Seaweed Cyclopedia: Recommendations for using " Salted Mirin".

In the world of culinary exploration, there are gems waiting to be discovered, and Sea Vegetable's "Salted Mirin" is undoubtedly one of them.

With its unique blend of textures and flavors, this seaweed promises to elevate your dishes to new heights. Let's delve into the art of unlocking its full potential with some handy usage tips!

\First Thing First/ 
Preparing for Salt Removal

Preparing "Salted Mirin" begins with a crucial step: removing the salt. While it might seem daunting at first, it's simple like you would do when washing vegetables!

Before diving into cooking, adjust the soaking time in water according to your desired texture and the accompanying ingredients. Here's how to do it:

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Salt Soaking Method for Mirin:

1. Rinse the mirin thoroughly by placing it in a bowl filled with water, changing the water two times by a colander to remove excess salt.
2. Let the mirin soak in water for 8 to 10 minutes. ( *Depending on the size of the bowl and the amount of Mirin, the time required to soak the Mirin could slightly differ)
3. Once you achieve your preferred level of saltiness, drain the mirin using a colander, and pat it dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth before incorporating it into your dishes.

Pro Tips:

• For a firmer texture and stronger saltiness, shorten the soaking time. Conversely, if you prefer a softer texture, extend the soaking time to 10 minutes or more.
• Since mirin has a tendency to dissolve in heat, it's best to add it to warm dishes at the end, gently mixing or placing it on top to preserve its unique texture.

 

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＼ Now, onto the Main Event! / 

Recommended Uses of "Salted Mirin"

1. Marination

Infuse your mirin with flavors by marinating it in ingredients such as oil, dashi, or citrus juices. Adjust the soaking time based on the ingredients used, ensuring to remove excess moisture before marinating.

You can make the dish preserve even longer when marinating it with Irizake (Boiled Sake seasoning) or Oil. A handy scoup of Mirin can enrich your daily meals much more easier!

 

◎ Recommended Ingredients: Sake, olive oil, lemon juice

▲ Mirin Pickled in Oil

2. Enjoy it Plain

The distinctive texture of mirin shines best when enjoyed simply.

Pair it with ponzu or your favorite seasoning for a quick and flavorful dish.

◎ Recommended seasonings: Ponzu, Ra-yu (Chili oil)

▲ Cold tofu with chilli oil Mirin

3. Pair it with Other Ingredients

Combine Mirin with various ingredients like seafood or vegetables to highlight its unique texture.

Its ability to absorb liquids makes it a versatile addition to soups or even as a dip for dishes like bagna cauda.

When you chop the Mirin into small pieces, it will create an unique sticky texture like Natto beans; making it compatible with sticky foods including Japanese yam, okura.

◎ Recommended Dishes: Namul, Carpaccio, Minced Raw fish

▲ Mirin Namul

▲ Sesame Mackerel with Mirin

▲ Mirin as a Soup Garnish

 

Discovering a new ingredient can be an exciting journey filled with anticipation. Take the time to explore different ways of enjoying "Salted Fresh Mirin" and incorporate it into your everyday meals. 

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of "Salted Fresh Mirin" and unleash your culinary creativity!

Written by: Omayu