Hijiki nimono is a traditional Japanese side dish made from dried hijiki seaweed, a nutritious and flavorful ingredient known for its high iron content. This recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques to create a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as part of a Japanese meal or as a standalone side.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (10g) dried hijiki seaweed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 carrot, thinly julienned
• 1/2 cup (75g) aburaage (fried tofu pouch), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dashi or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Soak and Prepare Hijiki:
   Rinse the dried hijiki seaweed in cold water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate. Drain the hijiki and cut it into smaller pieces if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the julienned carrot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced aburaage and continue to sauté for another minute or two.
3. Combine and Simmer:
   Add the drained and chopped hijiki seaweed to the saucepan. Pour in the dashi or vegetable broth, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the hijiki is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish with steamed rice, grilled fish, or other Japanese dishes.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, use homemade dashi instead of vegetable broth.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar to your taste preference.
• If you don’t have aburaage, you can substitute with thinly sliced tofu.
• For a more colorful dish, add thinly sliced bell peppers or snow peas to the vegetables.
• Hijiki nimono can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Health and beauty benefits

Hijiki nimono offers a multitude of health and beauty benefits. Firstly, the abundant dietary fiber in hijiki promotes a healthy gut environment, aiding in constipation relief and enhancing skin health. Additionally, it helps lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of lifestyle diseases. Furthermore, the vitamins and minerals in hijiki stimulate skin cell turnover, providing an anti-aging effect. Calcium and magnesium also contribute to bone health, preventing osteoporosis. Therefore, hijiki nimono can be considered a true treasure trove of nutrients, offering a wealth of health and beauty benefits.