Cucumber Stir-Fried with Wood ear fungus and Beancurd bamboo is a dish that combines texture and history in one. This dish features dried Beancurd bamboo, cucumber, and wood ear fungus as the main ingredients. Through a unique cooking process, the beancurd bamboo fully absorb the fragrance of the cucumber and wood ear beancurd bamboo, resulting in a more flavorful and textured dish. The nutty flavor of the beancurd bamboo, the crispness of the cucumber, and the delicacy of the wood wood ear funguss complement each other perfectly, achieving a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish originated from traditional Chinese vegetarian culture. It is said that during the late Qing Dynasty, when people lived in poverty, they started to experiment with combining beancurd bamboo, cucumber, and wood ear fungus to create delicious and nutritious dishes with limited ingredients. Through continuous experimentation and improvement, this dish gradually became a classic vegetarian delicacy that is loved by many.
Ingredients for Cucumber Stir-Fried with Wood ear fungus and Dried Beancurd bamboo:
| Cucumber | 150g |
| Wood ear fungus | 50g |
| Beancurd bamboo | 100g |
| Minced garlic | 10g |
| Sichuan Pepper | 3g |
| Coriander | 10g |
| Dried chilli | 5g |
| White sesame seed | 5g |
| Small chili pepper | 3g |
Step:
1.First, take out a fresh cucumber and rinse it with clean water. After ensuring that the surface of the cucumber is free of pesticide residue and dirt, place it on a cutting board and pat it flat with a knife to make it flat. This is done to better cut the cucumber and make it easier to season during the mixing process. Next, use a knife to cut the cucumber into small sections at an angle. Note that the length of the sections should be uniform, so that the dish will be more beautiful when prepared. Finally, place the cut cucumber in a basin for later use.
2.Next, we will select some high-quality dried Beancurd bamboo and wood ear fungus. The Beancurd bamboo should be pale yellow in color, tender and crispy, without impurities or strange smells. The wood ear fungus should be dark brown in color, glossy, and free from impurities or insect damage. Soak the dried Beancurd bamboo and wood ear fungus separately in warm water for about 30 minutes, until they become soft and expanded. Remove the soaked Beancurd bamboo from the water and drain them, then place them on a cutting board and cut them into small pieces. Rinse the soaked wood ear fungus in a clean bowl of water, removing any impurities and strange smells. Finally, add an appropriate amount of clean water to a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the cleaned wood ear fungus and Beancurd bamboo to the pot, and simmer them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. The cooked wood ear fungus and Beancurd bamboo should have a certain degree of resilience and a crisp texture without being too hard. Use a colander to remove the wood ear fungus and Beancurd bamboo from the water, drain them, and transfer them to a bowl for later use.
3.Take a clean small bowl and add an appropriate amount of minced garlic, dried chilli, small chili pepper, sichuan pepper, and white sesame seed. Then, heat a suitable amount of cooking oil in a pan and pour the heated oil into the small bowl. Use chopsticks to gently stir and mix the oil with the seasonings, allowing them to blend well together. At this point, a rich aroma will be released, making one’s mouth water. This process is called “chǎng” and is a commonly used seasoning technique in Chinese cuisine. The hot oil effectively enhances the fragrance of minced garlic, dried chilli, small chili pepper, and Sichuan Pepper, ensuring a perfect integration of flavors between the seasonings and cooking oil.
4.Pour the prepared sauce into the ready ingredients and gently stir with chopsticks to ensure thorough integration of the sauce and ingredients. Next, take some fresh coriander and peanuts. Wash the coriander and cut it into small sections. Then, add the coriander sections and peanuts into the mixed ingredients. Once again, gently stir with chopsticks to evenly distribute them throughout the dish. This process allows the Beancurd bamboo, cucumber, and wood ear fungus to absorb more flavor, while also allowing the aroma and texture of coriander and peanuts to permeate the ingredients, enhancing the dish’s flavor and texture. When stirring, pay attention to the intensity and speed, avoiding crushing or turning the ingredients into a paste-like consistency, while maintaining the integrity and texture of the ingredients.
5.Once thoroughly mixed, we are ready to indulge in this dish. At this moment, we can savor it slowly and enjoy the deliciousness and satisfaction it brings. Not only does this dish have a satisfying texture, but it is also rich in nutrients. The combination of various ingredients provides both the energy our bodies need and satisfies our taste buds.
Tips:
1.When selecting ingredients, choose fresh and light yellow-colored Beancurd bamboo without preservatives or artificial coloring additives. Choose tender and smooth-skinned cucumbers without thorns. For wood ear fungus, select ones that are elastic, black in color, and free from impurities.
2.When stirring, it is important to be mindful of the intensity and avoid excessive force, as it may damage the appearance and texture of the dish. The correct way to stir is to gently mix everything together, ensuring that each ingredient is evenly coated with the seasoning, while maintaining the overall visual appeal of the dish.
In addition to its taste and historical value, the cucumber, wood ear fungus, and Beancurd bamboo stir-fry have abundant health benefits. Firstly, Beancurd bamboo are rich in high-quality protein and soy isoflavones, which help enhance immune function and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Secondly, cucumbers contain a high amount of water and fiber, which aids in cooling down the body, promoting diuresis, and relieving discomfort. Wood ear fungus is rich in polysaccharides and various minerals, which can help boost immunity and lower blood lipid levels. Therefore, consuming an appropriate amount of cucumber, wood ear fungus, and Beancurd bamboo stir-fry can contribute to maintaining overall health.