Hebei cuisine, known for its inherent balance between flavors and textures, brings to the table an array of dishes that celebrate its local ingredients and culinary techniques. Among its most distinguished offerings, scallionfried sea cucumber stands out as a delightful representation of this regional fare. This dish features the exquisite sea cucumber, celebrated not only for its unique texture but also for its health benefits.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients:
23 pieces of dried sea cucumber (soaked and rehydrated)
45 scallions, chopped into 2inch lengths
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
1 teaspoon of salt
A pinch of sugar
Fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
Garlic, minced (optional)
Cooking Utensils:
A sharp knife (for slicing scallions and sea cucumber)
A skillet or wok (for frying)
A heatproof spatula (to stir and flip ingredients)
A cutting board
A measuring spoon
StepbyStep Cooking Instructions
1. Preparation of Sea Cucumber:
To start, you’ll need to prepare the dried sea cucumber. It must be soaked in water for 24 to 48 hours — changing the water frequently until it has fully rehydrated. After that, rinse thoroughly and slice it into bitesized pieces.
2. Sautéing Scallions:
Heat the vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over mediumhigh heat. Once hot, add the chopped scallions, ginger, and garlic (if using). Stirfry for about a minute until the scallions become fragrant and start to soften.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Next, add the sliced sea cucumber to the skillet. Stir it well with the scallions for about 23 minutes to ensure everything is well mixed.
4. Seasoning the Dish:
Pour in the soy sauce, rice wine, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Stir continuously to allow the sea cucumber to absorb the flavors. Cook for an additional 35 minutes until the sea cucumber is heated through and has taken on a slight sheen from the seasonings.
5. Final Touches:
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The dish should have a savory balance from the soy sauce and a hint of sweetness. Remove from heat once you are satisfied with the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Scallionfried sea cucumber can be served over a bed of steaming white rice or with lightly stirfried vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh scallions or herbs of your choice for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion
This simple yet luxurious dish highlights Hebei cuisine’s flair, making it an excellent choice for both special occasions and a comforting weeknight meal. With just a handful of basic ingredients and cooking utensils, you can recreate a piece of this culinary tradition in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, sharpen your knife, and indulge in the rich flavors of scallionfried sea cucumber!