Easy Hijiki Salad (Classic Japanese Seaweed Side Dish)

Name: Easy Hijiki Salad (Classic Japanese Seaweed Side Dish)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp Dried Hijiki Seaweed; 1 Carrot; 2 Aburaage (or extra firm tofu); 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil; ½ cup Boiled Soybeans; 1 tsp Dashi Powder; 2 Tbsp Mirin; 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce; ½ cup Water

ByJuri Austin Published onAug 17, 2020Jan 8, 2025 Updated onJan 8, 2025

2 Comments

5 from 2 votes

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Looking for a simple and tasty Japanese side? This Hijiki Seaweed Salad is easy to make, packed with umami flavor, and full of nutrients!

Looking for more easy sides? Try these simple Japanese side dishes!

Japanese hijiki seaweed salad(Hijiki no nimono)

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

A delicious balance of savory, sweet, and earthy tastes in every bite.
Enjoy a classic Japanese side dish at home with traditional ingredients.
Use kombu dashi for a fully plant-based version without sacrificing flavor.

What is Hijiki Salad?

Hijiki salad is a traditional Japanese side dish made with hijiki seaweed, known for its earthy flavor and chewy texture. It’s typically simmered with carrots, aburaage, and soybeans in a savory-sweet sauce, making it a flavorful addition to any meal.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Hijiki Seaweed Salad:

Hijiki Seaweed: Dried hijiki seaweed is available at Japanese or Asian grocery stores. Rehydrate it in water before cooking.
Carrot: Adds vibrant color to the dish. You can also include green peas, lotus root, or burdock root for extra texture and variety.
Aburaage (Deep-fried tofu): Adds texture and flavor to the dish. If unavailable, substitute with extra-firm tofu.
Soybeans: Canned soybeans work well, but for variety, try edamame, lentils, or chickpeas. I often cook dry soybeans in a pressure cooker and freeze them for convenience.
Seasonings: Use dashi powder, mirin, and soy sauce. For a vegan option, use kombu dashi powder.

Hijiki Seaweed

Hijiki seaweed is a type of edible seaweed commonly used in Japanese cuisine. It’s rich in fiber, calcium, iron, and other essential minerals (source). Hijiki is typically rehydrated and used in salads, soups, and rice dishes such as, such as tofu hamburger, and salad for added flavor and nutritional benefits.

How To Make Hijiki Salad: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Rehydrate hijiki seaweed, then cut the carrot and aburaage into thin strips.

Step 2

Stir-fry the prepared ingredients over medium heat.

Step 3

Add seasonings and soybeans and stir lightly.

Step 4

Simmer on low heat for 7-10 minutes.

Japanese hijiki seaweed salad(Hijiki no nimono) on a plate

Serve and enjoy this flavorful and savory side dish!

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Hijiki Salad

Here are some creative ideas to make the most of your leftover hijiki seaweed salad:

Hijiki Salad Rice – Stir leftover hijiki seaweed salad into cooked rice. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a tasty and satisfying dish.
Hijiki Salad Gyoza – Combine leftover hijiki salad with drained tofu, minced garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Fill gyoza wrappers with the mixture, pleat the edges, and pan-fry until crispy for a savory snack.
Hijiki Salad Omelet – Beat eggs and mix in leftover hijiki salad. Pour into a hot skillet to cook, then fold into an omelet for a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast.
Hijiki Potato Salad – Mash boiled potatoes and mix with leftover hijiki salad, chopped green onions, and mayonnaise. Season with salt, rice vinegar, and a pinch of mustard for a unique twist on classic potato salad.
Hijiki Vegetable Salad – Combine your favorite vegetables with leftover hijiki salad. Toss with a simple dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey for a refreshing, nutritious salad.

Want More Plant-Based Ideas?

Download 10 Vegetarian Recipes

More Japanese Side Dishes You Will Love

Leave a Rating!

I hope you enjoy this Hijiki Salad! If you try it, don’t forget to leave a rating to share your thoughts—I love hearing from you!

Juri Austin

Hi! I’m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. I’m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Let’s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

Learn More About Juri

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

2 Comments

David T Allen says:

Nov 25, 2020 at 1:52 AM

I am looking forward to trying these. I found you through “Jumprope”; when you make Jumprope entries, can you include the amount each ingredient in the steps?

Reply
1. Chef JA says:
  
  Nov 25, 2020 at 10:40 AM
  
  Hi David, Thank you for your suggestions! I will include the amount in the video from now on. I hope you will enjoy this hijiki recipe!
  
  Reply