Usually what we buy in the supermarket is dried kelp, because it lasts longer and can be cooked at home by soaking it in water. So can dried kelp be soaked in boiling water? Can dried kelp be soaked in hot water?

Can dried kelp be soaked in boiling water

Dried kelp is generally soaked in warm water for 2-3 hours. That’s it. If you feel that tap water is unhygienic, you can boil it with mineral water and then soak it in cold water. First soak the kelp in cold water for half an hour, brush off the sand and salt on the surface of the kelp, and fish it out. Put the kelp into a container with a lid, soak it in warm water for 2 hours and take it out. Add a little vinegar and rub it with your hands to float the mucus on the surface of the kelp, then rinse with water.

How to soak dried kelp

If you use dried kelp, rinse the surface of the kelp, steam it in a steamer for 30 minutes, and then soak it in water overnight. It will taste crispy when used for cooking. Do not soak the kelp directly, otherwise it will have a hard texture no matter how it is stewed, stir-fried or stir-fried.

When cooking with kelp, whether it is stewed, stir-fried or stir-fried, adding some vinegar can make the taste better.

There is a layer of white frost on the surface of dried kelp, which is a substance called mannitol formed by weathering of plant alkaloids. It is not only harmless, but also has the effect of detoxifying and reducing swelling. Don’t mistakenly think that the layer of white frost is the precipitation of salt or moldy deterioration.

There is a layer of mucus on the surface of kelp, so there is no need to wash it too much. Otherwise, many nutrients will be lost.

How to make tomato and kelp soup

1. Soak the kelp in water, wash and cut into small pieces.

2. Wash the mushrooms and black fungus with water, cut the mushrooms into strips, and tear the black fungus into small florets and set aside.

3. Peel and slice tomatoes, chop onion and ginger and set aside.

4. Heat the wok, pour in cooking oil, add onions and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.

5. Add tomato slices and fry until paste becomes.

6. Pour in appropriate amount of water and bring to boil.

7. After the water is boiled, add kelp, fungus, and shiitake mushrooms to the boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for half an hour.

8. Add sesame oil, salt and MSG to taste.