Noodles and Rice

Substitutes for Nori

by Stef on October 20th, 2006

A reader asks: “Nori isn’t readily available where I am. Any suggestions for a substitute?”

The only other seaweed that I know can substitute for nori is “ulva” aka sea lettuce but I’ve never seen it here so I can’t vouch for it. There’s some info here if you’re interested.

There is also something called “mamenori” which is made from soy, available at Sushi Foods

Another possibility is the Laotian product kaipen, which you can get here.
More info here. This one I haven’t tried either, maybe soon.

If you’re just looking for something to roll things up in, there are other Asian wraps you can try, like Vietnamese rice papers (soak for a bit and use, no need to cook), spring roll wrappers aka lumpia wrappers or spring roll wrappers, store-bought or homemade crepes, Chinese “crepes” like those used for mu shu pork — you can also use Mexican tortilla wraps, esp. if made with only flour and water — same makeup as the ones used for mu shu so it’s a great substitute.

Hope that answers your question:)

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POSTED IN: Ingredient Spotlight, Where To Buy Asian Food