Old cucumbers, also known as old yellow gourd or Lou Wong Kua, are cucumbers which have been left on the vine to harden and mature. According to Specialty Produce, they are excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and are a source of iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen through the bloodstream. The cucumbers also contain calcium to strengthen bones and teeth, vitamins A and C to reduce inflammation and boost collagen production, and vitamin B6 to ensure a healthy metabolism and central nervous system. In China, Old cucumbers are believed to contain anti-aging properties and are consumed to improve skin complexion.
We usually cook soup with the old cucumbers with pork bones, red dates and dry squids. However, it seems that they can also be braised, stir fried and pickled. One day I ran out of ideas on what to cook for my family and looking at what I have in my fridge I decided to try steaming the old cucumber that I was gifted with minced pork. The dish turned out to be very flavourful.
Ingredients:
- 1 small pc old cucumber
- 100 g minced meat
- 1 pc Shiitake mushroom
- 1 pc 2-inch carrot
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp pepper powder
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp corn flour/tapioca flour
- Cooking oil
- 1 stalk green onions
Method:
- Clean the old cucumber and slice it into 1-cm rings. Use a teaspoon to scrape out the seeds. Arrange the slices onto a steaming plate.
- Soak the Shiitake mushroom till soft. Mince it and set aside.
- Remove skin of carrot and mince it. Set aside.
- Chop garlic and saute them till fragrant and golden brown. Set aside.
- Wash and cut the spring onions into 1/2-cm pieces. Set aside.
- Add the minced pork into a mixing bowl.
- Add the Shiitake mushroom and carrot to the bowl.
- Add the seasonings - light soy sauce, salt, pepper and sesame oil.
- Add corn flour.
- Mix the minced meat with all the ingredients till they are well-combined.
- Stuff the old cucumber rings with the minced meat mixture. Pack the meat tightly.
- Boil water in a steamer.
- When the water is boiling, put the plate of stuffed old cucumber to the steamer.
- Steam for 20 minutes or till the old cucumber slices are soft and the meat is cooked.
- Top the the steamed old cucumber slices with sauteed garlic.
- Sprinkle the green onions on top before serving.