🐚 Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms – A Premium Chinese Seafood Dish

Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms is a traditional and luxurious Chinese seafood dish, often enjoyed during banquets or festive occasions. The tender, gelatinous sea cucumber absorbs the rich, savory flavors of the braised mushrooms and sauce, creating a silky, umami-packed delicacy that symbolizes prosperity and longevity in Chinese culture.

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📝 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

300–400 g dried or fresh sea cucumber (rehydrated if dried)

150 g shiitake mushrooms (soaked if dried, stems removed)

2–3 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp light soy sauce

½ tsp sugar

1 cup chicken stock or water

1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry for thickening)

2 tsp vegetable oil

Aromatics & Garnish:

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tsp ginger (julienned)

2 spring onions (sliced)

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🍳 How to Make Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms

Step 1: Prepare the Sea Cucumber

If using dried sea cucumber, soak and rehydrate according to instructions until soft and tender.

Rinse thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushrooms

Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water until soft (if using dried).

Remove stems and slice thickly.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.

Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Step 4: Braise Sea Cucumber and Mushrooms

Add sea cucumber and mushrooms to the wok.

Pour in oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken stock.

Gently simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow the sea cucumber to absorb the savory flavors.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly add cornstarch slurry while stirring gently.

Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the sea cucumber and mushrooms evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sliced spring onions.

Serve immediately while hot.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve as a luxurious main dish for festive meals, banquets, or special occasions.

Pair with steamed rice or light vegetable dishes to balance the richness.

Often included in multi-course Chinese banquets due to its premium status.

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💡 Pro Tips

Rehydrated sea cucumber should be tender but not mushy — soak carefully and follow instructions if using dried varieties.

Use fresh or high-quality dried shiitake mushrooms for maximum umami flavor.

Simmer gently to allow the sea cucumber to absorb flavors without breaking apart.

Cornstarch slurry ensures a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.

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✨ Sea Cucumber with Mushrooms is a luxurious and deeply flavorful Chinese seafood dish, perfect for festive celebrations or gourmet home dining. The combination of tender sea cucumber and savory mushrooms creates a rich, umami-packed delicacy that is both elegant and nourishing.