Cold-Stirred Agar-Agar

Agar-agar, a processed seaweed, has no taste of its own but plenty of resilient texture and bulk. Being spongy, it absorbs seasonings; when mingled and eaten with minced dried shrimp, tasty ham, and crisp spinach, it makes a refreshing exotic salad of brilliant colors and contrasting textures. The dried shrimp add a spark of extra taste, but you may omit them.