16 Best School Lunchbox Ideas & Recipes for Children
Anyone who has been a parent knows that packing a lunchbox for school can be a daunting task. You want to ensure your child has something nutritious to eat, but you also don’t want to […]
If you get the basics of cooking with dulse down, you’ll notice a huge difference in flavor and texture. Choosing the right type, prepping it properly, and understanding how this red seaweed behaves in different cooking methods all matter.
Two main species show up in most recipes: Palmaria palmata and Devaleraea mollis. Each has its own personality in the kitchen.
Palmaria palmata has flat, leathery blades that really shine in soups and stews. The wide surface area soaks up flavors and stays together during long simmering.
Devaleraea mollis comes in bushy, pom-pom clusters. These little fronds work best for quick stir-fries or as a crispy garnish. They crisp up fast when you fry them.
Fresh vs Dried Dulse:
| Type | Best Uses | Shelf Life | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh | Salads, light cooking | 5 days refrigerated | Minimal |
| Dried | Soups, long cooking | 12 months stored properly | Requires rehydration |
Dried dulse packs a punch—just a little bit brings loads of flavor compared to fresh.
A little prep goes a long way to avoid common kitchen mishaps. Fresh dulse just needs a quick rinse in cold water to wash away sand and salt.
Pat it dry with paper towels. If you leave it wet, you’ll get splatters when frying and the flavors won’t be as strong.
For dried dulse, soak it in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes until it softens up. Thicker or older pieces might need a bit longer.
Trim off any tough stems or damaged bits. Those woody parts just stay chewy no matter how long you cook them.
Temperature Control:
Dulse can burn fast on high heat. Stick to medium or low—otherwise, those delicate fronds turn bitter and black. When you blanch it, the color shifts from red to deep green in seconds.
Dulse brings a complex umami hit with a hint of the sea. Raw, it’s a little salty and slightly bitter, but that mellows out when you cook it.
Heat changes everything. Cooked dulse gets rich and smoky, almost bacon-like. The longer it cooks, the smokier it gets.
Fresh dulse feels supple and a bit chewy, kind of like tender meat. If you fry dried dulse, it turns crispy.
Texture Changes During Cooking:
The thin tips cook way faster than the thick stems. Slice it evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.
Good dulse comes from clean, cold waters. Look for bright red or purple pieces—skip anything with brown spots or a fishy smell.
Fresh Storage:
Pop it in the fridge right away in a breathable container. If you use plastic bags, moisture builds up and it spoils faster. Try to eat it within five days for the best taste and nutrients.
Dried Storage:
Store it in airtight containers, away from light and moisture. Dried dulse can last up to a year if you keep it dry. Check every so often for mold or off smells.
Sourcing Options:
Buy from sellers who test for heavy metals and other nasties. Wild dulse should come from certified clean waters.
Frozen dulse is handy for cooked recipes, but it loses its texture if you want to eat it raw. Freeze it in small batches for easy use later.
Coastal Irish families have relied on these classic dulse recipes for generations. They turn salty red seaweed into hearty soups, filling quiches, and breads with a distinct flavor. Each dish lets dulse’s natural umami shine.
Hebridean broth is a classic. This creamy soup really highlights dulse’s oceanic flavor. You start by soaking 25g dried dulse for 5-10 minutes, then boil it separately.
Boil the soaked dulse for 10 minutes while you mash a medium potato. When you combine the two, you get a hearty base.
Be careful at the next step—slowly stir in 750ml milk, then add 25g butter and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Let it all simmer for 20 minutes, stirring often.
Season with black pepper and maybe a bit more lemon juice. The soup ends up warming and full of coastal flavors, especially if you serve it with crusty bread.
Dulse quiche turns seaweed into a surprisingly elegant main dish. For this, you’ll need 17g dulse. Chop it up fine in a blender, then soak it to take the edge off the salt.
Line a greased 8-inch dish with 250g ready-made shortcrust pastry. Let it rest at room temp for half an hour, then trim the extra.
Mix the soaked dulse with 50g grated cheese and put it in the pastry case. Beat three or four eggs with 300ml milk for the custard, but go easy on the salt—dulse brings plenty.
Bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes. When a skewer comes out clean, it’s ready. The dulse adds umami through the whole quiche, and the cheese keeps the saltiness in check.
