Bamboo Zen Celery Cucumber (Print)

A refreshing arrangement of celery and cucumber sticks, enhanced with sesame and herbs.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 4 large celery stalks

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 10 minutes but looks like you've been thinking about it all day.
  • Somehow feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a quiet evening alone.
  • The kind of dish that makes people slow down and actually taste what they're eating.
02 -
  • Ice water is non-negotiable if you want that audible crunch; soak the sticks for 10 minutes before serving and they transform from crisp to absolutely alive.
  • Cut everything right before serving or at most 1–2 hours ahead—the exposed flesh oxidizes and the sticks lose their snap if you prep too early.
03 -
  • Swap out cucumbers and celery for carrots, daikon, or jicama—each vegetable brings its own personality to the same quiet arrangement.
  • The sesame seeds and herbs can be prepared separately and added tableside if you're serving this for a crowd; it keeps everything crisp and lets people customize their own plate.
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