Step 1. Make the broth: In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the dried shrimp and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to infuse the broth with its umami-rich flavor. If you use tiny shrimps, you can skip this step and drop them together with seaweed at step 2.
Step 2. Add the seaweed: Stir in the dried seaweed and continue to simmer for another 3–5 minutes, until the water comes to a boil again. Add salt to taste, and feel free to adjust the water level depending on how concentrated you want the flavor.
Step 3. Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with chopped scallions or a drop of sesame oil for added aroma.
