Sea cucumbers are a unique and interesting type of marine creature that can be found in many parts of the world. They are often sold in a dried form, which requires some effort to rehydrate before they can be cooked and enjoyed. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to handle dried sea cucumbers, from soaking to cooking. The first step is to soak the sea cucumbers in water for 12 hours. Turn off the heat and cover the pot, then drain the water and rinse the sea cucumbers thoroughly in fresh water.
This will help to remove any chemicals that may have been added by unknown suppliers to increase the size of the sea cucumbers. It is also important to clean both the outside and inside of the sea cucumbers thoroughly. You can find pre-soaked sea cucumbers on the market, but it is important to be aware that they may shrink or dissolve during the cooking process. To ensure that you are getting 100% natural sea cucumbers, it is best to spend some time learning how to soak them yourself. They are usually sold in a dry, pre-soaked form in certain Asian supermarkets that sell gourmet ingredients.Sea cucumber has no flavor or taste, but it easily absorbs the taste and smell of the broth and other ingredients with which it is cooked.
If you bought dried sea cucumber, it is likely that the guts have already been removed (if not, you'll have to do it yourself). Depending on where you travel to, you may find it referred to as anything from êche-de-mer to sea rat. Due to its delicate texture, sea cucumber should be added at the end of a recipe so that it does not fall apart during cooking. The process of rehydrating dried sea cucumber should start in advance, as it can take several days (usually four to six days). Like tofu, sea cucumber is tasteless but has the ability to absorb flavors from other foods and condiments. Fresh sea cucumber that has already been cleaned and soaked is usually available in Asian markets in the cold food section or in containers with water.
If you want to eat sea cucumbers, there are no shortcuts - you just have to rehydrate them yourself. The most expensive type of sea cucumber is called thorny sea cucumber. It is elongated and dark in color, with a thorny exterior. Remember to cut open the stomach of the sea cucumber if it isn't already open and remove any intestines you can see with a spoon or small knife. To prepare frozen sea cucumber for cooking, it must be thawed in the refrigerator overnight in its original packaging. Once thawed, it can be cooked according to your recipe.
