Simple & Refreshing Seasoned Seaweed Salad (Miyeok Muchim)
The Easiest Way to Make Healthy, Diet-Friendly Seaweed Salad Bursting with Ocean Flavors
While preparing the seaweed might seem a bit tedious at first, this recipe requires no cooking and is incredibly simple to follow. Plus, the ingredients are very affordable! Seaweed is low in calories and rich in minerals, making it a fantastic healthy side dish. It’s especially recommended during seasonal changes or for those who love the taste of fresh raw seaweed. This refreshing salad is a perfect addition to your meal, especially when you crave something light and nutritious.
Main Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh seaweed (Miyeok), about 200g
- 2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for cleaning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the fresh seaweed. First, trim off the tough, thicker stem part, often called the ‘head,’ with a knife. Then, place the seaweed in a large bowl and add 2 tablespoons of coarse sea salt. The salt helps remove impurities and enhances the chewy texture. Now, gently rub and massage the seaweed with the salt for about 3 minutes, as if you’re washing laundry. You’ll notice a slimy substance release, which softens the seaweed.
Step 2
It’s crucial to rinse the cleaned seaweed thoroughly in cold water to remove the saltiness. Submerge the seaweed in cold water and gently squeeze it with your hands, then drain and rinse again. Repeat this process three times. This effectively removes excess salt, resulting in a clean taste. After rinsing, don’t wring out the water completely. Instead, spread the seaweed on a colander and let it drain naturally for at least 20 minutes. This draining process will make the seaweed more crisp and firm.
Step 3
Once most of the water has drained, it’s time to cut the seaweed into bite-sized pieces. To make it easier to eat, cut it into small pieces, about 1-2 cm in length. The finer and shorter the cuts, the better the seasoning will adhere, making it even more delicious.
Step 4
Now for the flavorful seasoning! Add the chopped seaweed to a bowl. Mix in 3.5 tablespoons of soup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. (You can adjust the amount of soup soy sauce based on the natural saltiness of the seaweed and your personal preference.) Gently toss and mix everything with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Ensure the seasoning coats the seaweed thoroughly.
Step 5
Ta-da! Your delicious seasoned seaweed salad, full of fresh ocean flavors, is ready! Isn’t it amazing how you can make such a fresh and healthy side dish without any cooking? It’s perfect as a simple side for rice or a guilt-free addition to your diet meals. Enjoy!
