Hijiki Barazushi
Hijiki Barazushi is a colorful, savory sushi dish featuring dried seaweed, tofu, vegetables, and seafood, offering a delightful mix of umami flavors perfect for special occasions or casual meals.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rice
- 3/4 cup Japanese vinegar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 package hijiki or kurome dried seaweed, soaked, washed, and drained ⓘ
- 2 aburage (fried tofu), chopped finely
- 1 carrot, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 stick kamaboko, chopped fine
- 1 tempura, chopped fine
- 1 can ajitsuke kogai (clams) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons shoyu ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rice and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the cooked rice with Japanese vinegar, sugar, and salt using the plastic measuring cup from the rice cooker.
- Saute the chopped aburage, carrot, kamaboko, tempura, and drained hijiki in cooking oil until lightly browned and fragrant.
- Add the canned ajitsuke kogai, water, sugar, and shoyu to the sauteed ingredients, then cook until the flavors meld and the mixture is heated through.
- Combine the seasoned rice with the cooked ingredients and mix gently to incorporate everything evenly.
- Serve the hijiki barazushi at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ajitsuke kogai with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables. If you can't find hijiki, try using wakame or nori as alternatives. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or mixing in some grated ginger. Ensure the rice is slightly warm when mixing with vinegar to absorb flavors better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hijiki barazushi as a light main dish or as part of a Japanese-inspired spread. It pairs beautifully with a side of Ginger Dressing on a fresh salad. For an authentic experience, enjoy it alongside pickled vegetables or a bowl of miso soup. Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, serve cold for a refreshing option, as the flavors will continue to develop while chilling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hijiki Barazushi contains roughly 416 calories, with 11g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2597mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, hijiki barazushi can be prepared a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and let the flavors meld overnight. When ready to serve, simply bring it to room temperature for the best taste. This dish is great for meal prep or entertaining.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Short-grain Japanese rice is ideal for this dish as it becomes sticky when cooked, allowing it to hold together nicely. If unavailable, you can use medium-grain rice, but avoid long-grain varieties as they won't provide the same texture.
Can I add other vegetables to hijiki barazushi?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even finely chopped rutabagas for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to sauté them until tender before mixing with the rice to enhance their flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).