celery mixed with tofu

How to Make Celery and Wood Ear Salad: A Complete Guide

Celery and wood ear salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and nutritious Chinese appetizer, perfect for hot days. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this dish effortlessly.

Ingredients: 200g celery, 50g dried wood ear mushrooms, 1 small carrot (optional), 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, ½ tsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Soak dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes until soft, then trim and shred them. Wash celery, cut into 3cm segments, and blanch in boiling water for 1 minute. Rinse in cold water to retain crispness. Shred carrot thinly (if using) and mince garlic.

2. Mix the dressing: In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and sesame oil. Stir until sugar dissolves.

3. Combine: In a large bowl, mix blanched celery, shredded wood ear, carrot, and garlic. Pour the dressing over and toss gently.

4. Serve: Let it marinate for 10 minutes to enhance flavors, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips: For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or sesame seeds. Adjust seasoning to taste—spicy chili oil can be added for a kick. This simple salad balances textures and umami, making it a healthy and delightful addition to any meal!