Savory Arame with Tahini
This recipe combines the richness of tahini with protein-rich tofu to create the ultimate umami flavored seaweed dish.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry arame (about ½ ounce)
- water, for soaking
- 2 tbsp olive oil or toasted sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- 8 ounces extra-firm tofu, rained, pressed with an absorbent towel, and crumbled
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, or to taste
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 inch ginger root, peeled and cut into rounds
- 3 tbsp water
- 1-2 tbsp sesame seeds, to garnish
Instructions
- Soak arame in enough warm water to cover. The arame will double in size once rehydrated. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet. Stir in garlic. Add crumbled tofu, and sauté 5 minutes.
- Drain the arame and discard soaking water. Add arame and soy sauce. Sauté 5 minutes more. Purée ginger and tahini in 3 tablespoons water with an immersion blender, and stir into seaweed mixture. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to incorporate the sauce into the tofu. Remove from heat.
- Place sesame seeds in a stainless steel pot or small skillet with a lid. Shake the pot regularly, with lid on, over medium high heat until you hear seeds popping, about 2 to 5 minutes depending on the pot and flame. Once seeds are popping, shake continuously over the flame for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and pour seeds onto a plate.
- Garnish arame with sesames seeds and serve.