Nori, seaweed and algae. What do they have in common? Nori, which is the Japanese word for dried edible seaweed, is a type of seaweed made from algae. By pressing strands of edible red algae harvested from warm marine habitats into ultra-thin sheets, which are later dried and then roasted, we then get the popular and well liked Japanese snack, Yaki Nori, or roasted seaweed.
Yaki Nori is touted to be a superfood because the algae used to make it is packed full of protein, high in mineral content and most essential amino acids that a body requires for healthy function. It is also an abundant source of DHA and EPA, fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body but are needed by us to maintain good cardio health. It is important in a vegetarian diet and even more so in a vegan diet as nori is one of the few plant foods that contains high amounts of these heart friendly omega-3 fatty acids.
In cooking, Yaki Nori is a delicious addition to our dishes. It is full of umami flavour and gives so much depth to the taste of your dish. But how do we use this sheet of roasted seaweed? With Obento Yaki Nori, there are many different ways and one of them is to make sushi!
Now, to make the perfect sushi, the most important ingredient is Japanese sushi rice, as it is what binds everything together. Obento Sushi Rice is a plump short grain variety of rice that is high in starch content and holds together well. By using the all-in-one Obento Sushi Seasoning, making sushi rice has never been easier. Concocted from a tried and tested combination of rice vinegar, sugar and salt, you never have to worry about getting the ratios wrong anymore. Plus, this versatile seasoning can also be used for pickling vegetables, seafood marinades or as a salad dressing.
Once the rice is ready, it is time to whip out the distinct tasting Obento Yaki Nori to make the perfect sushi roll, temaki or onigiri (rice balls). And what is sushi without a dipping sauce? Naturally brewed, Obento Japanese Sushi & Sashimi Soy Sauce is the perfect complement to enhance the flavours of the meat and seafood in your sushi.
Making sushi is actually simpler than it seems. However if you are unsure if sushi making is for you or just want a fuss free alternative, you can try out an Obento Sushi Kit. Just by procuring some fresh ingredients, this kit and all the ingredients it contains are all you need to create the perfect restaurant-calibre Japanese sushi rolls for a wonderfully Japanese experience.
However, if you are just not a sushi person, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on such a tasty treat. There are other ways you can use roasted seaweed in your diet. Obento Yaki Nori can be easily cut into smaller pieces as garnish, dished out in noodle soups or stir-fries as extra flavouring or just served simply with a bowl of Japanese steamed rice. In short, Obento Yaki Nori can be used in many ways or just eaten on its own.
So the next time you are walking the aisles at your local supermarket, drop by to pick up some Obento Yaki Nori for that flavourful roasted seaweed to add to your meals.
About Obento
Obento is one of the leading Japanese food brands that has been in the Australian supermarkets since 2002. They provide authentic Japanese flavours to everyone with its comprehensive range of food products. From a complete range of the Japanese staple condiments including mirin seasoning, cooking sake, rice wine vinegar, yakitori sauce, ponzu sauce, sushi & sashimi soy sauce, sushi seasoning, to other foodstuff and ingredients such as panko breadcrumbs, tempura mix, a variety of noodles, yaki nori seaweed, sushi rice, sushi kit and more! To discover what other Obento products are on the shelves, do check them out at your local supermarket.