Arame and Calamari salad

Arame and Calamari Salad

Like everything I make, this recipe is subject to interpretation and I think could be excellent with many possible variations on the ingredients. As written, this serves two adults as a generous first course with some leftover for the next day. I opted to serve this with a shitake miso soup.

For the salad:

1 package dried arame or other sea vegetable
4 or so scallions, chopped finely
1 package frozen whole calamari (Whole Foods sells a great one, but use fresh if you have access)
2 carrots, julienned
Black or white sesame seeds to garnish
1tbl. Coconut oil for the squid

For the marinade:

3 tbl. soy sauce
3 tbl. Seasoned rice vinegar
Honey to taste (I used a half tsp. since the vinegar contains sugar already)
3 tbl. Toasted sesame oil
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 small cloves of garlic, pressed
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

1. Follow the soaking instructions on your seaweed package (mine said to soak in cool water for 20 minutes and then rinse and drain well)
2. Chop your scallions and carrots
3. Slice the squid into rings and pan sautée on high heat for 2-3 minutes covered then let cool in a colander; run under cold water to fully stop cooking and bring temp down
4. Combine seaweed, marinade, veggies, and calamari in a mixing bowl
5. Serve on individual plates garnished with sesame seeds

Voila! So easy!! So healthy!! So delicious!!