1/4 cup crumbled dulse
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt, preferably sea salt
• Cayenne, to taste (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set a large dry skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat. Once hot, place a nori sheet in the pan and toast it until it turns slightly green, which should take just a few seconds. Flip the sheet and quickly toast the other side. Set aside to cool and repeat with the remaining nori sheet.
2. While the pan is still hot, toast the sesame seeds, stirring or swirling the pan constantly to prevent burning. Toast the sesame seeds until they become fragrant and start to turn golden, which typically takes about a minute. Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a small bowl, sprinkle them with salt, and stir to combine.
3. Crumble the toasted nori sheets into the bowl with the sesame seeds and salt. Alternatively, if you prefer a finer texture, pulse the nori sheets in a spice grinder a few times before adding them to the bowl. If desired, stir in cayenne for a spicy kick.
4. Store the seaweed “shake” in a tightly covered container, preferably in a dark place, for up to a week.

TIPS:

• Make small batches of the seaweed “shake” to ensure freshness. Consider doubling or tripling the recipe if you anticipate using it all within a week.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne according to your spice preference.
• Experiment with sprinkling the seaweed “shake” on sushi rice, sushi bowls, broths with soba or udon noodles, and various fish, meat, or vegetable dishes.
• Keep the seaweed “shake” tightly covered and stored in a dark place to preserve its flavor and quality.
• Feel free to customize the “shake” by adding other herbs or spices of your choice for additional flavor variations.

USES:

Seaweed “Shake” is a versatile seasoning that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a delicious umami flavor. Here are some common uses for Seaweed “Shake”:

• Sushi Rice: Sprinkle Seaweed “Shake” over sushi rice to enhance its flavor and give it an authentic Japanese touch. The combination of seaweed, sesame seeds, and salt adds a savory element that complements the delicate flavors of sushi.
• Sushi Bowls: Use Seaweed “Shake” as a topping for sushi bowls. Whether you’re making a poke bowl or a deconstructed sushi bowl, the “shake” adds texture and flavor to the dish. Simply sprinkle it over the bowl before serving.
• Noodle Soups: Add a pinch of Seaweed “Shake” to bowls of broth-based soups with soba or udon noodles. It infuses the soup with a rich umami taste and adds a hint of saltiness. It pairs well with both vegetarian and meat-based broths.
• Grilled Fish or Meat: Sprinkle Seaweed “Shake” over grilled fish or meat dishes just before serving. It adds depth and complexity to the flavors, making the dish more flavorful and enticing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables with a sprinkle of Seaweed “Shake” to elevate their taste. The umami flavor of the seasoning complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds an interesting twist to the dish.
• Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on toast and sprinkle Seaweed “Shake” on top for a unique and flavorful twist on classic avocado toast. The combination of creamy avocado and savory seaweed adds a burst of umami goodness.

Remember to use Seaweed “Shake” sparingly at first and adjust the amount according to your taste preferences. It’s a concentrated seasoning, so a little goes a long way. Enjoy experimenting with Seaweed “Shake” in various dishes to discover new and delicious flavor combinations.