America's Test Kitchen Season 17 Episode 17 Chinese Takeout, Revised

In season 17 episode 17 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Chinese Takeout, Revised," the culinary experts at the show take on the challenge of revamping classic Chinese takeout dishes with a healthier and more flavorful twist.

First up is one of the most popular Chinese takeout dishes, General Tso's Chicken. The hosts deconstruct the dish to figure out the key components that make it so delicious – the crispy-fried chicken, the sweet and spicy sauce, and the vegetables. They experiment with different cooking techniques and ingredients, like using vodka in the marinade to tenderize the chicken, before arriving at a recipe that they believe is a vast improvement over the original. The new version of General Tso's Chicken is healthier, with less oil and sugar, but just as tasty and satisfying.

Next, the hosts turn their attention to another Chinese takeout staple, pork fried rice. They discuss the importance of using cold, day-old rice for the dish, as well as the right ratio of ingredients to ensure the rice is not too greasy or salty. They experiment with different types of pork – including bacon and Chinese sausage – before settling on a recipe that combines the best of both worlds. The revised pork fried rice recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of ginger, garlic, and scallions, but still light enough to be a perfect side dish for any Chinese meal.

The third and final Chinese takeout dish that the hosts tackle in this episode is stir-fried broccoli and beef. They start by addressing the common complaints about the dish – tough, chewy beef and mushy broccoli – and brainstorm ways to improve it. They experiment with different cuts of beef and cooking methods, like blanching the broccoli before stir-frying to ensure it stays crisp. They also add some unexpected ingredients, like oyster sauce and sherry, to give the dish an added depth of flavor. The result is a revised stir-fried broccoli and beef dish that is both healthier and more delicious than the original.

Throughout the episode, the hosts share tips and tricks for cooking Chinese food at home, from how to properly cook rice to the benefits of using a wok. They also explain the importance of balancing flavors in Chinese cuisine – sweet, sour, salty, and umami – and how to achieve that balance in your own cooking.

Overall, "Chinese Takeout, Revised" is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves Chinese food but wants to make it healthier and more flavorful. The hosts' innovative recipes and cooking techniques are sure to inspire home cooks to whip up their own delicious and nutritious Chinese meals.