Refreshing and Appetizing Shredded Kelp Salad 清爽开胃海带丝 （ qīng shuǎng kāi wèi hǎi dài sī）
Appetizing Shredded Kelp, like the essence of the ocean and a gift from nature, perfectly blends the deliciousness of the sea with nature’s bounty. It resembles vibrant green ribbons, delicate and lively, instantly evoking the charm of the ocean. Each strand of shredded kelp is like a bolt of lightning, instantly awakening the taste buds. Its crispy texture explodes in the mouth like fireworks, leaving a lingering sensation. The tangy and sweet flavors resemble memories of first love, refreshing yet profound, impossible to forget. And the rich seafood taste transports you into the embrace of the sea, experiencing its unique briny flavor.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 10 min | 150 min | 9 | Sour、Spicy | Easy |
| Shredded Kelp | 500g |
| Garlic | 50g |
| Ginger | 30g |
| Light soy sauce | 100g |
| Mature vinegar | 160g |
| Salt | 4g |
| Sugar | 50 |
| Fish sauce | 5g |
| Small chili pepper | 30g |
Steps:
1.Start by taking an appropriate amount of shredded kelp and placing it in a bowl. Then, pour in enough clean water to fully cover the kelp, allowing it to soak. This helps the kelp absorb moisture and reach a soft and easy-to-cook state. Soaking time is typically around 10 minutes, which allows the kelp to fully expand and absorb water. During soaking, gently stir the kelp to help it absorb water evenly and promote uniform rehydration. Be gentle while stirring to avoid damaging the texture of the kelp. Once the soaking is complete, remove the kelp from the bowl and rinse it with clean water to remove any excess soaking liquid and impurities. Ensure that the kelp is clean and free from any unpleasant odor.
2.In a pot, bring an adequate amount of water to a boil, making sure the water completely covers the soaked kelp. Once the water starts boiling, gently add the previously soaked kelp into the pot. Allow the kelp to cook in the boiling water. This process usually takes around two to three minutes and should not be prolonged to prevent the kelp from becoming too soft or mushy. When the water boils again, it indicates that the kelp is cooked. Use a colander or chopsticks to remove the kelp from the pot, letting any excess water drip back into the pot. Rinse the cooked kelp quickly with cold water to stop further cooking and maintain its refreshing texture. Additionally, cooled kelp is easier to handle and process. After rinsing, drain any excess water from the kelp and place it in a bowl for later use.
3.Prepare the garlic. Remove the outer skin of the garlic cloves and thinly slice them using a knife. Thinner slices will release a stronger aroma. Next, prepare the ginger. Peel off the skin of the ginger and thinly slice it. Then, handle the small chili pepper. Split the small chili pepper in half lengthwise and then cut it into halves again. This will make it easier to remove most of the seeds and inner membranes, reducing the spiciness. If you want more heat, you can keep some seeds. Lastly, prepare the cilantro. Wash and dry the cilantro, then cut it into sections using a knife.
4.Next, pour the prepared ingredients into the bowl with the kelp. Then, add 100g of light soy sauce, 160g of mature vinegar, 5g of fish sauce, 4g of salt, and 50g of sugar into the bowl. Ensure that each seasoning is evenly distributed over the kelp and other ingredients, stirring well to fully mix all the ingredients together. This ensures that the kelp absorbs all the flavors and allows every bite to be delicious. Once mixed, cover the bowl with a lid or seal it with plastic wrap, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for two hours. During this time, the kelp will absorb the rich marinade, enhancing its flavor, while allowing the other ingredients to meld together.
5.After marinating for two hours, it’s time to take out the shredded kelp and get ready to enjoy! Remove the marinated kelp from the bowl, allowing any excess marinade to drip back into the bowl. Try to avoid taking too much liquid. Place the shredded kelp on a plate, exuding an enticing aroma and beautiful color. The kelp has absorbed the flavors of garlic, ginger, chili pepper, and other ingredients, resulting in a rich texture and unique taste. Now, you can savor this delicious shredded kelp directly.
Tips:
1.Before adding the seasoning, thoroughly mix the ingredients and shredded kelp to ensure that each strand absorbs the flavors evenly.
2.Store the marinated shredded kelp in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and texture for a longer period.
Appetizing shredded kelp is not just a simple cold dish; it carries stories and emotions. It is like a little scroll of tales, where each bite seems to tell an ancient story, allowing us to feel the weight of history and the passage of time while chewing. Its crisp texture and sweet-sour taste are like a lively melody, bringing joy and the beauty of life through music. And the rich seafood flavor is like a warm embrace, making us feel the warmth and tranquility of home within the embrace of the ocean.