clevermanka: default (Food)
clevermanka ([personal profile] clevermanka) wrote2014-08-20 02:16 pm
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Cold shrimp noodle salad

2-3 large zucchini, julienned*
2-3 large carrots, julienned
Kosher salt
2 lb miniature/cocktail shrimp, peeled and cooked
2 t minced dried onion
1 t dried dill
1 T lemon juice
olive oil

I use one of these to make vegetable noodles. I highly recommend one for all kitchens. They make vegetables so much fun!

As you noodle-ify the zucchini, throw it into a colander and periodically sprinkle with kosher salt. When you've made all the zucchini into noodles, shake it or fluff it with your hands to distribute the salt. Salting-and-sitting releases excess moisture. Let the noodles rest for about fifteen minutes (I've gone as long as thirty). You can rinse and pat them dry if you like, but I just squeeze out the excess water and leave the salt on. That way I don't have to salt the food later. You don't need to do this for the carrots. Just slice them up into noodles.

Once the zucchini has been rested/patted/squoze, put the carrots in a big pot with a splash of olive oil. Cook for three to four minutes until they're barely this side of cooked. Just a tad past completely raw. Add the minced onion, zucchini, dill, and a bit more olive oil if things are looking dry. Stir fry for about five to six minutes until the zucchini is barely cooked. The noodles should still be a bit firm (this is one of the rare times I don't overcook the vegetables since usually I prefer them cooked to within a moment of incineration/mush).

Remove from heat and add your bag of shrimp. Be sure to drain out the excess water. Rinsing them isn't a bad idea, either. Re-use the colander recently vacated by the zucchini noodles. Add the lemon juice and stir well. Decide if you need more olive oil. I used less oil than I would usually, because I wanted this to be a cool, light meal.

Eat whenever you're ready. This works well at room temperature (the cold shrimp helps cool down the noodles) or straight out of the fridge the next day.

[identity profile] saffronhare.livejournal.com 2014-08-20 07:33 pm (UTC)(link)
That looks delicious! I'm putting together a "cooking for two with style" menu for our camping trip over Labor Day weekend, and this might actually be something I could make out there. MMM..

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-20 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Heck, I'd make it ahead of time and just throw it in a gallon ziplock bag for the cooler.
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[identity profile] ms-danson.livejournal.com 2014-08-20 08:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks yummy.

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
And SO NICE for summer.

[identity profile] ceanncait.livejournal.com 2014-08-20 09:20 pm (UTC)(link)
That sounds ridiculously good.

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 01:31 pm (UTC)(link)
I was surprised at how well it turned out. I'm a fan of heavy dishes and don't often cook things this light, but it was just perfect for the weather we're having and didn't heat up the kitchen hardly at all!

[identity profile] lesbianhedgehog.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
I like your kind of cooking! Sounds great!

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 01:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow, thanks! That's a huge compliment coming from someone in your position. Feel free to co-opt any of my ideas at the restaurant. =D

[identity profile] msmitti.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
this sounds delish. I have been eating iceberg salads (I really do like crunchy water) or crap because I hate cooking during the summer. It is just too hot.

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-21 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Ha ha ha ha! Yes, I like iceberg lettuce, too. I understand why people complain about it because yeah it has practically zero nutritional benefit, but I love how it's crunchy without being tough.

[identity profile] pointoforigin.livejournal.com 2014-08-22 01:44 am (UTC)(link)
Oo, I've got to get me one of those julienne peelers. That does sound delicious. I like iceberg lettuce for eating as a crunchy snack, in chunks. Also for making lettuce wraps with things like tuna or chicken. I use romaine for that, too, but sometimes iceberg is fun for a change.

[identity profile] clevermanka.livejournal.com 2014-08-22 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
OMG you will love the peeler. It can be a little dangerous sometimes if your vegetables are slippery, but the end result is such fun!