Recipes
Sesame Wakame in Endive
These light and refreshing endive bites are filled with marinated wakame, bringing a perfect balance of umami, crunch, and a touch of heat. The sesame dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the seaweed while the endive adds a crisp, refreshing bite. Elegant yet easy to assemble, they’re a great appetizer or nutrient-packed snack.
Chef’s Tip
Ingredients
- 2 heads of endive (approx. 5-7 leaves per head)
- 4 tablespoons dehydrated wakame flakes (approx. 25 grams)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon wheat-free tamari
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Note: Wakame is often available in long, solid form and sometimes salted. If using whole wakame, rehydrate first, then chop into ½-inch pieces.
Directions
- Rehydrate the wakame: Soak in a bowl of water for 10 minutes or until fully softened.
- Drain well: Squeeze out excess water to ensure the wakame absorbs the dressing properly.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, lemon juice, tamari, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate the wakame: Add the wakame to the dressing and toss to coat. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
- Assemble: Place a spoonful of wakame mixture onto each endive leaf.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Chef’s Tip
For extra crunch, top with chopped toasted almonds or crushed nori flakes. If you love bold flavors, add a touch of grated ginger or a splash of yuzu juice to the dressing.
