Bamboo Zen Celery Cucumber (Printable Version)

Minimalist bamboo-inspired celery and cucumber sticks with sesame and fresh herbs for a crisp bite.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 4 large celery stalks

→ Garnish

03 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
04 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari (for dipping)
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - Fresh mint or basil leaves

# Directions:

01 - Wash the cucumbers and celery stalks thoroughly.
02 - Trim the ends off the cucumbers and celery.
03 - Cut the cucumbers and celery into long, even sticks about 4 to 5 inches in length.
04 - Arrange the vegetable sticks vertically and horizontally on a serving platter to create a minimalist bamboo design.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves to enhance aroma and visual appeal.
06 - Serve chilled alongside a small bowl of soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Takes literally 10 minutes but looks like you spent an hour thinking about it.
  • Everyone eats it because there's no mystery ingredient to negotiate around.
  • The crunch is genuinely addictive when the vegetables are ice-cold.
02 -
  • Soggy vegetables are the enemy of this dish—ice water bath before serving isn't optional if your house isn't already cold.
  • The dipping sauce changes everything; don't skip it even if you think you will.
03 -
  • Cut everything 15 minutes before serving and keep it in the fridge so condensation doesn't make anything soggy.
  • The dipping sauce tastes better if you let it sit for a few minutes before serving—the flavors settle and become less harsh.
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