Sea cucumbers are a type of echinoderm, classified in the same group as starfish and sea urchins. They may have a slight smell of the sea, but they will eventually take on the flavor of the sauces in which they are cooked. Boiling sea cucumbers is a simple process that can be done in a few steps to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
To begin, place the sea cucumber in a pot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then turn off the heat, cover and let cool. Cut it and remove the organs inside. If the sea cucumber still feels hard, repeat the boiling process two or three times, until it softens completely. Let it dry while using a small knife to gently scrape the sea cucumber with cold running water from the tap.
Once boiled, sea cucumbers can be used in a variety of dishes. Increase the heat to high and add the shiitake mushrooms, sea cucumbers and the remaining mushroom water to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes until all ingredients are cooked through. Maybe it's because my grandmother makes it (whose kitchen I'll love for the rest of my life), or because a pot of braised sea cucumber with mushrooms means spending time with family around the table.
Boiling sea cucumbers is an easy way to prepare them for any dish. With just a few steps, you can achieve perfect texture and flavor that will make your meal even more delicious.
