Wakame is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavour and boost the nutritional value of your dishes. Whether you’ve bought dried wakame or have some fresh wakame on hand, knowing how to prepare it properly will help you make the most of this delicious seaweed. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of rehydrating and cooking wakame, so you can incorporate it into your favourite recipes with ease.

Choosing Your Wakame

Before you start, make sure you have the right type of wakame for your needs:

• Dried Wakame: Requires rehydration before use.

• Fresh Wakame: Seasonal - needs to be washed and prepared.

Rehydrating Dried Wakame

1. Measure the Wakame: Start by measuring out the amount of dried wakame you need for your recipe. A little goes a long way, as dried wakame expands significantly when rehydrated.

2. Soak the Wakame: Place the dried wakame in a bowl and cover it with warm water. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the wakame in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to remove any excess salt and to cool it down.

4. Pat Dry: Gently pat the wakame dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Tip: Rehydrated wakame should be tender and have a slight chew. If it’s too tough, soak it for a few more minutes.

Preparing Fresh Wakame

1. Wash the Wakame: If using fresh wakame, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any sand or debris.

2. Trim and Chop: Trim away any tough stems and chop the wakame into bite-sized pieces.

3. Blanch (Optional): For a softer texture, blanch the wakame in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.

Tip: Fresh wakame is usually tender and doesn’t require lengthy preparation.

Cooking with Wakame

Once your wakame is prepared, you can use it in various dishes. Here are a few popular ways to incorporate wakame into your meals: 

Miso Soup:

• Add to Broth: Simply add the rehydrated wakame to your miso soup near the end of cooking. It only needs a few minutes to warm through.

• Flavour Boost: Combine with tofu, spring onions and mushrooms for a hearty, traditional soup.

Seaweed Salad:

• Mix with Vegetables: Combine rehydrated wakame with shredded carrots, cucumber and a sesame dressing.

• Season: Add sesame seeds and chopped spring onion for extra flavour.

Rice Dishes:

• Stir into Rice: Mix wakame into cooked rice or fried rice for added texture and nutrients.

• Flavour Addition: You can also use it in sushi rolls or as a topping for rice bowls.

Smoothies:

• Blend Wakame Powder: If you’re using wakame powder, blend it into smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.

Soups and Stews:

• Enhance Flavours: Add wakame to soups and stews to enrich the flavour profile and increase the nutritional content.

Tip: Wakame should be added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft or losing its texture.

Storing Wakame

Rehydrated Wakame:

• Refrigerate: Store rehydrated wakame in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freeze (Optional): For longer storage, you can freeze rehydrated wakame. Just make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag.

Dried Wakame:

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep dried wakame in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can last for several months to a year.

Fresh Wakame:

• Refrigerate: Store fresh wakame in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.

Conclusion

Preparing wakame seaweed is straightforward and can add a delightful twist to your meals. Whether you're using dried or fresh wakame, following these steps will ensure that you make the most out of this nutritious ingredient. From soups and salads to rice dishes and snacks, wakame is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with this seaweed and discover new favourite recipes!