Cucumber & Prawn Noodle Salad

These recipes are from The Side Gardener by Rosie Daykin. Appetite by Random House, 2024, $45.

SERVES 4

Salad

1 large English cucumber

(or several Iittle guys)

½ tsp salt

6 radishes

1 lb. fresh or frozen prawns, washed and peeled 9½ oz. package udon noodles or the noodles of your choice

Dressing

½ cup rice vinegar

3 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives 1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp peeled and finely grated fresh ginger

½ tsp salt

Prawn Rub

½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne

½ tsp chili powder ½ tsp salt

1 tsp sesame oil 1½ tsp lime juice

Zest 1 lime

Sprinkle of finely chopped chives, toasted sesame seeds, roughly torn cilantro leaves and squeeze of lime, to serve

PREPARE CUCUMBER

AND RADISHES

1. Using sharp knife or mandoline (I always prefer the mandoline), thinly slice cucumber and transfer to small bowl. Sprinkle with salt. (This helps remove extra liquid from the cucumber, which will help keep them crunchy.) Leave to sit while you carry on with the recipe.

2. Wash and dry radishes, remove and discard tops, and use same knife or mandoline to thinly slice radishes. Set aside in another bowl.

MAKE DRESSING

1. In small bowl, whisk together all ingredients and set aside.

MAKE PRAWN RUB 1. In medium bowl, combine ground ginger, paprika, cayenne, chili powder, salt, sesame oil, lime juice and zest, and use spoon to stir mixture until paste forms. Place peeled prawns in bowl and gently toss to coat with rub. Set aside.

COOK NOODLES AND PRAWNS

1. Prepare noodles according to package instructions. When just cooked, drain in colander and rinse with cold water. Drain well again. Transfer noodles to large bowl and add half of dressing. Use large fork or tongs to toss noodles to fully coat in dressing.

2. Position rack near top of oven and turn broiler on high. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Spread prawns across prepared baking sheet and place under hot broiler for

2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and use spatula to turn prawns. Place back in oven for just a minute until done; they cook very quickly, so keep a close watch.

ASSEMBLE AND SERVE

1. Pour off any excess liquid that may have accumulated from cucumbers, then toss in remaining dressing.

2. Using tongs, transfer noodles to serving platter. Top with cucumbers, then radishes. Sprinkle with chives, sesame seeds and a good grind of salt and pepper.

3. Place warm prawns atop radishes and sprinkle cilantro, a bit more salt and pepper, and squeeze of lime.