Coastal Vegan Seaweed Salad Recipe

Coastal vegan seaweed salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. Made primarily from seaweed – a natural marine vegetable harvested from the coastal regions of Central Vietnam, this salad not only offers a unique flavor but is also beneficial for your health. Let’s explore how to prepare this enticing dish in the article below.

Dried Lý Sơn seaweed
Dried Lý Sơn seaweed – the main ingredient for making coastal vegan seaweed salad.

Ingredients Needed

To make coastal vegan seaweed salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• Dried seaweed: 100 grams (about a small handful).
• Carrot: 1 medium-sized.
• Roasted peanuts: 50 grams.
• Herbs: cilantro, basil, or Vietnamese coriander (depending on taste).
• Seasonings: vegan fish sauce, sugar, fresh lime juice, fresh chili, minced garlic.
• Vegan broth: you can use vegetable boiling water or fresh coconut water to enhance the natural sweetness.

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Preparing the Seaweed

• Soak the dried seaweed in clean water for about 5-10 minutes until it softens. During soaking, gently rinse it a few times to remove any sand.
• After soaking, drain the seaweed in a colander and let it dry. If the seaweed is still hard, you can briefly blanch it in boiling water and immediately remove it to maintain its crunchiness.

Step 2: Preparing Other Ingredients

• Peel the carrot, wash it, and shred it into thin strips.
• Wash the herbs and chop them finely.
• Lightly crush the roasted peanuts to enhance their texture.
• Prepare the salad dressing by mixing 3 tablespoons of vegan fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of chopped chili.

Seaweed and shredded carrot
Seaweed combined with shredded carrot creates an eye-catching salad.

Step 3: Mixing the Salad

• Place the drained seaweed, shredded carrot, and chopped herbs in a large bowl.
• Gradually pour the salad dressing over the mixture, and mix well with your hands or a pair of chopsticks to ensure the ingredients absorb the flavors.
• Let the salad rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the seaweed and carrot to fully absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Presentation and Enjoyment

• Serve the salad on a plate and sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts on top to add richness and aroma.
• Serve with toasted rice paper or white rice to enhance the flavor.

Benefits of Coastal Vegan Seaweed Salad

Coastal vegan seaweed salad is not only delicious but also very beneficial for your health:

• High in Fiber: Seaweed contains a lot of fiber, which helps improve digestion.
• Rich in Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, and iron in seaweed help strengthen bones, joints, and blood health.
• Supports Weight Loss: The salad is low in calories, making it suitable for those on a diet or following a vegan regimen.

Notes on Preparation and Consumption

• When soaking seaweed, avoid soaking it too long as it may become mushy and lose its crunchiness.
• Choose high-quality dried seaweed with a clear origin to ensure food safety.
• Limit consumption of this salad if you are experiencing diarrhea or indigestion.

Conclusion

The recipe for coastal vegan seaweed salad is not overly complicated but requires attention to detail in each step. With its refreshing flavor and high nutritional value, this salad is sure to be a great addition to your daily meals. Try it out today to experience the unique taste of this dish!

References

• Information on Lý Sơn seaweed
• Wikipedia – Sargassaceae