Stir Fried Cucumbers With Wood Ears And Bean Threads Food

STIR-FRIED CUCUMBER WITH TOFU

Steps:

• Place cucumbers in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon salt, and gently massage the pieces. (This helps to release some of the water.) Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes until the cucumbers are slightly wet and pliable to the touch.
• Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients with 1 tablespoon water.
• Prepare the stir-fry: Heat a wok or a large skillet over high. When smoking hot, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add the tofu, season generously with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the tofu is partly golden. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe the wok or skillet clean, and keep off the heat until the cucumbers are ready.
• Drain the cucumbers and rinse under cold running water. Drain well, then pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Heat the wok or skillet back over high heat. When hot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the garlic and allow to sizzle for just 10 seconds, then toss in the cucumbers, stir-frying for 2 minutes. Return the tofu to the wok and toss well.
• Add the sauce and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cucumbers look glossy. Taste and season well with salt and white pepper. Top with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve with rice, if using.

STIR-FRIED CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Peel the cucumbers, cut them in half lengthways and remove the seeds using a teaspoon.
• Cut the cucumber in 1 inch cubes, put them in a colander, sprinkle with the salt, mix and let them stand for about 20 minutes to drain excess liquid.
• Then rinse them in water and dry them with kitchen paper.
• Heat a wok, then add the oil, when the oil is hot adding the bean sauce, garlic and black beans, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
• Now add the cucumbers, fry them until coated with the spices, add the water and go on stir-frying for several minutes on a high heat until most of the water has evaporated.
• Add the sesame oil, mix and serve.