Traditional dillisk bread uses finely chopped dulse for a sweet quick bread with a hint of the ocean. You’ll need 25g dulse, blitzed in a blender until it’s really fine.
Soak the chopped dulse in a sieve for 5-10 minutes, then pat it dry. That way, your dough won’t get soggy.
Mix 110g melted butter, one grated carrot, four eggs, and 50g caster sugar. Stir these into 250g sieved plain flour and 1.5 teaspoons baking powder.
Bake at 140°C for 40-50 minutes in a buttered loaf tin. Let the bread cool completely before slicing, or it’ll fall apart. The dulse gives a subtle sea flavor, and the carrot adds sweetness and keeps it moist.
Dulse can totally transform cold dishes. Its salty, umami taste works as a swap for anchovies in dressings or adds minerals and flavor to fresh veggies.
It’s especially good in creamy slaws, bold Caesar-style dressings, and mixed salads. That chewy texture is a nice contrast to crunchy vegetables.
Coleslaw gets a seaside twist with dulse flakes mixed into the creamy dressing. The seaweed’s saltiness means you can cut back on added salt, and it brings essential minerals along for the ride.
Toss finely chopped dulse with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions. The dulse softens a bit in mayo-based dressings, making the flavors blend together. If you have fresh dulse, just tear it and toss it in for extra bite.
A splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey help balance things out. Let the slaw sit for half an hour before serving so the dulse hydrates and the flavors meld.
This pairs well with grilled fish or as a side for seafood. If you’re using Celtic sea salt, you can probably use half as much when dulse is in the mix.
Dulse is a great plant-based swap for anchovies in Caesar dressing. It brings that same umami punch, but with a smoky, mineral-rich twist.
Blend soaked dulse with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for the base. A food processor makes it smooth, but leaving a little texture can be nice.
If you use fresh dulse, soak it quickly in cold water before blending. Dried flakes can go straight in with the wet ingredients. The seaweed’s natural oils help make the dressing creamy.
Add Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and black pepper to finish. It keeps in the fridge for up to a week, and the dulse flavor just gets stronger as it sits.
Dulse fits right in with mixed salads, especially with veggies and grains that complement its flavor. It’s great with potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
Quinoa or barley adds protein and makes the salad more filling. Fresh veggies like cucumber, radishes, and bell peppers bring crunch. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of acidity.
Stick with simple vinaigrettes—heavy, creamy dressings can drown out the dulse’s flavor. Olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs do the job.
Tear raw dulse leaves into the salad, or rehydrate dried flakes in the dressing before tossing. This way, the flavor spreads evenly and you won’t get any weird chewy clumps.
Dulse takes plant-based cooking up a notch, turning plain veggies and grains into savory, satisfying meals. Its smoky flavor pairs perfectly with tempeh, adds depth to grain bowls, and makes vegan snacks that even meat-eaters love.
Tempeh gets a bacon-y vibe when you add dulse flakes and smoked paprika. The fermented soya brings the protein, and dulse packs in that umami hit that so many plant-based dishes need.
Slice tempeh into strips and pan-fry until golden. Sprinkle with dulse flakes and smoked paprika in the last couple of minutes. The heat releases the seaweed’s smoky side.
This works great in grain bowls or with roasted veggies. You can also crumble it into scrambled tofu for a savory breakfast. Some restaurants serve it with Brussels sprouts, where the dulse really does a bacon impersonation—without any meat.
Storage tip: Store cooked dulse tempeh in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to keep it crispy.
Brown rice, quinoa, and farro really shine when you toss in some dulse. This seaweed brings a mineral boost and turns plain grains into bowls that actually taste interesting.
Try brown rice with cherry tomatoes, parsley, and a sprinkle of dulse flakes. The purple bits look great and pack that briny punch. I like quinoa with dulse powder stirred right into the pot—it’s subtle but works.
Plant-based restaurants love using dulse in signature bowls, especially with roasted sweet potato and a drizzle of tahini. That salty seaweed balances out the sweet veggies. Kimchi and dulse together? It’s a classic in Korean-inspired bowls.
Chefs often prep big batches of grains seasoned with dulse for easy meals. Letting it sit overnight only deepens the flavour, as the seaweed soaks right in.
Dulse flakes make snacks totally addictive when you toss them with nuts, seeds, or veggie crisps. Since the seaweed’s already salty, you usually don’t need to add more.
