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Kombu Tsukudani (Simmered Kombu)
4.9 from 99 votes

Kombu Tsukudani (Simmered Kombu)

Kombu Tsukudani is simmered kelp strips cooked in a mixture of water, sake, mirin, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and optional bonito flakes, infused with mild chili heat and finished with sesame seeds. The sauce reduces to a thick glaze that coats the soft, tender kombu, resulting in a flavorful condiment with sweet, salty, and umami notes typical of Japanese simmered side dishes.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 1 batch
Calories: 153 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese

Ingredients

  • 2 oz kombu you can use up to 4 oz (113 g); I used spent Hidaka kombu that‘s tender and easy to cook; Ma kombu and Rishiri kombu are thick and hard to cook; read about the different types of kombu, used, kelp
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds
For the Seasonings
  • 1 dried red chili pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp mirin
  • 1 Tbsp sake
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar unseasoned
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or more, if needed)
  • 2 tsp sugar (or add more for a sweeter taste)
  • ½ tsp katsuobushi optional; skip for vegan/vegetarian, dried bonito flakes

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Gather all the ingredients.
  2. Cut 2 oz used kombu (kelp) into thin strips.
  3. Remove the seeds from 1 dried red chili pepper and cut it into thin rounds.
  4. Transfer the sliced kombu to a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup water, 1 Tbsp sake, and 1 Tbsp mirin.
  5. Add 1 tsp rice vinegar (unseasoned), 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp sugar, and ½ tsp katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
  6. Add the red chili pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat.
  7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 20–25 minutes. If the kombu is still not tender, add water and continue to cook. Check the taste and add more sugar and/or soy sauce, to your liking.
  8. Sprinkle ½ tsp sesame seeds on top. It‘s ready to serve.
To Store
  1. Keep the Tsukudani in the refrigerator and consume within 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1jar Calories 153kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 16g (5%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 2075mg (86%) Potassium 68mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 198IU (4%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 140mg (14%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 batch

Amount Per Serving

Calories 153

% Daily Value*

Serving 1jar
Calories 153kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 16g 5%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 2075mg 86%
Potassium 68mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 198IU 4%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 140mg 14%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.