On this hot summer day, there is always a fresh and refreshing cold cucumber on the table, which can not only dispel the heat, but also awaken the sleeping taste buds. But you know what? Mixing cucumbers directly is a big mistake! Without a critical step, the cucumber is not only not crisp enough, but also tastes bad enough. Today, let me take you into the delicious secret of cold cucumber, reveal the missing step, and make your summer table more extraordinarily fresh.
Imagine a green cucumber lying quietly on a plate on a hot afternoon, waiting for it to turn gorgeously. Most people may slice cucumbers directly and sprinkle them with seasoning, but although such cucumbers can quench their thirst, it is difficult to achieve that kind of evocative state. The secret is pickling.
Gently pat the washed cucumber a few times to crack but not break, this is to allow the seasoning to penetrate better into the inside of the cucumber. Then, sprinkle with a thin layer of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This seemingly simple step is the key to the cucumber from ordinary to amazing. The salt gently draws out the excess water from the cucumber, while allowing its cell structure to open up slightly, paving the way for the seasoning to follow. You'll find that the pickled cucumber is not only more crisp and tender, but also absorbs the subsequent sauce more fully, and every bite is full of flavor.
But our story doesn't stop there, and to add a unique crispy, the addition of peanuts is a brilliant idea. The peanuts are slowly fried over low heat until golden and crispy, which contrasts sharply with the crispness of the cucumbers, and the taste is instantly rich. Imagine that in one bite, the coolness of cucumbers and the crispy aroma of peanuts collide in the mouth, interweaving the most moving music of summer.
Of course, the choice of seasoning and the combination are also crucial. The classic light soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, millet pepper, coriander, plus a little salt, chicken essence, sesame oil, chili oil and sugar, they all weave a summer symphony. Don't forget, the last sprinkle of coriander is not only fragrant, but also the finishing touch, which makes the whole dish even more flavorful.
All the prepared ingredients are poured into the cucumber and peanuts and gently stirred with chopsticks, as if in a ritual, giving each flavor a chance to come into close contact with the cucumber and peanuts, penetrate each other, and finally achieve a harmonious and wonderful balance.
When all the efforts are gathered on one plate, you will find that this is not only a cold cucumber, but also a love and pursuit of life. The family sits around and shares this crispy, fragrant, fresh and spicy dish, and at that moment, the smell of happiness spreads in the air.
In the process, we not only learned to make a delicious cold cucumber, but also experienced the joy of cooking and respect for details. Remember, the charm of good food is often hidden in the seemingly inconspicuous details, and it is these details that make the ordinary extraordinary.