Cucumber relish

Cucumber relish adds a zing to fresh fish dishes. Photo / Janna Dixon

Various vinegars are used as flavouring agents in many Asian-style dishes. This is a fresh side dish to serve as a zingy addition to any grilled fish fillets or sashimi.

1 Combine 6tbs of white wine vinegar with 6tbs of castor sugar and ²/³ cup of water. Boil to dissolve and put aside to cool.

2 With a vegetable peeler, ribbon 2 cucumbers by peeling their length until you get to the seeded core.

3 Finely dice 3 shallots or spring onions.

4 Grate 1 tbsp of fresh ginger.

5 Slice 1 red chilli or add a pinch of dried chili flakes.

6 Chop a handful of fresh mint or coriander. 7 Mix all of the above into the vinegar mix and allow to marinate for an hour or so. Will keep, but best used fresh.