Cucumber And Ginger Mignonette Recipes

RAW OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL WITH CUCUMBER MIGNONETTE

Steps:

• For the Oysters:
• Begin by shucking oysters. Find a durable, thick cloth and fold it over several times to create a square; this will steady the oysters as you shuck them and also protect your hand. Using the towel as a mitt, hold the oyster firmly on a flat surface. Insert the tip of your oyster knife between the shell halves, and work it around 1 side to the other as you pry it open. Using the knife, cut the muscles away from the top, flat shell, bend the shell back, and discard it. Run the knife underneath the oyster to detach it completely, but leave it in its shell (take care not to cut the meat itself). Nestle the oysters in a bed of crushed ice or wet rock salt to keep them steady. Serve immediately.
• For the Cucumber Mignonette Sauce:
• In a small bowl, combine the rice wine vinegar, shallots, ginger, cucumber, sugar and black pepper; mixing with a fork. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to the day before you plan to serve, to allow the flavors to come together. Serve with raw oysters.
• For the Cocktail Sauce:
• Mix ingredients in a blender to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

HOG ISLAND OYSTERS WITH GINGER MIGNONETTE, CUCUMBER, AND WASABI TOBIKO

Steps:

• For the mignonette: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, shallot, ginger, sugar, and soy sauce until the sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Shuck the oysters and place them, on the half shell, on crushed ice. Top each oyster with about 1 teaspoon of the diced cucumber. Whisk the mignonette, then spoon about 1/2 teaspoon over each oyster. Top with a small spoonful of tobiko and serve immediately.

GINGER AND CUCUMBER JUICE

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, blend together the ginger, cucumber and 1/2 cup cold water. Strain and press the puree through a mesh sieve.
• Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon and cucumber wheel.
• Optional serving: Fill glasses with ice and one-half to two-thirds full with the blended juice. Top with lemonade and/or vodka.

OYSTERS WITH SEAWEED AND CUCUMBER MIGNONETTE

Steps:

• Soak the hijiki in warm water for 30 minutes or until it is soft. Drain and chop coarsely. Mix it with the vinegar, sake, mirin, ginger and pepper. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, or until ready to serve.
• Shuck the oysters and arrange them on ice on four plates. Add the cucumber to the sauce. Top the oysters with the sauce and a small dollop of flying fish roe.