Kale crisps dusted with dulse powder are a way healthier swap for regular crisps. Roasted chickpeas with dulse? Loads of protein and crunch. You’ll even spot dulse popcorn at health food shops these days.
Trail mix gets a savoury lift from dulse. It balances out sweet dried fruit and adds minerals. Smoked paprika with dulse is a killer combo for roasted nuts—honestly, it’s hard to stop eating them.
Home cooks can whip up dulse crackers with ground flaxseed and dulse powder. They’re crunchy, satisfying, and a lot better for you than most store-bought snacks.
Dulse makes for excellent snacks with just a bit of prep. This red seaweed crisps up nicely when heated and brings out umami in everything from crackers to condiments.
Dulse cheesies blend the seaweed’s smokiness with strong cheese for an Irish twist on cheese straws. The dulse gives a bacon-like flavour that just works with sharp cheddar.
Fresh dulse is best here. Give it a quick rinse, chop it up, and mix one ounce with 200g grated mature cheddar and 150g plain flour.
Cut 100g cold butter into cubes and rub it in until you get a breadcrumb texture. The dulse should be mixed in evenly.
Shape the dough into a log, chill for half an hour, then slice and bake at 180°C for about 12-15 minutes. They’ll come out golden and crisp, with pops of sea flavour in every bite.
This chili crisp swaps out dried shrimp or fish for dulse, adding a deep oceanic kick to the spicy oil.
Chop up eight garlic cloves and heat them in 400ml neutral oil until golden and fragrant.
Pat a cup of dulse dry, chop it finely, and mix with 80g Aleppo pepper flakes, a tablespoon of smoked paprika, and two teaspoons sea salt.
Pour the hot garlic oil over the mixture. It should sizzle—if not, the oil’s not hot enough. Let it sit for a day at room temperature.
Stash the finished chili crisp in the fridge. Spoon it over eggs, seafood, or rice for instant umami.
These homemade crackers really let dulse shine. Here, the seaweed steps up as the main event.
Mix 200g plain flour, a teaspoon of salt, and two tablespoons chopped dried dulse. Add three tablespoons olive oil and just enough cold water for a firm dough.
Roll it thin between parchment sheets. The thinner, the better—they’ll crisp up nicely. Cut into squares or rectangles.
Bake at 200°C for 8-10 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Let them cool before storing.
These crackers go so well with Irish cheeses and definitely beat most shop-bought options.
Dulse can turn basic main dishes into umami-packed meals. Its smoky, bacon-like flavour works with poultry, pasta, and veggies for hearty, memorable plates.
Pan-seared chicken gets a huge boost from dulse’s smokiness. Chefs mix dried, ground dulse with breadcrumbs and herbs for a flavourful crust.
Roasted chicken thighs love a dulse seasoning too. Chop fresh dulse, mix with garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil, and use it as a marinade.
Simmering chicken broth with dulse fronds gives soups a mineral-rich depth. Add the seaweed in the last 10 minutes so it stays tender.
If you’re after crunch, swap bacon bits for dulse. Toss dried dulse in a hot pan and it crisps up fast—perfect for topping salads or grain bowls.
Linguine with dulse is a clever, seafood-free take on classic marine pasta. The seaweed’s saltiness means you barely need to add anything else.
Fresh dulse loves cream-based sauces. Its slight bitterness balances out the richness, and blanching it for a few seconds softens the texture and brightens the colour.
For dulse pesto, blend fresh dulse with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. You get loads of umami without overpowering the pasta.
Oil-based pasta works too. Sauté chopped dulse with garlic and chilli flakes, toss with spaghetti and herbs, and you’ve got a simple meal with a bit of crunch.
Asian-style stir-fries get a natural MSG boost from dulse. It brings out the flavour in veggies while adding protein and minerals.
Root vegetables—think carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes—pair well with dulse’s earthiness. The combo is hearty and full of flavour.
Mushrooms and dulse together create a real umami bomb. Both have natural glutamates, so they play off each other in stir-fries, risottos, or grain bowls.
Fresh dulse cooks quickly. Add it right at the end so it keeps its bite and all those nutrients.
Dulse brings a unique umami punch and minerals to baked goods. Irish soda bread, savoury muffins, and cheese biscuits all get a lift from this seaweed.
Irish soda bread gets a salty, oceanic edge with dulse flakes. The seaweed pairs perfectly with tangy buttermilk.
