Nori Seaweed

Nori is one of the most familiar Japanese seaweeds, best known for sushi rolls and onigiri. But in Japanese home cooking, it’s used in many other ways too. In this post, I’ll explain what nori is and simple ways to use it at home.

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What Is Nori?

Nori is a thin, dried seaweed used widely in Japanese cooking. The type most commonly used is unseasoned roasted nori. It has a delicate ocean flavor, a gentle roasted aroma, and a light, crisp texture.

Common Forms of Nori

Full-suze Nori Sheets

Pre-Cut Nori Sheets

Shredded Nori

Seasoned Nori

How To Use Nori

Nori is used as-is, with no soaking needed. It stays light and crisp when eaten straight from the package, but when mixed with moist ingredients, it softens and blends into the dish.

Wrap with It

Sprinkle It on Top

Use It as an Ingredient

cabbage and tuna salad served on a plate.

How to Store Nori

Nori is sensitive to moisture and air, which can quickly make it lose its crisp texture and fresh aroma. After opening, I recommend placing it in a resealable freezer bag, pressing out as much air as you can, and sealing it tightly.

For longer storage, you can also keep it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw naturally before opening the bag.