Cold mixed dishes have always been the most common dishes on our dining tables, and there are many varieties. So, are there any tips and things to note for making cold mixed dishes? Actually, adding ingredients like nuts to cold mixed dishes will make them more delicious. Also, a reminder: it's not advisable to add MSG or chicken essence to cold mixed dishes.
What should be noted when making cold mixed dishes?
Cold mixed dishes are not suitable for adding MSG or chicken essence.
MSG is a seasoning that enhances umami, but if the temperature is not high enough, it not only fails to enhance the flavor but can also affect the taste of the dish. According to some data, MSG can only fully exert its umami-enhancing effect at a temperature of 80°C to 100°C. However, cold dishes have a low temperature, so MSG cannot dissolve fully. As a result, the umami flavor of the dish doesn't come out, and MSG particles may instead adhere to the surface of the cold dish, affecting the texture. The same goes for chicken essence, whose main ingredient is also MSG. However, if some people are really used to adding MSG or chicken essence to cold mixed dishes, you might as well dissolve the MSG and chicken essence in warm water first before adding them.
Horseradish cold dishes
Cold dishes are best made and eaten fresh.
Don't make too many cold dishes at once; make just enough to eat. Because after cold dishes are prepared, they usually produce a lot of juice. If they are left for too long after you're done eating, this juice will seep into the ingredients in large quantities, making them salty. Moreover, cold dishes are easily invaded by bacteria, which can easily cause gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption.
Blanch washed ingredients with boiling water.
Dirty ingredients made into cold dishes can easily burden the intestines. The best way to wash them is to rinse under running water. Therefore, the washing step should be done carefully. You can first wash with cold water, then blanch with boiling water. This method can kill any remaining bacteria and parasite eggs that weren't washed away. If the ingredient can be peeled, peel it before processing it into a cold dish, which is more hygienic.
When making cold mixed dishes, it's best to add vinegar.
Most cold mixed dishes are primarily vegetable-based, and many vegetables are rich in vitamin C. Vinegar can promote the absorption of vitamin C by the human body. In addition, vinegar has antibacterial properties and can stimulate the appetite.
For cold meat dishes, choose cooling meats.
Although it's important to eat a light diet, light doesn't mean only eating vegetarian and no meat. Many meats can also be made to have a refreshing taste. However, pay attention to your choices. It's best to select cooling meats, such as fish and ducks, which live in water. But meats that are considered "heaty," like mutton, donkey meat, and dog meat, should be eaten less in the summer and are not suitable for making into cold dishes.
Most leafy vegetables need to be blanched.
It is recommended to blanch vegetables like spinach, amaranth, water spinach, and bamboo shoots in water before mixing to remove oxalic acid and astringency; vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce are easier to digest and taste better after being blanched; beans must be fully cooked to avoid food poisoning. When mixing cold dishes, you can also pair them with bean products, fungi and algae, and nut products.
In addition, you can also add some foods like nuts when making cold mixed dishes.
What other ingredients can be added to cold mixed dishes?
Nuts
Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are rich in vitamins, trace elements, lecithin, and plant protein, which can increase cell activity and have a good nourishing effect on brain nerve function. When making cold mixed dishes with a crisp texture, such as shredded radish, shredded potato, or shredded cucumber, adding a moderate amount of nuts or crushed nuts can not only increase the nutritional value but also make the cold mixed dishes fragrant.
Fruits
In Western cuisine, fruits are also common ingredients in cold mixed dishes. When making sweet and sour cold mixed dishes, we can also dice some fruits like grapefruit, dragon fruit, and kiwi and add them in small amounts. This not only adjusts the flavor but also stimulates the appetite, whetting the appetite.
It's cold mustard