Kelp is one of the common seafood we often eat, especially in inland areas where dried kelp is very convenient for transportation and storage. Kelp is also one of the iodine-rich foods we frequently consume. There are various ways to prepare kelp, so here's how to enjoy it in a healthy and nutritious way.
Kelp, Goji Berry, and Pork Ribs Soup
Ingredients:
500g pork ribs, an adequate amount of rehydrated kelp, 20 goji berries, 3 red dates, 3-4 dried mushrooms, one piece of scallion, one piece of ginger, an appropriate amount of salt, a few drops of white vinegar.
Steps:
1. Wash the rehydrated kelp, cut into sections, bring water to a boil, add a few drops of vinegar, blanch the kelp sections for about 2 minutes, then rinse and set aside;
2. Cut the pork ribs into sections, soak to remove blood, wash, blanch in boiling water until the color changes, then rinse and set aside;
3. Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water, slice the scallion, and cut the ginger into slices;
4. Pour an adequate amount of water into a pot, add all ingredients except goji berries, and bring to a boil over high heat;
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 hours, add goji berries, season with salt, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes before turning off the heat.
Tips:
Adding white vinegar when blanching kelp can help remove the slimy substance on its surface.
Spicy Kelp Strips
Ingredients:
200g kelp strips, 1 red bell pepper, 1 small red chili, 3 dried chilies, 30g spicy peanuts, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, an appropriate amount of sugar, a little salt, 1 pack of chili paste, a little sesame oil.
Steps:
1. Wash the kelp strips, cut into sections, deseed and destem the red bell pepper, and shred; finely chop the small red chili and dried chilies, and crush the spicy peanuts;
2. Bring water to a boil in a pot, blanch the red bell pepper shreds for a few seconds, then quickly immerse them in cold water, cool, and drain;
3. Blanch the kelp strips in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immerse them in cold water, cool, and drain;
4. Mix the kelp strips and red bell pepper shreds, add soy sauce, then add vinegar, sugar, and salt;
5. In another pan, heat a little oil, once hot, add chili paste and chili flakes and stir-fry to release fragrance;
6. Add crushed peanuts, stir evenly, and turn off the heat;
7. While hot, pour the chili and peanut mixture along with the hot oil over the kelp strips, add a little sesame oil, and mix thoroughly.
Kelp and Tofu Soup
Ingredients:
Frozen tofu, kelp knots, mushrooms, ginger.
Steps:
1. Squeeze out the water from the frozen tofu cubes, wash the kelp knots, clean the mushrooms and tear them into small pieces;
2. Heat oil in a pot, add the frozen tofu, and lightly fry;
3. Once the tofu's surface turns slightly yellow, add water, kelp knots, and ginger slices;
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Halfway through, add the mushrooms to cook together;
5. Season with salt before serving.
Fish Head and Kelp Soup
Ingredients:
Fish head, soft tofu, dried kelp, coriander, scallion, ginger, cooking wine, monosodium glutamate.
Steps:
1. Soak and wash the kelp;
2. Split the fish head down the middle, wash, and remove gills;
3. Heat oil in a pan, sear the fish head until slightly browned;
4. Add water, kelp, scallion, ginger, cooking wine, and a little vinegar, then bring to a boil over high heat;
5. Reduce heat to low, simmer until the broth turns milky white, add soft tofu, once the tofu is cooked, add coriander, and season with salt.
Braised Kelp
Ingredients:
Kelp, meat slices, salt, soy sauce, chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, sugar, tangerine peel, sand ginger, fennel seeds.
Steps:
1. Soak the kelp, wash, cut into large pieces, roll up, and tie with cotton string;
2. Place the kelp in a stockpot, add water, chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, bay leaves, star anise, cinnamon, braising liquid, salt, soy sauce, sugar, tangerine peel, fennel seeds, sand ginger;
3. Add the meat slices, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the kelp is tender;
4. Let the kelp soak in the braising liquid for a few hours, then remove and cut into strips.
Tips:
Adding meat slices can increase the fat content, and the longer the soaking time, the stronger the braised flavor.