Teresa's Recipes
Braised Sea Cucumber
Discover the exquisite taste and unique texture of braised sea cucumber, a delicacy celebrated in Asian cuisine. This dish showcases the sea cucumber's ability to absorb the rich flavors of garlic, ginger, and savory sauces, creating a luxurious dining experience. Traditionally enjoyed during special occasions, braised sea cucumber is not just a dish but a culinary journey that reflects the artistry of Asian cooking. Serve it alongside steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Dried sea cucumber
- for soaking and blanching Water
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 2, chopped (for garnish) Green onions
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1-inch piece, minced Ginger
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (for slurry) Water
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Soak the dried sea cucumber in water for 24 hours, changing the water every few hours to remove impurities. This process will rehydrate and soften the sea cucumbers.
- In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil and blanch the soaked sea cucumbers for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the blanched sea cucumber to the pot and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the garlic and ginger flavors.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2 hours, or until the sea cucumber is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the pot and stir well to thicken the sauce.
- Once thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and drizzle with additional sesame oil before serving.
Tips
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding sliced shiitake mushrooms or bok choy during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- If you cannot find dried sea cucumbers, you can substitute with fresh sea cucumbers, adjusting the cooking time as needed.