For dulse soda bread, just add 25g finely chopped dried dulse to your regular flour, soda, and buttermilk mix. Soak the dulse for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Dillisk bread is similar but adds carrot, eggs, and melted butter along with the dulse. You end up with a moist loaf and a hint of the sea.
Bake dulse bread at a lower temp—around 140°C—to keep the seaweed from turning bitter. The bread keeps well and the flavour deepens by the next day.
Dulse works wonders in savoury bakes with cheese and herbs. Dulse cheesies—those crispy biscuits—mix cheddar, flour, butter, and chopped dulse.
Getting the dulse texture right matters. A food processor helps to chop it fine so it blends into the dough.
Muffins get a mineral-rich twist with 15-20g of dulse added to the batter. It’s subtle but adds depth, especially with mature cheese and fresh herbs like chives.
Bake biscuits for about 10-15 minutes, muffins for 20-25 minutes at 200°C. The trick is to let dulse enhance, not overpower, the other flavours.
Dulse turns basic broths into soups packed with minerals and the essence of Ireland’s coastal waters. You’ll often see it paired with root veggies and aromatics for warming bowls.
This classic Scottish-Irish soup puts dulse front and centre. You just need dried dulse, potatoes, leeks, and a good chicken or veggie broth.
Key ingredients include:
Start by soaking the dulse for 10-15 minutes. Pick out any sand or shells—nobody wants grit in their soup.
Sauté the leeks in butter until soft. Add potatoes and salt, cover, and cook for about 6-8 minutes.
Pour in the broth and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Blend until smooth.
Stir in the rehydrated dulse and simmer for five more minutes. The soup ends up with a gentle oceanic note that really works with the potatoes.
Modern takes on classic recipes mix dulse with all kinds of veggies. Cauliflower, orzo, and whatever’s in season make for a heartier soup.
Dulse and orzo soup brings a Mediterranean vibe. The pasta adds heft, dulse brings umami to the broth.
Popular vegetable combinations:
Vegan versions just swap in vegetable stock. Dulse thickens the broth and adds minerals.
Sprinkle dulse flakes on top as a garnish to keep their texture and colour. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten things up and complement the briny notes.
Season with care—dulse already adds plenty of salt, so taste as you go.

Dulse brings a natural smokiness and umami punch that works wonders with warm spices, fresh herbs, and other umami-rich ingredients. When you find the right combos, you can really highlight dulse’s bacon-like notes and keep its slight bitterness in check.
Smoked paprika and dulse just seem made for each other. The paprika doubles down on dulse’s earthy, smoky side without drowning out its subtle sea flavor.
Traditional Spanish pimentón dulce fits the bill perfectly. Its sweet, smoky taste lifts dulse’s umami edge. If you’re after some heat, hot smoked paprika brings it without fighting those mineral undertones.
Start slow with the paprika. Try half a teaspoon per ounce of dried dulse and see how it feels. This duo shines in chili crisp and spice blends.
How you prep matters. Toast whole dulse leaves gently before sprinkling on the paprika. This step keeps things from burning and pulls out deeper flavors. Stick to medium-low heat—nobody wants bitter seaweed or paprika.
People love dulse and paprika salt on roasted veggies. Seafood gets a big boost from this pairing too. Toss it into egg dishes or potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh herbs cut through dulse’s earthiness and add fresh, heady aromas. Chives and dulse are a classic match, especially in creamy dishes or salad dressings.
Parsley’s crisp, clean taste balances dulse’s intensity. Toss finely chopped parsley with crumbled dulse and you’ve got a killer finishing touch. This blend works magic on white fish and shellfish.
Mediterranean herbs open up new flavor paths. Fresh thyme matches dulse’s smokiness in roasted veggies, while rosemary stands up to it in potato gratins and stews.
Timing makes all the difference with herbs and dulse. Add delicate herbs like chives after you’ve cooked the dulse. Hardy types like thyme can join the pan right from the start.
Keep your ratios in check. Go for two parts fresh herbs to one part dulse so the seaweed doesn’t overpower everything. The goal is balance, not a seaweed takeover.
Dulse naturally packs glutamates, giving it big umami vibes. Pairing it smartly with other ingredients can make those savory notes even bolder.
Parmesan cheese and dulse are a knockout combo. The cheese’s crumbly texture plays off dulse’s chewiness. Use them together in Caesar dressings or pasta for real depth.
