Summer is upon us, and with the soaring temperatures, who doesn't crave something light and refreshing to cool down? One of the best ways to beat the heat is with a bowl of cold dishes.
Whether it's the sweet, tangy, or slightly spicy flavors, cold dishes are perfect for adding variety to your summer meals.
Let's explore some of the best ingredients for making these dishes and learn how to make three popular cold dishes from Taiwanese and Thai cuisine that are guaranteed to make your summer meals even more enjoyable!
Ingredients for Summer Cold Dishes
What vegetables should we keep in mind when preparing cold dishes in the summer? Here are some top picks:
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of the best foods to incorporate into cold dishes, especially during the summer. They have an impressive water content of 93% and are high in dietary fiber. Not only do they help keep you hydrated, but their crisp and refreshing texture adds the perfect touch to cold salads. Whether you chill them and eat them raw or mix them into other dishes, cucumbers are a must-have for any summer meal.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, with 94% water content, are another summer favorite. Full of antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes are commonly found in Thai cold dishes, adding a sweet and sour flavor that enriches the dish. Their bright red color also makes them a beautiful garnish, brightening up any summer plate.
3. Kelp
Kelp is packed with essential minerals and is also highly hydrating, which makes it an excellent ingredient for summer cold dishes. Known for its high alginate content, kelp is not only good for your health but also adds a unique texture and flavor. It's perfect for tossing into a quick cold salad after briefly blanching it.
4. Purple Onions
The sharp and tangy taste of purple onions makes them ideal for summer salads. Compared to white or yellow onions, purple onions release less water, making them more suitable for cold dishes. Once chilled, their crispy texture is even more refreshing, and the slightly milder flavor is a great addition to summer salads.
5. Tofu
Tofu is another great summer ingredient. It's made from soybeans, so it's rich in nutrients and high in quality protein. Many people, especially those following plant-based diets, use tofu as a substitute for meat in cold dishes. For example, chilled tofu with a soy sauce dressing or sesame sauce makes for a quick and satisfying dish without the need for cooking.
Two Quick Taiwanese Cold Dishes
Let's now dive into some delicious Taiwanese cold dishes that are simple to prepare and perfect for a hot summer day.
Cold Enoki Mushroom Salad
This dish is light yet satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients:
• 40g Enoki mushrooms
• Half a purple onion
• 1 King oyster mushroom
• Green onions (a small bunch)
• A few chili peppers
• 5 cloves garlic
• Green chili sauce (a small amount)
Instructions:
1. Slice the king oyster mushrooms into pieces roughly the same size as the enoki mushrooms.
2. Heat the mushrooms in a pan until golden brown, then turn off the heat.
3. Soak the purple onion in ice water to remove its sharp taste, then add it to the pan with the mushrooms.
4. Mash the garlic, chili peppers, and green onions using a blender or food processor.
5. Add the mashed ingredients and enoki mushrooms to the pan and let them simmer briefly.
6. Finally, drizzle with some green chili sauce to finish!
Cold Black Fungus Salad
This is another Taiwanese favorite that combines the crunch of black fungus with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
• 300g Black fungus (or "wood ear" mushrooms)
• 1 piece ginger
• A few chili peppers
• A handful of cilantro
For the Dressing:
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy paste
• Half a lemon
Instructions:
1. Slice the ginger and black fungus and place them in a pan. Heat until the mixture starts smoking, then turn off the heat and wait for 2 minutes.
2. Once cooled, soak the fungus and ginger in ice water to chill them.
3. Mash the garlic and mix it with the rest of the dressing ingredients (sugar, vinegars, sesame oil, soy sauce, soy paste).
4. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon and add it to the dressing.
5. Mix the fungus, garlic dressing, and chili peppers together.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve!
Refreshing Thai Summer Salad
Now, let's take a look at a refreshing Thai salad that combines sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. This dish is ideal for a summer gathering or a light lunch.
Thai Spicy Chicken and Vermicelli Salad
This dish is full of flavors and a bit of spice!
Ingredients:
• Half a chicken
• 8 shrimp
• 2 bundles of vermicelli noodles
• Half a purple onion
• 1 green papaya
• Half a carrot
• A handful of peanuts
• 5 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• A few chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sugar to taste
• A handful of cilantro
• A few celery stalks
• 10 cherry tomatoes
• A little rice drinks
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Slice the chicken and cook it in a pan. Afterward, cover and let it steam for 8 minutes off the heat.
2. Peel and devein the shrimp. Boil them briefly, then set aside.
3. Slice the purple onion and soak it in ice water to remove its strong taste.
4. Use a blender to shred the green papaya and carrot, adding salt and letting it sit for 10 minutes to enhance the crunchiness.
5. Shred the cooked chicken and shrimp into thin pieces.
6. In a hot pan, briefly fry the shrimp with a little rice drinks.
7. Crush the peanuts for added texture and flavor.
8. Blend garlic, shallots, and chili peppers together, then add fish sauce, lemon juice, cilantro, and sugar.
9. Mix the chicken, shrimp, tomatoes, noodles, and the dressing together, and the dish is ready to serve!
These refreshing and flavorful dishes are the perfect addition to your summer meal rotation. Give them a try and share with your friends and family – they're guaranteed to be a hit!
What are your favorite summer dishes, Lykkers? Let us know and maybe we can explore even more refreshing recipes together!
