What is dried wakame seaweed?

Dried wakame seaweed is a type of seaweed commonly used in miso soup, salads and as a garnish. Wakame is sold both dried and fresh and comes in brown and green varieties. Dried wakame should be reconstituted before use by soaking it in water for about 30 minutes until tender.

Dried wakame is sold in sheets and in small shreds. When purchased in sheets, it can be chopped into small pieces using kitchen shears before reconstituting. Because wakame tends to be slightly slimy, it works best in soups, sautéed in oil or mixed with acidic ingredients to downplay its slimy texture.