cold ears

How to Make Chilled Wood Ear Salad: A Comprehensive Guide

Chilled Wood Ear Salad, a refreshing and nutritious Chinese appetizer, is beloved for its crisp texture and zesty dressing. Here’s a detailed guide to crafting this dish effortlessly.

### Ingredients

* Main: 100g each dried black wood ear (木耳) and white wood ear (银耳), soaked until soft.

* Vegetables: 50g shredded cucumber, 30g julienned carrots, 20g cilantro.

* Dressing: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, 1 minced garlic, pinch of chili flakes (optional).

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Wood Ears: Soak dried wood ears in warm water for 30 minutes until plump. Trim stems, rinse thoroughly, and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain, cool, and tear into bite-sized pieces.

2. Blanch Vegetables: Soak carrots in boiling water for 1 minute; add cucumber for 30 seconds. Refresh in ice water to retain crispness. Pat dry.

3. Mix Dressing: Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and chili flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.

4. Assemble: In a large bowl, mix wood ears, cucumber, carrots, and cilantro. Pour dressing over, toss gently, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

### Serving Tips

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for extra aroma. Serve chilled as a light starter or side dish.

This versatile salad balances crunch, umami, and tang, making it a perfect year-round favorite!