Chinese braised sea cucumber recipe is marine dweller echinoderm. The sea cucumber has a long body and a big worm-like appearance with leathery skin.
The sea cucumber is widely consumed in East Asian countries, especially in China, where it is considered as a delicacy with high medicinal properties, from treating arthritis to curing cancer.
The sea cucumber is known in Malaysia as gamat, and in Indonesia as tripang.
The texture of sea cucumber is gummy, slippery, and crunchy. There is no flavor and it is tasteless.
Sea cucumber is available in a dried form or in a pre-soaked form in Chinese health stores or supermarkets.
This expensive sea protein usually takes some work to fix. It needs special care before cooking, especially if it is in a dried form.
The dried sea cucumber needs to be soaked in water for a minimum of 2 days with frequent changes of water.
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The softened sea cucumber first needs to be cleaned, especially inside the body, with a knife.
The traditional way of preparing sea cucumber is by braising it. This flavorless vegetable easily absorbs seasonings and flavors from other components.
If you like something strange, then this dish might be for you. Braised Sea Cucumber with Pork and Mushrooms is a popular Chinese New Year dish.
Chinese Braised Sea Cucumber Recipe
What You Need
Serves 4 – 8
Ingredients:
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This recipe calls for:
3/4 lb. of dried sea cucumber
1 cup of sliced pork
3 tbsp of canola oil
2 cloves of garlic
2 spring onions
1 piece of ginger
shredded
8 dried Shiitake mushrooms
1 cup of chicken stock
1 cup of bamboo shoot
1 cup of shrimp
chopped, 1/2 cup of sesame oil, and 1/3 of salt.
Thickening agent:
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1 tbsp of cornstarch
1/3 cup water
Marinade:
1 tsp of cornstarch
2 tsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of canola oil
Sauce:
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of Chinese rice wine
2 tsp of sugar
1/2 tsp of ground pepper
How to Fix
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- The sea cucumber is soaked for 48 hours in water, then washed and rinsed under cold, running water.
- Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Boil the cucumber pieces for 45 minutes to an hour in boiling water, then drain.
- 2 cups of water are added to the wok. Add the sliced pork and half of the shredded ginger and half of the spring onions. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Put the cooked pork in a bowl and mix together the cornstarch, the soy sauce, and the canola oil.
- Let the pork rest for 30 minutes, then add the garlic and remaining shredded ginger, the remaining spring onions, and stir for 2 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of the canola oil in the wok.
- put the sauce mixture in the wok and cook on high heat for a couple of minutes.
- put the cooked pork back in the wok.
- Add the shihitake mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the chicken stock to the wok and bring to high heat.
- Bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Bring it to a boil and simmer for ten minutes.
- Add shrimp and bamboo shoots and cook for two minutes.
- Add corn starch mixture and sesame oil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and adjust if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
FAQs Related To Chinese Braised Sea Cucumber Recipe
What is sea cucumber in traditional Chinese?
Haishen
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What part of the sea cucumber do you eat?
Sea cucumber can also be eaten raw in Japan, like sashimi, or sunomono. The intestines of sea cucumbers are also eaten as Konowata.
Is eating sea cucumber good for you?
Yes. It’s good for overall health
What does cooking sea cucumber taste like?
It tastes naturally
How long does it take for sea cucumbers to soften?
24 hours
Why are sea cucumbers so valuable?
The active ingredients found in sea cucumbers are used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat conditions such as arthritis and cancer.
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Which country has the best sea cucumber?
The Japanese sea cucumber has the biggest size and the best quality.
Why are sea cucumbers so popular in China?
For centuries, sea cucumbers in China have been prized for their nutritional and texture qualities, if not for their taste. They are thought to possess medicinal properties, curing ailments such as arthritis and impotence.
Why are sea cucumbers a delicacy?
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In Asian culture, sea cucumber has long been considered a delicacy and medicine. Although they may look gross, sea cucumbers contain many beneficial nutrients and compounds and can be used in a variety of savory dishes.
What is the white thing on sea cucumbers?
Cuvierian tubules
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What is the difference between sea pickles and sea cucumbers?
Unlike sea cucumbers, sea cucumbers crawl along the bottom of the ocean.
What is the sea cucumber delicacy called?
Holothuria edulis
Is sea cucumber a superfood?
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Yes. According to researchers in Norway, sea cucumber is known around the world as a “superfood”.
Is sea cucumber meat or vegetable?
Sea cucumbers are animals, not vegetables.
What is the most expensive sea cucumber in kilos?
$3,500
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What is another name for a sea cucumber?
It is also known as namako or bêchet-de-mer.
Are sea cucumbers eaten as a delicacy in China and Japan?
In China and other parts of Asia, sea cucumber is considered a delicacy.