Black wood ear salad, a refreshing and nutritious Chinese appetizer, is beloved for its crisp texture and zesty dressing. Here’s a classic recipe to recreate it at home.
Ingredients: 50g dried black wood ears, 1 small cucumber, 1 carrot, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red chili (optional), 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, ½ tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp sugar, a pinch of salt.
Steps:
1. Soak & Clean: Soak dried black wood ears in warm water for 30 minutes until soft. Remove stems, rinse thoroughly, and blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and cool.
2. Prep Vegetables: Julienne cucumber and carrot. Thinly slice garlic and chili.
3. Mix Dressing: Combine soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Combine: Toss black wood ears, cucumber, carrot, garlic, and chili in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and mix well.
Serving Tip: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds for extra crunch. This simple yet flavorful salad balances umami, acidity, and freshness, making it a perfect complement to any meal!