This is a coleslaw-style salad — its sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements make it a terrific accompaniment to anything fried. Sichuan peppercorns, sometimes called fagara, can be found at many Asian markets (though they're technically banned from import because they come from a plant that is susceptible to citrus canker, a disease that devastates citrus orchards). There's no substitute for their flavor, but if you can't find them, the recipe works perfectly well without them.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 1/2 hours
Yield
Makes 8 side-dish servings
Ingredients
Special Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Cut radish and carrots into fine julienne with mandoline, then toss with 2 tablespoons kosher salt in a bowl and let stand 1 hour. Drain in a colander, then squeeze handfuls in a kitchen towel to remove moisture and transfer to a bowl.
Step 2
While vegetables are standing, heat vinegars, sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a small nonreactive saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.
Step 3
Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a small heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté dried chiles and Sichuan peppercorns, stirring, until chiles are blackened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ginger and fresh chiles, then stir into vinegar mixture. Cool sauce.
Step 4
Pour sauce through a fine sieve into bowl with radish and carrots. Add scallion, cilantro, and sesame oil and marinate, tossing occasionally, 30 minutes.
Step 5
- Available at Asian markets and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).
