Bamboo Zen Celery Cucumber (Print Version)

Crisp celery and cucumber sticks arranged for a fresh, minimalist bite with light dipping sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 4 large celery stalks

→ Garnish (optional)

03 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
04 - 1 tablespoon light soy sauce or tamari (for dipping)
05 - 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
06 - Fresh mint or basil leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Wash the cucumbers and celery stalks thoroughly.
02 - Trim the ends off the cucumbers and celery, then cut into long sticks about 4 to 5 inches in length.
03 - Arrange cucumber and celery sticks vertically and horizontally on a platter to create minimalist bamboo-like structures.
04 - Optionally sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves.
05 - Serve chilled with a small bowl of soy sauce mixed with rice vinegar for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 10 minutes, making it perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute dinner parties.
  • Every ingredient is whole and unprocessed, so you know exactly what's on the plate.
  • The minimalist presentation actually makes you feel more present at the table instead of rushing through food.
02 -
  • Don't cut your vegetables more than an hour before serving or they'll start to soften and lose that satisfying snap.
  • If you want maximum crunch, soak the sticks in ice water for 10 minutes right before arranging—it's a small step that changes everything.
03 -
  • A truly sharp knife makes cutting clean, even sticks effortless; a dull knife crushes the vegetables and they'll weep liquid.
  • Taste your dipping sauce before guests arrive—soy varies by brand, so you might need a bit more or less vinegar to balance it perfectly.
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