Nori Butter

FOR GRILLED DISHES 

Nori is dried pressed seaweed formed into paper-like sheets that hold together many forms of sushi. Here it adds a hint of brininess to butter for shrimp, scallops, or crab. Keep extra nori sheets in a zipper-lock plastic bag and store flat in the pantry.

Nori butter is a culinary creation that marries the delicate umami of nori seaweed with the richness of butter. This simple yet inventive compound butter adds a unique twist to your culinary repertoire. Nori, a type of edible seaweed often used in sushi rolls, contributes a subtle marine flavor that complements various seafood dishes. The butter acts as a creamy carrier for the nori’s umami notes, resulting in a savory and indulgent spread. This recipe offers a quick and creative way to elevate your seafood dishes with a hint of oceanic essence.

Nori butter is a culinary gem that brings the ocean’s essence to your table in a delightful and innovative way. Its simplicity and versatility make it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, especially when seeking to elevate seafood dishes with a touch of umami and richness.

MAKES: ABOUT 1¼ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 sheets toasted nori
• ½ cup water
• 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter
• Kosher salt or coarse sea salt, optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Nori: Lay the nori sheets in a shallow baking dish, ideally an 8-inch square dish. Cover the nori sheets with ½ cup of water and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This will soften the nori and allow it to become pliable.
2. Process the Nori: Transfer the softened nori sheets along with their soaking water to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until a smooth paste forms. The nori paste will infuse the butter with its subtle oceanic flavor.
3. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stirring occasionally, ensure that the butter is fully melted and smooth.
4. Combine the Nori and Butter: Once the butter is melted, stir in the nori puree that you prepared earlier. The nori paste will blend into the butter, adding its distinct flavor. If you desire a bit more seasoning, you can add a pinch of kosher salt or coarse sea salt at this stage.
5. Serve and Enjoy: The nori butter is now ready to be used. This compound butter is an excellent accompaniment to seafood dishes. Whether brushed on grilled fish or melted atop shellfish, the nori butter imparts a subtle marine essence that enhances the flavors of the seafood.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Brush the nori butter on freshly grilled fish fillets or whole fish before serving. The butter will melt and create a flavorful glaze.
• Add a dollop of nori butter to a pan-seared scallop dish for a touch of richness and umami.
• Use the nori butter as a finishing touch on seafood pasta dishes, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta and mingle with the flavors.
• Enhance your seafood risotto by stirring a spoonful of nori butter into the dish just before serving.
• Offer a side of nori butter when serving crusty bread with a seafood-focused meal for a delightful and unexpected flavor combination.

VARIATION:

• For a different take on this concept, you can replace the nori with anchovies to create an anchovy butter. Incorporating several tablespoons of high-quality anchovy paste or pureed anchovy fillets will lend a more pronounced savory kick to the butter, making it a versatile option for a range of dishes.