Garlic ramps up dulse’s umami if you caramelize it slowly. Sauté minced garlic in oil, then add the dulse—layers of flavor just build from there. This trick forms the backbone for loads of dulse condiments.
Worcestershire sauce shares flavor compounds with dulse. A splash brings out more of that natural smokiness. It’s especially good in dressings and marinades.
Mushrooms and dulse? So much umami. Dried shiitakes add earthiness and a chewy bite, while fresh mushrooms give a softer contrast.
Capers cut through dulse’s richness with a bright, briny tang. Their salty kick matches the seaweed’s ocean flavor. Toss them together in tartares or Mediterranean-style dishes for something special.
Dulse slips easily into all kinds of global cooking. Its smoky, umami-rich character fits right into Asian broths or Mediterranean salads. It brings a new kind of ocean depth to classic dishes from around the world.
Asian cooks have long appreciated dulse’s savory taste. The seaweed slides right into miso soup, where its earthy notes play off the fermented soybean broth.
Chefs often toss chopped dulse into ramen broths near the end of cooking. The seaweed releases minerals and deepens the flavor more than nori ever could.
Dulse Fried Rice is a fun twist for leftovers. Stir chopped dulse into hot rice with soy sauce—the result is little purple flecks and a boost of texture. It even helps keep the dish from turning overly salty.
Korean-style dulse finds its way into kimchi. The seaweed ferments with cabbage, building layers of flavor over a few days. Its natural saltiness means you can use less added salt.
Chinese stir-fries love dulse for its quick-cooking nature. Add fresh dulse strips to veggie stir-fries right before serving. The seaweed wilts fast and keeps its color.
Mediterranean cooks lean into dulse’s love for olive oil and garlic. Italian chefs sneak it into pasta sauces for a hit of depth that doesn’t overwhelm.
Dulse Tapenade blends chopped dulse with olives, capers, and anchovies. The seaweed’s saltiness amps up the classic Provençal spread and brings in a bit of the sea.
Spanish paella gets an upgrade when you swap in some dulse for seafood. The seaweed infuses the rice with minerals and keeps that coastal vibe intact.
Greek salads get more interesting with a sprinkle of dried dulse flakes over tomatoes and feta. The purple color pops next to all those bright veggies.
French vinaigrettes sometimes feature dulse, too. Mix soaked seaweed with Dijon mustard and shallots for a sharp, oceanic dressing—perfect on bitter greens like endive.
Portuguese cooks stir dulse into classic fish stews. The robust flavor backs up cod and other white fish without stealing the spotlight.
Dulse is a powerhouse for minerals, quality protein, and antioxidants—it honestly rivals a lot of land-based superfoods. Add it to daily meals, and you get a big nutrition boost that’s easy for your body to use.
Dulse stands out for its dense mineral content. You get lots of iodine—great for thyroid health and metabolism. There’s also potassium for your heart and magnesium for muscle function.
B vitamins play a big part in dulse’s nutritional lineup. You’ll even find B12, which is a lifesaver for vegetarians and vegans who struggle to get enough from plants.
Minerals in dulse include:
Dulse’s mineral punch changes depending on where and when it’s harvested. Atlantic dulse usually has more minerals than Pacific types. The plant soaks up nutrients straight from seawater, so it acts like a natural supplement.
Dulse packs more iron than most land veggies. One ounce of dried dulse gives you about 3-4 milligrams—roughly 20% of what most adults need daily.
This easily absorbed iron helps fend off anemia and keeps your blood oxygenated. It’s non-haem iron, so it works even better if you eat it with vitamin C-rich foods like lemon or tomatoes.
Dulse’s iron is especially helpful for:
Since dulse comes in its natural form, your body absorbs the iron slowly. This gentler approach means less chance of stomach upset, unlike some iron pills.
Dulse brings complete protein—all the essential amino acids are there. The dry weight is about 15-20% protein, so it matches up with many beans and grains.
Its antioxidants—polyphenols and polysaccharides—help fight cell damage from free radicals. They might even help with inflammation.
Dulse’s unique antioxidants come from its tough ocean home. The plant develops natural shields, and those benefits pass on to us.
Some research points to these antioxidants supporting heart health and the immune system. When you combine the protein and antioxidants, you get more than the sum of their parts.
Dulse gives home cooks an eco-friendly swap for lots of traditional ingredients. This seaweed grows without fertilisers, pesticides, or even fresh water—making it one of the most sustainable foods out there.
