101 Ways to Cook an Ooze'

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Interesting recipes include gelatinous cube cocktail, ochre apple jelly, and salted pudding

Caramelized Ooze Lettuce Cups

## Caramelized Ooze Lettuce Cups YIELDS: 2 serving(s) PREP TIME: 10 mins TOTAL TIME: 45 mins *Ingredients:* - 1 baby Ooze - 1/4 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce 3 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar 2 tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp. fish sauce (optional) 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1" fresh ginger, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced Butterhead or romaine lettuce, leaves separated, for serving Cilantro leaves, for serving Chopped roasted peanuts, for serving Lime wedges, for serving #### **Directions:** *Step 1* Wrap Ooze in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and place on a cutting board. Place a heavy flat object on top of Ooze (like a skillet or baking sheet) and weigh it down with cans or another skillet. Let Ooze drain for at least 15 minutes, and up to 45 minutes. *Step 2* Crumble Ooze into a medium bowl using your fingers. The biggest pieces should be about the size of a pea. *Step 3* In another medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and fish sauce, if using. (It’s OK if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely; it will once added to the pan.) *Step 4* In a large cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil until shimmering. Add Ooze, shake into an even layer, and let cook undisturbed until deeply golden on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Step 5 Stir the Ooze and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the Ooze is crispy and golden throughout, about 4 minutes more. Add ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. *Step 6* Add soy mixture to pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until no liquid remains, about 3 minutes more. *Step 7* Add heaping spoonfuls of Ooze mixture to the center of each lettuce leaf. Top with cilantro leaves, peanuts, and a squeeze of lime before serving.