In traditional Chinese cuisine, few ingredients are as prized as sea cucumber. Renowned for its luxurious texture and rich nutritional profile, this delicacy has been cherished for centuries, especially in Cantonese and medicinal cooking. While it might not be the most common ingredient in Western kitchens, sea cucumber is a staple in Hong Kong seafood dishes, often celebrated for its ability to absorb flavours while offering a satisfying, gelatinous bite.
Beyond its culinary appeal, red sea cucumber is known for its remarkable health benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is often used to nourish the blood, improve kidney function, and enhance overall vitality. Modern science backs many of these claims, as sea cucumber is packed with collagen, protein, and bioactive compounds that may support:
✅ Joint and skin health – Thanks to its high collagen content, sea cucumber is often associated with anti-aging benefits, promoting skin elasticity and joint lubrication.
✅ Immune system boost – It contains triterpenoids and saponins, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may strengthen the immune system.
✅ Heart health and circulation – Sea cucumber is naturally low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy blood circulation and cholesterol levels.
✅ Gut and digestive health – The gelatinous texture comes from mucopolysaccharides, which may aid gut lining repair and digestive function.
✅ Energy and endurance – Rich in essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron, sea cucumber has been consumed for centuries to enhance stamina and physical recovery.
This stir-fried red sea cucumber with celery is a wonderful way to enjoy its benefits while indulging in a flavourful, nutritious dish. The crunchy freshness of celery balances the soft, chewy sea cucumber, while a savoury sauce made with oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and Hua Diao wine enhances its natural umami.
If you’re new to cooking sea cucumber, don’t worry—this recipe is simple to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Let’s get started!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 400g red sea cucumber (soaked in water)
- Sea salt
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon light soya sauce
- A pinch of Chinese cooking wine (“Hua Diao”)
- 2 stalks of celery
- 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil or sesame oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Thoroughly rinse the leeks and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Slice the leeks in a slant fashion consistently.
- Heat oil in a pan and saute the garlic until fragrant or slightly browned.
- Add in the leeks and stir-fry briefly.
- Add in the light soya sauce, oyster sauce and Chinese cooking wine together with a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Taste the sauce mixture and adjust the seasoning as preferred.
- Add in the sea cucumber and continue to stir-fry until everything is covered in the seasoning.
- Serve immediately.
This Hong Kong-style stir-fried sea cucumber with celery is more than just a seafood dish—it’s a time-honoured recipe that delivers both delicate textures and incredible health benefits. Whether you’re a seafood lover or trying sea cucumber for the first time, this dish is an easy and delicious way to enjoy one of nature’s best superfoods.
For those looking to experiment, you can also try adding shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, or goji berries for extra depth of flavour and nutritional value. Enjoy this dish as part of a wholesome diet, and reap the age-old benefits of sea cucumber!