Growing dulse barely leaves a mark on the planet compared to farming on land. The seaweed soaks up carbon dioxide from the ocean and puts out oxygen, actually helping marine ecosystems thrive.
You don’t need to clear land, feed livestock, or use water to grow dulse. It just grows on rocky coasts all by itself. That means no soil erosion, no chemicals, and no wrecked habitats.
Carbon-wise: Seaweed farms can pull out up to 20 times more carbon per acre than forests on land.
Harvesting dulse leaves almost nothing behind. You can eat the whole plant, stems and all. Drying it the old-fashioned way doesn’t need power or big machines. Many producers use solar drying, which leaves zero carbon footprint.
Transport is easy since dried dulse is so light and nutrient-dense. You get more nutrition per gram than most fresh veggies.
Wild dulse grows thick along Ireland’s Atlantic coast—think Cork, Kerry, and Donegal. Local gatherers use old-school methods, handed down through families, to keep harvesting sustainable.
Harvesting Season: The best time is May to September, when dulse hits peak nutrition. Foragers snip only the tops, letting roots regrow.
Sustainable rules mean leaving at least a third of each patch untouched. This keeps the ecosystem in balance and the dulse coming back year after year.
Local suppliers usually gather dulse by hand from clean, specific coastal spots. Lots of Irish producers work directly with seaside communities, helping local economies and keeping standards high.
Wild dulse just tastes better than farmed stuff. The minerals vary with each coastline, so every harvest has its own flavor personality.

These common questions about dulse tackle everything from storage and prep to boosting nutrition and sneaking this seaweed into more dishes. You’ll find tips for vegetarian cooking, flavor upgrades, rehydration, traditional recipes, keeping nutrients locked in, and using dulse as a seasoning.
Vegetarian cooks often toss fresh dulse leaves into salads for a hit of umami that stands in for the depth meat usually brings. Tear the leaves and mix them with greens for texture and a little smokiness.
Dulse pairs perfectly with starchy vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes. People often chop it into potato gratins or roasted veggie mixes.
It also brings new life to grain dishes. Stir dulse flakes into rice pilafs, quinoa salads, or pasta right at the end of cooking for a savory twist.
Dulse adds a natural umami boost to soups, deepening the flavor without taking over. Most cooks toss dried dulse flakes into the pot while the broth simmers, letting the seaweed work its magic.
If you’ve got fresh dulse, try adding it near the end of cooking. The leaves hold onto their color and texture better if you just blanch them for a minute or so in the hot broth.
A lot of chefs suggest starting small, maybe a tablespoon of dried dulse per liter of broth. You can always add more if you want to build up the flavor.
Cold water works best for rehydrating dried dulse. Just soak the seaweed for about 10-15 minutes until it softens up and turns leathery.
After soaking, give the dulse a quick rinse under fresh water. This step helps wash away any leftover salt or little bits of debris.
If you’re in a hurry, warm water will speed things up. But just a heads-up—it can make the dulse a bit fragile, so handle it gently.
People in Irish coastal areas have snacked on dulse for ages, eating it dried right out of the bag like crisps. It’s smoky and surprisingly satisfying.
In Scotland and Ireland, folks sometimes fry dulse with butter and garlic until it crisps up. That gives it a bacon-like crunch, which makes a great topping for potatoes or eggs.
Some coastal communities also cook dulse in stews and broths. The seaweed brings both flavor and a nutritional punch, especially when combined with local fish and root veggies.
If you want to keep dulse’s nutrients, don’t cook it for long. Toss it in during the last few minutes, and you’ll hang onto more vitamins and minerals.
Stick to low or medium heat to avoid burning the seaweed or breaking down those delicate nutrients. This way, you keep both the flavor and the good stuff.
Fresh dulse holds onto more nutrients than dried. Try to use it within five days, and keep it in the fridge so it stays fresh.
You can absolutely use dried dulse as a seasoning. Just grind it into a powder or break it into flakes, then sprinkle it right onto your food—kind of like you’d use salt or herbs.
Dulse chili crisp is a favorite of mine. Basically, you chop up dulse and toss it with oil, garlic, and spices to make a condiment that brings a big hit of umami to whatever you’re eating.
This seaweed also plays well in mixed seasonings. Some folks like to blend dulse flakes with paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt, and then use that on veggies or proteins.