America's Test Kitchen Season 18 Episode 17 Simple Chinese Staples

In season 18 episode 17 of America's Test Kitchen, titled "Simple Chinese Staples," hosts Julia and Bridget explore the flavors and techniques of classic Chinese dishes. The episode focuses on creating easy, staple dishes that anyone can make at home.

To start, Julia and Bridget demonstrate how to make a simple and delicious stir-fry recipe that combines tofu and mushrooms with a savory sauce. They explain the importance of using a high-quality non-stick pan to prevent sticking and burning, as well as the proper technique for seasoning and cooking tofu. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish that can be made in just a few minutes.

Next, the hosts move on to dumplings, a classic Chinese dish that can seem intimidating to make at home. They break down every step of the process, from making the dough to filling and folding the dumplings. Julia and Bridget offer tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, such as using a mixture of ground pork and shrimp for the filling and adding sesame oil and soy sauce to the dough.

Another staple of Chinese cuisine is fried rice, and the hosts share their favorite recipe for making it at home. They emphasize the importance of using cold, leftover rice for the best texture, and explain how to infuse the dish with flavor by adding garlic, ginger, and scallions. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be made with whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand.

Finally, the episode concludes with a lesson on making homemade wonton soup. Julia and Bridget demonstrate how to make the wontons from scratch, which can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, shrimp, or mushrooms. They also show how to make a simple and flavorful broth using chicken bones, ginger, and scallions. The result is a comforting and nourishing soup that can be enjoyed any time of year.

Throughout the episode, the hosts offer tips and techniques for cooking and preparing Chinese dishes at home, as well as insights into the history and culture behind these classic recipes. With its emphasis on simplicity and ease, "Simple Chinese Staples" is a perfect episode for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Chinese cuisine in their own kitchen.