Ep 1. Wok Skills & Simple Stir Fries

Easy Chinese is a cooking show hosted by Chinese-American cookbook author and chef, Ching-He Huang. In season 1, episode 1, titled "Wok Skills & Simple Stir Fries," Ching introduces the basics of Chinese cooking and demonstrates how to use a wok to create delicious and easy stir-fries.

Ching starts the episode by explaining the importance of having a well-seasoned and hot wok. She then proceeds to show the viewers how to season a wok properly by heating it up and rubbing it with oil.

Once the wok is seasoned, Ching moves on to teach some simple wok skills, including the proper way to hold a wok, how to toss and stir-fry ingredients, and how to use the spatula to scrape the wok clean.

With the wok skills covered, Ching moves on to demonstrate how to make two easy stir-fries that anyone can master: Beef with Broccoli and Sweet and Sour Chicken.

For the beef with broccoli, Ching starts by marinating thin slices of flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch. She then stir-fries the beef with garlic, ginger, and broccoli before adding a simple sauce made with oyster sauce, chicken stock, and sugar. The result is a tender and flavorful beef and broccoli stir-fry that can be served with rice or noodles.

Next, Ching shows how to make a classic sweet and sour chicken dish. She starts by coating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast in cornstarch and frying them in hot oil until golden brown. Once the chicken is cooked, Ching stir-fries it with peppers, pineapple, and a tangy sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. The final dish is colorful, delicious and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Throughout the episode, Ching shares tips on how to make stir-frying easier, such as preparing all the ingredients in advance and using high heat to cook quickly. She also emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors in Chinese cooking, using the example of the sweet and sour sauce in the chicken dish.

As the episode wraps up, Ching encourages the viewers to experiment with different ingredients in their stir-fries and to have fun with Chinese cooking. She emphasizes that anyone can make delicious and healthy Chinese food at home with just a few basic techniques and ingredients.

Overall, season 1, episode 1 of Easy Chinese is a great introduction to Chinese cooking for beginners, with clear and easy-to-follow instructions and delicious recipes that are sure to become family favorites.