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Nico
Zen In Onigiri
Shio-kombu 塩昆布 (Japanese Savory Kelp Seasoning)
Nico
Seaweeds are common in Japanese food culture, but nori (海苔) is the best for onigiri (rice ball), right?
Nori is awesome, Norio…but did you know there is another popular seaweed seasoning called shio-kombu?
…what!? I wanna get to know about that guy!
Contents
What is Shio-kombu?
Shio-kombu (塩昆布) is a Japanese savory kelp seasoning. It’s traditional, healthy, affordable, and versatile, which is why it’s popular among the Japanese.
The basic ingredients are kombu seaweed, soy sauce, salt, mirin (sweet sake) or sugar, and some umami-boosters.
Shio(塩) stands for “salt,” and kombu (昆布) stands for kelp.
Health Benefits of Shio-kombu
Shio-kombu is a superfood, nourishing your body and soul.
For your body
Shio-kombu is known for its great nutritional value.
It’s rich in essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Plus, it has a high proportion of soluble fiber.
Soluble fiber makes your bathroom trip smoother!
For your soul
Shio-kombu is delicious, packed with umami and natural savory aromas.
The ingredients in shio-kombu are quite simple compared to other processed seasonings. It contains only the essentials to elevate the umami, saltiness, and sweetness inherent in kombu seaweeds.
How Shio-kombu Is Manufactured
This video (the far left one on the page) by Fujicco (a major shio-kombu company) shows the entire process of shio-kombu production. It’s like having a guided tour of the factory!
Where to Buy Shio-kombu
Shio-kombu is ubiquitous in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores. It’s quite affordable (approx. $1-1.5 per package).
My favorite shio-kombu brand is Kurakon because their product is simple, cheap, and authentic with no added sugar.
..and good news! Shio-kombu is also on Amazon and other major online shops handling Japanese products.
Not only that, but I’ve heard from a friend of mine who was studying in Canada that she found shio-kombu at an Asian store. So, it would be worth looking for one at an Asian grocery store in your neighborhood.
How to Use Shio-kombu
Shio-kombu has fantastic versatility. As a seasoning, it’s pretty handy in cooking wide range of meals: onigiri (rice balls), pickles, marinated side dishes, and ochazuke (porridge based on green tea and dashi).
For onigiri, you can choose to put shio-kombu on top or mix it evenly with the rice
Summary
Shio-kombu 塩昆布
・Japanese savory kelp seasoning
・Good for your body: rich in minerals and soluble fiber
・Good for your soul: delicious with umami, saltiness, and sweetness
・Traditional manufacturing process
・Versatile in use
・Available at Japanese supermarkets, convenience stores, online shops, (and some Asian stores)
Author
A 24-year-old female worker born and raised in Japan.
[Backgrounds]
・Raised by a foodie family in Nagano (a rural region known for top longevity around Japan)
・1-year exchange experience in the Netherlands as a high school student
・Starting up a plant-based cooking club at college
・ Working experience in a Japanese fermented food company
[Backgrounds]
・Raised by a foodie family in Nagano (a rural region known for top longevity around Japan)
・1-year exchange experience in the Netherlands as a high school student
・Starting up a plant-based cooking club at college
・ Working experience in a Japanese fermented food company
