America's Test Kitchen Season 15 Episode 24 Two Ways to Unlock Asian Flavor

In episode 24 of season 15 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Two Ways to Unlock Asian Flavor," host Julia Collin Davison focuses on bringing out the bold and intricate flavors of Asian cuisine. The episode kicks off with a segment on the basics of making Chinese-style steamed fish, a dish that can easily go wrong if not cooked properly. Julia demonstrates the right technique for steaming the fish, which ensures that it stays moist and tender while still imbued with rich, savory flavors.

Next up, Julia is joined by Bridget Lancaster for a taste test of four different brands of kimchi, a spicy and tangy fermented Korean side dish that can add loads of flavor to any meal. The duo discuss the nuances of each brand's flavor profile, and offer tips for incorporating kimchi into recipes for added depth and dimension.

In the third segment, test cook Elle Simone shows viewers how to make a fragrant and flavorful vegetarian ramen dish. She starts with a homemade vegetable broth packed with savory umami flavors, then adds in soy sauce, miso paste, and other ingredients to create a rich and complex base. Finally, Elle shows viewers how to customize their ramen bowls with a variety of toppings, from soft-boiled eggs to sliced scallions to crispy tofu.

In the final segment, test cook Dan Souza reveals his secrets for making perfectly crispy and juicy Korean-style fried chicken. Dan explains that the key to crispy chicken is in the frying technique - specifically, using a two-step frying process that involves first cooking the chicken at a low temperature, then raising the temperature for a final crisp. He also demonstrates how to make a sweet and spicy chili sauce to dip the chicken in, adding another layer of flavor to this already delicious dish.

Throughout the episode, the hosts and cooks offer useful tips and tricks for unlocking the complex flavors of Asian cuisine, such as using fish sauce to add umami depth to soups and stir-fries, or incorporating gochujang (a Korean chili paste) into marinades for a subtle heat and sweetness. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to expand your culinary horizons, "Two Ways to Unlock Asian Flavor" is a must-watch episode that's sure to leave you hungry for more.