How to Cook Hijiki Sea Vegetable

Hijiki is a distinctive jet-black sea vegetable that grows on the ocean floor in long thin strands. It is most widely popular as an ingredient in Japanese cuisine. It is naturally rich in flavour with a delicate texture. Its colour contrasts beautifully with other vibrant ingredients and works wonderfully well when combined with grains and other vegetables.

Ingredients

• 15g Clearspring Japanese Hijiki - Dried Sea Vegetable
• 1 tbsp Clearspring Organic Sesame Oil
• 1 tbsp Clearspring Organic Japanese Mikawa Mirin
• 1 tbsp Clearspring Organic Japanese Shoyu Soya Sauce (add more if needed)
• 50ml water

Method

1. Add the dried hijiki to a large bowl, cover it with water and leave to soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. Once it has rehydrated, drain and rinse.
3. Heat a heavy pan on medium heat and add sesame oil and hijiki. Stir for a couple of minutes, then add some water.
4. Leave on medium to low heat and let it simmer.
5. Add Mikawa Mirin and shoyu and let it cook until the liquid is absorbed by the hijiki.
6. Garnish with some toasted white sesame seeds.

Recipe by Lisa Dawson