Asian Cold Appetizer - Mentaiko Cucumber

I'm been storing some mentaiko (pollock roe) in the freezer lately, just another versatile ingredient when sudden needs arise. And it doesn't take long to defrost too.

Mentaiko Cucumber -

Ingredients?

• 2 medium small cucumbers
• 1 small sac/about 2 tablespoons mentaiko
• 1/4 teaspoon white sesame oil
• Some salt
• Some toasted white sesame seeds

How?

Give the cucumbers a few rough chops then smash with the side of a Chinese cleaver, just to make some cracks so the seasonings can better sink in.

Use about 2 small spoonful of salt to mix with these cucumbers and wait for about 10 minutes. The salt will draw out the liquid from the cucumber, rinse away these salt and pat dry with kitchen towel.

Mix the cucumber chunks with mentaiko, white sesame oil, then sprinkle with some toasted white sesame seeds.

It's even better to chill in the fridge first before serving. Makes a great Asian cold appetizer, and easy to do.