Easy Korean Vegan Seaweed Salad Recipe

Are you a fan of Korean cuisine and looking for a vegan dish that’s both refreshing and flavorful? Let’s explore the recipe for Korean-style vegan seaweed kimchi salad – a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, suitable for any diet.

Ingredients

To create this appealing vegan seaweed kimchi salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Dried seaweed: 50g (Wakame or Gim/Nori sheets preferred)
• Vegan kimchi: 150g (store-bought or homemade)
• Carrot: ½
• Cucumber: ½
• Onion: ¼
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Korean chili flakes (Gochugaru): 1 tbsp (adjust to taste)
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
• Sugar: 1 tsp
• Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp

Assortment of ingredients for Korean vegan seaweed kimchi salad including dried seaweed, kimchi, carrots, cucumber, and seasonings

Notes on Choosing Ingredients:
Seaweed should be dark green, free from mold or strange odors. Vegan kimchi should have a balanced sourness and spiciness to complement the overall flavor.

How to Make Vegan Seaweed Kimchi Salad

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Seaweed: Soak the dried seaweed in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until soft and expanded. Rinse thoroughly several times to remove any sand or impurities, squeeze out excess water, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Vegetables: Wash the carrot, cucumber, and onion, then thinly slice (julienne). Mince the garlic.

2. Mix the Salad

In a large bowl:

• Add the prepared seaweed, vegan kimchi (cut into smaller pieces if too large), carrot, cucumber, onion, and minced garlic.
• Add Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and rice vinegar.
• Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

3. Finish the Dish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad. This dish is best enjoyed cold. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tangy flavor.

A bowl of freshly made Korean vegan seaweed kimchi salad garnished with sesame seeds

Variations for Extra Flavor

• Add mushrooms: Sliced enoki, king oyster mushrooms, or shredded wood ear mushrooms will add a delightful crunch.
• Use silken tofu: Cubed silken tofu, blanched quickly in boiling water, adds a light creaminess when mixed into the salad.
• Serve with white rice: Vegan seaweed kimchi salad pairs perfectly with hot steamed white rice or fresh rice noodles.

Health Benefits of Vegan Seaweed Kimchi Salad

This salad isn’t just tasty; it’s also very healthy due to the combination of its two main ingredients: seaweed and vegan kimchi.

• Seaweed: Rich in iodine, vitamins, and minerals, it helps improve thyroid function, supports digestion, and boosts the immune system.
• Vegan kimchi: Contains plenty of probiotics, beneficial for the digestive and immune systems.

Nutritionist Kim Anh shares: “Vegan seaweed kimchi salad is an excellent choice for a nutrient-rich vegan meal, especially suitable for those looking to lose weight or follow a specific diet.”

Storage Tips

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and flavor.
• Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for too long, as it can spoil easily.

According to Chef Lee Min Ho: “Mixing the salad 15-20 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish even more delicious.”

Korean vegan seaweed kimchi salad stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator

Conclusion

Korean-style vegan seaweed kimchi salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and easy-to-make vegan dish. With the simple recipe above, you can easily prepare this dish at home. Give it a try and share your thoughts!

Expert Kim Anh emphasizes: “Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables to customize the salad to your liking.”

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• What type of seaweed is most suitable?
  • Wakame or Gim/Nori sheets are the most common and suitable choices.
• Can I make my own vegan kimchi?
  • Absolutely! You can find many recipes for homemade vegan kimchi online.
• What can I serve vegan seaweed kimchi salad with?
  • It pairs wonderfully with white rice, noodles, or vermicelli.
• What are the health benefits of this salad?
  • It helps boost the immune system, improve thyroid function, and support digestion.
• How can I prevent the salad from having a fishy smell?
  • Rinse the seaweed thoroughly multiple times and consider adding a small amount of minced ginger to neutralize any strong sea odor.

Note: This recipe is provided for reference. To ensure it fits your specific dietary needs, please consult with a nutrition expert.