Crispy Stir-Fried Laver (Kimjaban) Recipe
Deliciously Crispy Stir-Fried Seaweed Flakes (Kimjaban)
This recipe features ‘paraegim jaban’ (laver flakes), which are best when in season. While delicious when seasoned and mixed, stir-frying them brings out an incredible crispiness that makes them a perfect side dish for rice. I used about a quarter of a large sheet of laver, tearing it into manageable pieces. Even with a large pan, it felt quite full! Using a combination of olive oil, grapeseed oil, and sesame oil resulted in the cleanest and most flavorful stir-fried laver I’ve ever made. It’s not greasy at all and stays wonderfully crisp, making it hard to stop snacking on, even by itself. This recipe is simple, quick, and results in a fantastic homemade side dish that even impressed my guests. Enjoy this delightful and addictive crispy seaweed snack!
Ingredients- 1/4 sheet Parae Gimjaban (laver flakes)
Seasoning- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 3 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- A pinch of Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by tearing the prepared laver flakes into bite-sized pieces. Larger pieces will retain a better texture after stir-frying.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil and grapeseed oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, reduce the heat to low. This step ensures the laver flakes cook evenly without burning.
Step 3
Add the torn laver flakes to the pan. Don’t be alarmed if it looks like a lot; the flakes will reduce in volume as they cook.
Step 4
This is the crucial step! Keep the heat on low and use both hands to quickly and continuously stir-fry the laver flakes. This constant motion is key to achieving maximum crispiness without scorching. While stir-frying, evenly sprinkle in the salt to season the flakes.
Step 5
Once the laver flakes appear sufficiently crispy, turn off the heat. Drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, tossing gently one last time using the residual heat of the pan. This final step enhances the nutty aroma and helps maintain the crispiness.
Step 6
Transfer the perfectly stir-fried laver flakes to a serving dish. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to preserve their crispness for longer. This makes an excellent side dish for meals or a delightful snack!