A gentle, cooling dish perfect for summer or for those preferring clean, light flavors.
Ingredients
- Rehydrated sea cucumbers: 2 pcs
- Winter melon: 500g (keep skin on for better cooling effect)
- Lean meat or pork ribs: 150g (optional, for deeper flavor)
- Ginger: 34 slices
- Spring onion or coriander: a little
- Cooking wine: 1 tsp (if using meat)
- White pepper: a pinch
- Salt: to taste
- Sesame oil: a few drops (optional)
- Water or stock: appropriate amount
Instructions
1. Preparation
- Cut sea cucumbers into strips or chunks.
- Cut winter melon into thick slices.
- If using meat: blanch with ginger & cooking wine; rinse clean.
2. Boil Base Broth
- Add water/stock + ginger + meat (if used).
- Boil, then simmer 15 minutes.
3. Add Winter Melon
- Cook until translucent (810 minutes).
4. Add Sea Cucumber
- Simmer 58 minutes until everything is tender.
5. Season & Serve
- Add salt and white pepper.
- Garnish with scallion or coriander; drizzle sesame oil if preferred.
Key Tips
- Do not overcook winter melon or sea cucumber keep them tender.
- Meat (or mushrooms for a vegetarian option) enhances umami.
- Winter melon should be cooked until just soft for best texture.
