Chinese Celery Salad

By LaLaCooks

This simple side salad offers big flavors thanks to several spicy and sweet...
Try serving this simple Asian-inspired salad with cold sesame noodles or stir-fried chicken with peanuts.

From the book "Mad Hungry," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Artisan Books).

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of celery, top and bottom removed, stalks separated and cut in half lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 dashes Chinese chili oil or hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the celery and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove, rinse, and cool. Peel off the fibrous strings. Cut the celery into bite-sized pieces.

In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili oil, if using, sugar, and cilantro, if using. Toss in the celery. Cover and refrigerate to cool before serving.