Ingredients
- 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds cucumber, preferably thin Asian or English variety
- ½ cup rice vinegar or 1/2 cup white vinegar diluted with 1/4 cup water
- 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil
- 1 pound sea scallops (cut in half through their equators if very large) or shrimp, peeled
- 1 medium to large onion, sliced
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, optional
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Nutritional Information
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)
266 calories; 13 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 20 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 15 grams protein; 27 milligrams cholesterol; 1031 milligrams sodium
Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
4 servings
Preparation
- With Asian or English cucumbers (or small garden cucumbers), slice thinly, preferably with a mandoline. With thick cucumbers, peel, halve lengthwise, and scoop out seeds before slicing.
- Mix vinegar, ginger, sugar and salt, and toss with cucumbers. Let stand for 30 to 60 minutes. (Refrigerate if marinating for more than an hour in warm weather.)
- Just before serving, drain excess liquid. Put 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet, preferably nonstick, over medium-high heat. Wait a minute, then add scallops or shrimp. Sear for about 2 minutes to a side, then remove to a plate. Turn heat to medium, add remaining oil, onions and turmeric, if you are using it. Cook until onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until browned and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir onions into cucumbers, top with scallops or shrimp, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve.
1 hour 30 minutes

Dining and Cooking