Appetizing Cucumber Strips“开胃黄瓜条”（kāi wèi huáng guā tiáo）.
In a sweltering summer afternoon, a platter of refreshing and delectable appetizing cucumber strips sits on the table, as if presenting a fresh feast for the palate. Adorned in a verdant green robe, these slender cucumber strips emit a delightful aroma. Each strip appears to be brimming with vitality and energy, gracefully swaying as if inviting us to embark on a marvelous gustatory journey together. Picking up a cucumber strip and taking a delicate bite, its crisp texture instantly unfurls in the mouth. Abundantly hydrated, the cucumber offers a satisfying crunch, akin to an ode to the summer sun. The supple skin encasing the cucumber glides gently between the teeth, bestowing an enchanting sensation. The refreshing nectar, accompanied by a subtle touch of salt, leaps merrily within the oral cavity. With each mouthful, the taste buds come alive, leaving one feeling invigorated and elated.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 25 min | 3 min | 10 | Crisp 、refreshing | Easy |
Ingredients for Appetizing Cucumber Strips:
| Cucumber | 100g |
| Salt | 5g |
| Ginger | 5g |
| Coriander | 5g |
| Garlic | 10g |
| Small chili pepper | 3g |
| Suger | 3g |
| Light soy sauce | 3g |
| Mature vinegar | 5g |
| Sesame oil | 5g |
| Sesame | 5g |
Steps:
1.Rinse the cucumber thoroughly with tap water to remove any dirt or impurities on the surface. Then, use a knife to cut the cucumber open, exposing the flesh inside. Next, scoop out half of the flesh from the cut cucumber. You can use a spoon or a scraper to gently scrape out the seeds and soft flesh of the cucumber. This step aims to remove excess moisture from the cucumber, ensuring the crispness and texture of the cucumber strips. Once cleaned, slice the cucumber into thin strips. Use a knife to cut the cucumber into long strips, about 5 centimeters in length. You can adjust the width of the cucumber strips according to your preference, but narrower strips are typically chosen. Ensure that the knife is sharp for clean cuts. Then, cut the long cucumber strips into small segments. Cut each cucumber strip into approximately 2-3 centimeter pieces, making them easier to eat and pair with other ingredients. Be cautious while cutting to keep your fingers safe and place the knife above the cucumber strips.
2.After cutting the cucumber into strips, place them in a suitable bowl. Add an appropriate amount of salt to the bowl based on your personal taste preferences. Salt helps to pickle the cucumber and enhance its flavor. Gently stir the cucumber strips, ensuring that the salt is evenly distributed over the cucumbers. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the cucumber strips marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes. During this process, the salt will draw out some of the water from the cucumber through osmosis, resulting in a crisper texture. After the marinating time, remove the marinated cucumber strips and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. Make sure to rinse off any excess salt from the cucumber’s surface to avoid an overly salty taste. Also, gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove excess water.
3.Take a small piece of ginger and slice or shred it. Ginger adds a mild spicy and refreshing taste to the cucumber strips. Peel two to three cloves of garlic and slice them into thin pieces. Garlic brings a rich and distinctive garlic flavor that complements the refreshing texture of the cucumber. Take an appropriate amount of fresh cilantro leaves, wash them, and finely chop them. The aromatic fragrance of cilantro adds a pleasant herbal touch to the cucumber strips. If you prefer a slightly spicy taste, you can thinly slice one or two small chili peppers. The mild spiciness of the chili pepper adds a stimulating sensation to the cucumber strips. Add a suitable amount of white sugar to adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences. White sugar balances the flavors of other seasonings, making the cucumber strips more delicious. Add one to two tablespoons of soy sauce, adjusting the amount based on personal preference. Soy sauce adds savory and umami flavors, enhancing the taste of the cucumber strips. Add one to two tablespoons of rice vinegar to adjust the acidity. The acidity of rice vinegar brings a refreshing sensation to the cucumber strips. Add a few drops of sesame oil and gently mix everything together. Sesame oil adds a rich sesame aroma, making the cucumber strips even more flavorful. Sprinkle a small handful of sesame seeds, either white or black, to add texture and a hint of sesame aroma. Finally, use chopsticks or a large spoon to gently stir the cucumber and seasoning, ensuring that each cucumber strip absorbs the various flavors evenly. Now, the refreshing and appetizing cucumber strips are ready!
Tips:
- Choose fresh cucumbers: Make sure to select fresh cucumbers that are free from blemishes and have a uniformly green color. This ensures a crisp texture and better taste.
- Remove bitterness: Some cucumbers may have a slight bitter taste. To remove the bitterness, you can cut off both ends of the cucumber before slicing and gently rub the cucumber’s surface with the back of a knife. This helps to eliminate bitterness and unnecessary substances.
The fresh and delicate flavor of cucumber strips reminds us of the gift from nature. Its pure taste brings the essence of a summer countryside, immersing us in the overflowing vitality. Each cucumber strip is a gift from nature, radiating natural rhythms that reconnect us to the earth. Appetizing cucumber strips are not just a dish; they are a way to enjoy life. As we savor this simple yet artistic delicacy, let’s take a moment to appreciate the freshness and pleasure it brings. Each cucumber strip is a masterpiece of nature, and each bite praises life. Let us immerse ourselves in the refreshing taste, dancing along with the cucumber strips, and enjoy the carefree and fresh experience.