Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber, known as “Cong Shao Hai Shen (葱烧海参),” boasts a rich history that traces back to the Ming Dynasty. Originally, sea cucumbers were simply cooked as the main ingredient. Over time, cooks discovered that pairing sea cucumbers with scallions significantly enhanced their flavor and texture. This cooking method gained popularity, eventually becoming a royal dish in the Qing Dynasty, cherished by emperors and nobility. Today, Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber stands as one of Shandong’s representative delicacies and has gained recognition throughout China.
Characteristics of the Dish
- Carefully Selected Ingredients: The dish features high-quality sea cucumbers sourced from coastal areas, known for their thick flesh and multiple spines, resulting in a soft and smooth texture. Scallions are the primary seasoning, enhancing the dish’s aroma and flavor while effectively eliminating any fishy taste from the sea cucumbers.
- Visual and Sensory Appeal: A well-prepared Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber exhibits a vibrant red-brown sauce, glossy sea cucumbers, and golden scallions, offering a feast for the eyes. When tasted, the rich broth is savory without being greasy, while the sea cucumbers are tender, flavorful, and infused with a robust scallion aroma, creating a delightful culinary experience.
- Nutritional Benefits: Sea cucumbers are considered a precious nutritional food, packed with protein, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, selenium, and manganese. When braised with scallions, the dish not only delivers exquisite flavors but also offers a comprehensive array of nutrients.
Preparation Method
The preparation of Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber is relatively complex, requiring careful handling through several steps:
- Preparing Sea Cucumbers: First, the sea cucumbers must be rehydrated and cleaned to remove any sand and impurities. Afterward, they are cut into strips for cooking.
- Handling Scallions: The scallions are chopped into segments and sautéed to release their aromatic qualities. This step is crucial for enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Cooking Process: Heat oil in a pan, then add the sea cucumbers and sauté them briefly. Next, incorporate seasonings such as salt, cooking wine, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and rock sugar, along with broth, and braise until the sea cucumbers absorb the flavors. Finally, add the previously sautéed scallions and toss everything together to create a cohesive dish.
Dietary Considerations
While Scallion Braised Sea Cucumber is delicious and nutritious, it may not be suitable for everyone. Due to its relatively high cholesterol content, individuals with weak gastrointestinal functions, such as the elderly and children, should consume it in moderation. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid eating it before bedtime, as it may increase blood viscosity. Elderly individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as hepatitis, cholecystitis, or gallstones should refrain from eating sea cucumbers to prevent exacerbating their conditions or triggering relapses.
