Crispy seaweed

I couldn’t believe how simple it was to make crispy seaweed — it takes just a few minutes and you’ve got a side dish that instantly transforms any Chinese‑style dinner. There’s something irresistibly moreish about crispy seaweed, the kind of salty, crunchy bite you can’t help but nibble at. Inspired by the classic takeaway favourite, this version is surprisingly quick and easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. The greens turn beautifully crisp in the oven, with a light seasoning that brings out their natural flavour and gives you that familiar sweet‑savory finish.

Whether you serve it alongside your favourite fakeaway dishes or enjoy it straight from the tray, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavour with very little effort

What goes well with this side dish?

Crispy seaweed goes brilliantly alongside your favourite Chinese‑style dishes such as sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, egg fried rice, crispy chilli beef, spring rolls, or even a simple stir‑fry. It also works well as a little salty snack on its own.

Crispy seaweed

Crispy seaweed

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g Kale
  • 1 tsp demerara sugar
  • vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Remove the stalls from the kale, wash and thoroughly dry the kale with kitchen roll and finely shred the leaves.
  • Heat deep fryer to 170°c, add the kale in batches and cook for 1-2mins. Be careful not to burn.
  • Remove and place on kitchen roll to drain. Repeat until all the kale is crispy.
  • Place in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar.