25. Four savoury cold dishes to enjoy this summer

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SPORTS & HEALTH

Soft, healthy, and yummy, this Green Onion & Tofu dish is mom-approved. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Four savoury cold dishes to enjoy this summer

Save yourself some time—and sweat!—with these tasty options

BRUBEY HU

As you may have noticed from my previous recipes, I am a big fan of warm and hearty dishes, especially during the long cold winters in Canada. But now, summer is just around the corner—finally! When the weather gets too hot, cold dishes are the only thing that can save my appetite.

Here are four Chinese recipes that require little to no heat to prepare, and will help you save some time and sweat this summer. I hope you enjoy them!

 GREEN ONION & TOFU

your immune system and build muscles, according to Cleveland Clinic. Make sure to buy the extra soft tofu for its smooth texture! The green onion will add a kick to the plain flavour of the tofu.

Ingredients:

• 1 box of extra soft tofu (also called silky tofu) • 1 stem of green onion • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp black vinegar • ½ tbsp oyster sauce • ½ tbsp salt • ½ tbsp sugar • 2 tbsp sesame oil • Dried meat floss (optional)

Steps:

to help absorb the sauce later. 2. Get rid of the water coming out of the tofu because it will dilute the sauce. You can do this by pouring the water off the plate or soaking it up with a paper towel. 3. Finely chop the green onion and place the pieces in a bowl. Add all of the ingredients together (except the tofu) and mix well. 4. Pour the sauce directly onto the tofu and enjoy with a spoon! You can add some dried meat floss if you like.

BRAISED BEEF SHANK

offers a lighter-feeling alternative because the meat doesn’t have a lot of grease and is served cold. The dressing is sour and spicy to boost the beef’s aroma. Adjust the ratio of vinegar and chili to your preference.

Ingredients:

To braise the beef: • 3lb beef shank • 1 L water • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp cooking wine • 2 star anises • 1 cinnamon stick • 4 bay leaves • 4 slices of ginger • 4 whole dry chili • 1 tbsp Chinese peppercorns • 5 garlic cloves For the dressing: • 4 garlic cloves (minced) • 1 stem of green onion

(chopped) • 1 bunch of cilantro (chopped) • 1 fresh chili (chopped) • 1 tbsp soy sauce • ½ tbsp oyster sauce • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • ½ tsp salt

Steps:

1. Soak the beef shank in cold water for an hour. Take the beef out and then poke some holes in it with a fork (this allows the flavour to get inside). 2. Put the water and beef in a pot and bring to a boil. Then add all of the ingredients and turn your stove to low heat.

Simmer everything for an hour and a half. 3. Turn the heat off and let the beef soak for at least three hours. Make sure the liquid is covering the beef shank.

Meats don’t have to be piping hot to be delicious. This beef shank recipe is perfect for warm summer evenings. CREDIT: JERRY LUO ON FLICKR LICENSED UNDER CC BY 2.0

4. Once you take the beef out of the pot, cut it into slices of your desired thickness. Note:

Whatever you don’t plan on eating, save in the fridge along with the liquid. 5. Place minced garlic, green onion, and chopped fresh chili in a small bowl. Heat the vegetable oil at low heat until slightly smoking. Pour the hot oil directly into the bowl. 6. Add the rest of the dressing ingredients and mix well. 7. Mix the dressing with the beef and voilà! You’re ready to eat!  SESAME PASTE COLD NOODLE

Eating alone and not sure what to have? This cold noodle recipe has you covered! The fresh, crisp cucumber goes well with the smooth, oily sesame paste. The mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic is so appetizing that it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Try it yourself!

Ingredients:

• 1 serving of noodles (any kind you like) • 1 mini cucumber • 3 cloves of garlic (minced) • 3 tbsp sesame paste • 1 tbsp vinegar • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional) • Crushed nuts (optional)

Steps:

1. Shred the cucumber. 2. Prepare the sesame paste.

Sesame paste can be a bit thick depending on the kind you get. If it’s really thick, add a bit of warm water to make it a bit more watery.

This step will make mixing easier. 3. In a small bowl, mix the rest of the ingredients together with the sesame paste. You can add some sesame oil to enhance the aroma, if you so desire. 4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Follow the packet instructions and take the noodles out when they’re ready, then rinse them with cold water. 5. Take the noodles out of the water. 6. Pour the sauce and cucumber onto the noodles and mix well. Add some crushed nuts if you like. • 2 tbsp chili powder (you can adjust the ratio for your desired level of spiciness) • 2 tbsp white sesame • 3 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 1 tbsp black vinegar • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

Steps:

1. Cut the cabbage into small wedges. Discard the root. 2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and put the cabbage in for one minute. Then take the cabbage out and put it in cold water. (If you like the raw flavour of cabbage, you can skip this step) 3. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, and white sesame to

a small bowl. Heat the vegetable oil at low heat until it is slightly smoking. Pour the hot oil directly into the bowl to bring out the flavours of these ingredients. 4. Add the sugar, soy sauce, black vinegar, and oyster sauce to the bowl and mix well. This will be your dressing. 5. Pour the dressing onto the cabbage and mix well. Add any garnish that you like!

 SOUR & SPICY CABBAGE SALAD

There are many ways to make a cold salad with cabbage. This one uses Chinese sauces to create a savoury dish that pairs great with rice!