Copycat Trader Joe’s Japanese Fried Rice

I’m excited to share my special and different recipe of Copycat Trader Joe’s Japanese Fried Rice with you. This is one of the most popular seasoned rice recipes in China, Japan, and Korea. This distinct seaweed is said to be highly nutritious and particularly high in fiber. It’s full of delectable goodness and has a long list of health benefits. And it’s incredibly simple to prepare!

Hijiki Seaweed Fried Rice imparts an irresistible delicious flavor. This is one of the most popular seasoned rice recipes in China, Japan, and Korea. Hijiki ─ A dark brown or black seaweed, possesses an umami-rich, mushroom-like flavor that its greener counterparts lack.

You will also love Easy Vegan Fried Rice and Marinated Tofu Fried Rice.

Recipe First Published February 4, 2015

What Is Hijiki?

Hijiki, a type of Japanese seaweed, is mainly used as an appetizer or starter. It is an excellent addition to salads, soups, and vegetarian dishes.

Primarily harvested from the seas off of Japan and South Korea. It matures between spring and early summer.

In the manufacturing process, hijiki is first boiled or steamed and then dried. As a result, the hijiki that is typically available in supermarkets is dried. Before cooking, you must soak dried hijiki in water.

There are 2 types of hijiki, both of which are basically distinct parts of the same genus: “stems” (nagahijiki) and “leaves” (mehijiki). Smaller, flattened mehijiki bud-like pieces with a velvety texture and mild flavor are preferred by some people over their tougher counterparts. They are also easier to find in Asian supermarkets in the United States.

What Is the Taste of Hijiki?

When it comes to flavor, hijiki is more earthy than salty, with a more loamy minerality. Hijiki has a milder brininess than other seaweeds such as nori, kombu, and wakame.

“Seafood can be challenging if you did not grow up eating them. However, hijiki, a dark brown or black seaweed, possesses an umami-rich, mushroom-like flavor that its greener counterparts lack.”

Hijiki has a light and simple flavor, so it is frequently seasoned in cooking with various seasonings. Hijiki has a soft texture.

Hijiki’s Nutritional Value

It’s a delicious addition to any meal, but the nutritional value of hijiki goes far beyond taste. It’s should be an essential part of the human diet. Like many other sea vegetables, hijiki is high in various essential minerals and nutrients like vitamin K, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, and dietary fiber. (1)

Health Benefit of Hijiki

In Japan, it is said that “eating hijiki prolongs life.” There are the following benefits of hijiki:

Improve Digestive Health

Seaweed is the utmost leafy green vegetable. Like many other vegetables, it is high in fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Dietary fiber stimulates peristaltic motion in the digestive tract, increasing nutrient absorption and reducing constipation in the process.

Promote Hormone Health

Although we rarely discuss iodine as a dietary component, it is critical for maintaining health and normal bodily functions. In addition, iodine has a significant impact on hormone balance and manipulation because it interacts directly with the thyroid gland – a crucial part of the endocrine system. Although too much can be dangerous, most people do not get enough iodine, and hijiki is an excellent source to get it!

Lowers Cholesterol Level

As mentioned earlier, hijiki is a low-calorie and high fiber food that fills you up and helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol from the body. It also helps to maintain healthy blood glucose and insulin levels. 

Boost Energy Levels

Hijiki contains a high amount of iron, which helps to boost your red blood cell count and oxygenation to your extremities, as well as your overall energy levels.

Improve Bone Health

Most people’s bones inevitably weaken as they age. This, however, can be avoided with an adequate mineral intake. Therefore, eating hijiki would help prevent osteoporosis, as it consists of more calcium than milk, the mineral’s ideal dietary source.

May Cures Insomnia

Magnesium has long been recognized as a helpful sleep aid, owing to its ability to spur the production of hormones that release stress and promote relaxation, resulting in restful sleep. Due to hijiki’s potentially high magnesium content, it would make an excellent late-night snack if sleep is defying you. All you require is an increase in magnesium!

How To Prepare Copycat Trader Joe’s Japanese Fried Rice

To make this delicious fried rice, you need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• Hijiki seaweed
• Bragg’s Liquid Aminos
• Maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Toasted sesame oil
• Olive oil
• Onion, finely diced
• Carrot, cut into strips
• Edamame (frozen) 
• Onions, chopped 
• Basmati rice (cooked)

Directions:

1. Soak hijiki in a bowl of water for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse 2-3 times to remove any debris, set aside.
2. Meanwhile combine liquid Aminos, maple syrup, lemon juice, and sesame oil in a medium bowl and set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat.
4. Add onions and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in carrot, edamame, spring onions,  and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Add rice and stir until fully incorporated with vegetables.
7. Stir in sauce mixture until thoroughly combined, continue cooking until the fried rice is fully heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Chef’s Notes

• I have used onions, carrots, edamame, and green onions in this Hijiki Seaweed Fried Rice. However, you can use any other vegetables you like or have available.
• As it’s one of my favorite types of brown rice, so, I have used Basmati brown rice for this recipe. But, of course, you may substitute any other type of rice you love.
• Wondering … Where can you purchase hijiki? You can purchase dried Hijiki from Asian or Japanese stores or online.

Other Vegan Fried Rice Recipes To Prepare

1. Pineapple Fried Rice
2. Italian Quinoa Fried Rice
3. Spring Fried Rice
4. Vegan Cauliflower Fried Rice
5. Kimchi Fried Quinoa

I want to say that you must give it a try… you will be astounded by this recipe, which is yet another justification for enjoying more vegan food.

How do you like to enjoy hijiki? Let me know in the comments section!