Ep 3. Wok Skills And Simple Stir Fries

Easy Chinese season 1 episode 3, titled "Wok Skills And Simple Stir Fries," focuses on the importance of a wok in Chinese cooking and the basic techniques used for stir-frying. Hosted by famous Taiwanese-American chef and TV personality, Ching-He Huang, the episode provides an in-depth tutorial on how to use a wok and its benefits.

The episode begins with Ching-He introducing the viewers to her favorite type of wok that is made of carbon steel and seasoned for optimal performance. She explains how the shape and material of the wok influence the way the food is cooked and how the high heat distributes evenly, creating the traditional wok flavor. In addition, the seasoning of the wok creates a non-stick coating that helps prevent food from sticking to the surface.

Once the importance of the wok is established, Ching-He teaches viewers about the various types of stir-fry techniques and their applications. She utilizes simple ingredients such as chicken, garlic, ginger, and lee kum kee soy sauce to create a quick and easy stir-fry dish. Ching-He demonstrates how to prepare the ingredients, as well as how to cook them in the wok.

The episode also features a guest chef, Janet, who specializes in Sichuan cuisine. She showcases her dish, "Spicy Beef Stir Fry," which demonstrates how different regions in China have unique methods for cooking stir-fry dishes. Janet's recipe includes spicy Sichuan peppercorns and a stir-fry sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. She also expertly displays her knife skills and shares tips on cutting ingredients precisely and quickly.

Ching-He continues to expand on the stir-fry techniques, sharing how they can be used to create different textures in the dishes. For example, she shows how to cook chicken for a lo mein dish, using a combination of high heat and gentle tossing. Ching-He emphasizes how important it is to not overcrowd the wok, as it can lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry.

Towards the end of the episode, Ching-He puts together a quick and easy stir-fry using leftover vegetables, noodles, and a homemade stir-fry sauce. She demonstrates how leftovers can easily be turned into a delicious and nutritious meal with just a few ingredients and some wok skills.

Overall, Easy Chinese season 1 episode 3 showcases the importance of the wok in Chinese cooking and the versatility of stir-fry techniques. Through a variety of dishes and guest appearances, viewers learn about different regions' unique flavors and styles of stir-fries. Ching-He's expert guidance and tips provide both novice and experienced chefs with valuable insights into traditional Chinese cooking.