How to Use Agar Agar

Agar agar, also known as kanten, seaweed jelly, Japanese gelatin, or plant-based gelatin, is a gel derived from red algae, a type of seaweed. This versatile ingredient is primarily used in cooking. It is odorless, tasteless, and contains only 3 calories per gram. This guide will show you how to prepare agar agar and explore various ways to use it.

Choose the right type of agar agar. Agar agar comes in three main forms: powder, flakes, or strips. All three have similar quality, with the main difference being in preparation. Powdered agar agar is generally the easiest to use, as it can be substituted for gelatin at a 1:1 ratio (1 teaspoon (3g) of gelatin equals 1 teaspoon (2g) of powdered agar agar). The powdered form also dissolves more easily than the flake or strip versions. If you’re unsure, go with the powdered variety.

• Agar agar strips are white, lightweight, and freeze-dried. You can grind them using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle, or break them into smaller pieces by hand to help them dissolve faster. One strip of agar agar equals 2 teaspoons (about 4g) of powdered agar agar.
• Agar agar flakes can also be ground with a coffee grinder or pestle. They are less concentrated than the powdered form and are white in color, resembling fish food. 2 tablespoons (about 8g) of agar agar flakes is equivalent to 2 teaspoons of powdered agar agar.
• You can purchase agar agar from natural food stores, Asian markets, or online.

Mix agar agar with liquid and whisk with a whisk. The firmness of the jelly will depend on the amount of agar agar you use. If the recipe does not specify the amount of agar agar, you can follow this general guideline: To thicken 1 cup (240 ml) of liquid, use 1 teaspoon (about 2g) of powdered agar agar, 1 tablespoon (4g) of agar agar flakes, or half a strip of agar agar.

• If replacing gelatin with agar agar, you can use an equal amount of powdered agar agar for thickening as the recipe suggests. Alternatively, for each teaspoon (3g) of gelatin, use 1 tablespoon (4g) of agar agar flakes or half a strip of agar agar.
• If you are thickening an acidic liquid, such as lemon juice or strawberry juice, you may need to increase the amount of agar agar.
• Some fruits with high acidity or enzymes that inhibit gelling need to be heated before use. These fruits include kiwi, pineapple, fresh figs, papaya, mango, and peaches.
• For these fruits, you can use canned versions to avoid the extra step of cooking, as canned fruits are already cooked. You can also dissolve agar agar in boiling water, then mix with acidic liquids.

Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer. Powdered agar agar needs to be boiled for about 5 minutes, while agar agar flakes should be boiled for 10-15 minutes. Stir the mixture until the agar agar is fully dissolved. Agar agar will absorb water during the simmering process and will help the liquid set as it cools down.

• The warmer the liquid, the better. One of the advantages of agar agar is that it starts to set at a much higher temperature than gelatin, so it will set at room temperature, even when it is still warm. The mixture will begin to set once it drops below 45°C. Adding other ingredients will lower the temperature, causing the agar agar to set before you’re ready, so it’s best to keep the liquid as hot as possible to prevent it from dropping below 45°C.
• If making an alcoholic jelly, boil the agar agar with fruit juice or other mixtures first, then stir in the alcohol at the end to prevent it from evaporating.

Pour the mixture into molds or containers and let it set at room temperature. The mixture will begin to set when it reaches 40-45°C and will remain firm as long as the temperature stays below 79°C. You do not need to refrigerate the jelly unless you prefer it cold, so you can leave it at room temperature without worrying about it melting or becoming soft.

• If you’re unsure whether you’ve used the correct amount of agar agar, you can pour a little into a cold bowl to test if it sets. If it doesn’t set after 30 seconds, you need to add more agar agar. If it sets to your desired consistency, add a bit more liquid.
• Do not stir or shake the jelly before it has fully set, or it will become runny.
• Do not grease the mold before pouring the mixture in. Agar agar jelly comes out of molds easily, and oil will affect the outcome of your jelly.
• Unlike gelatin, you can re-melt an agar agar mixture that has already set (if you want to add other ingredients, pour it into a different mold, add more agar agar to firm it up, or add more liquid to soften it). Simply bring it back to a boil, then let it cool again without affecting its gelling ability.

Make gummy candies by mixing agar agar with fruit juice or sweetened milk. Agar agar is odorless and tasteless, so it will take on the flavor of whatever ingredient you combine it with, allowing for endless flavor possibilities. These gummy candies will stay firm at room temperature, meaning you can leave them on a plate or in a bowl without worrying about them melting or becoming sticky. Try mixing agar agar with tea, fruit juices, or coffee – whatever sounds delicious!

• Try boiling chocolate milk with agar agar powder, then add a pinch of cinnamon. Pour the mixture into small glass cups, let it cool, and you’ll have a rich, sweet treat.
• Remember that some fruits with high acidity require a few extra steps, as the acidity or enzymes can hinder agar agar’s gelling ability.
• Pour the mixture into silicone molds in fun shapes. You can make star-shaped, kitten, heart, shell, or any other shapes you can find.

Create an edible cocktail using agar agar. You can make alcohol-flavored jelly shots for your party by boiling a mixture with agar agar. Once the mixture has simmered to dissolve all ingredients, stir in the alcohol. Pour the mixture into shot glasses or ice cube trays and let it set.

• Try mixing agar agar with ingredients for a hot toddy and serve hot at parties.

Use agar agar as an egg white substitute. Agar agar is an excellent alternative if a recipe calls for egg whites but you are vegan, allergic to eggs, or simply prefer not to use them. To replace one egg, mix 1 tablespoon (4g) of agar agar powder with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water. Blend with a hand mixer or whisk, then refrigerate. Once it has cooled, whisk it again. This mixture can replace egg whites in baked goods without altering the taste or color of the finished product.

Make vegan pudding or custard with agar agar gel. Many creamy desserts typically use eggs to thicken and structure the mixture. Instead of eggs, try making an agar agar gel following the steps from method 1. Use a blender or hand mixer to blend until smooth. Combine this gel with other ingredients, and you will have a delicious egg-free dessert.

• If you want to thicken the pudding or custard, you can add a bit of xanthan gum.
• If you'd like to loosen the mixture, simply stir in a little more water or another liquid.

Use agar agar to curb your appetite. Agar agar expands in your stomach, making you feel full sooner. This method, known as the "kanten diet" in Japan, is popular for reducing overeating. Type 2 diabetics who follow an agar agar diet have reported significant weight loss and improved metabolism. This diet can also help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Consult with a doctor before starting an agar agar-based diet.
• Make agar agar-based snacks to stay full throughout the day, or consume it during meals to help you feel full faster.
• Note that agar agar can also stimulate the bowel, potentially causing increased bathroom trips.
• Be sure to drink at least 240 ml of water with agar agar, as it expands and may cause a blockage in your throat or intestines if taken without enough liquid.

Taking agar agar capsules can help stimulate bowel movements and ease constipation. Since agar agar consists of 80% fiber, it can be beneficial if you're looking to relieve constipation. However, it is crucial not to take agar agar when suffering from a bowel obstruction (a condition where gas or stool cannot pass through), as it could worsen the blockage.

• Do not consume agar agar if you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, or nausea. Contact your doctor, as these may be signs of a bowel obstruction.
• Ensure you drink plenty of water (at least 240 ml) when using agar agar as a laxative.