Cucumber And Tofu Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cucumber
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces tofu, well-drained
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Dressing
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons dashi (basic Japanese soup stock)
1 tablespoon sugar or 1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
lightly toasted sesame seeds (to garnish, white or black)

Preparation

Slice the cucumber into very fine julienne strips.; salt lightly, then place in a colander and cover with a plate and small jar of water to act as a weight. Set aside for 10 minutes to drain, then knead lightly, rinse, and pat dry.
Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes. Brush a small frying pan with the oil, heat over medium heat, and saute the tofu for 5 minutes until golden. Allow to cool and combine it with the cucumber.
Combine the dressing ingredients in a small saucepan and bring just to a boil, then cool to room temperature.
Toss the salad in the dressing just before serving and heap in small mounds in the centers of 4 deep bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.