Ep 7. Shellfish and Seafood

Easy Chinese is a highly informative cooking show hosted by Chloe Zhao that takes viewers on a culinary journey to explore the diverse cuisines of China. In episode 7 of season 1, titled "Shellfish and Seafood," Chloe delves into the wonderful world of seafood and takes viewers on an adventure that showcases some of the most delicious seafood dishes that China has to offer.

The episode begins with Chloe introducing viewers to a bustling seafood market in Shanghai. She immerses herself in the vibrant atmosphere of the market and engages with local vendors to learn about the different types of seafood available in the region. From shrimp, clams, oysters, crabs, to lobsters, Chloe gets a firsthand experience of what it takes to source the best quality seafood from the market.

Next, Chloe takes viewers to a seafood restaurant where she prepares mouth-watering dishes of clams in black bean sauce, fried prawns, and fish soup with tofu. She expertly demonstrates how to clean and prepare the different seafood ingredients, before cooking them to perfection using traditional Chinese cooking methods.

The first dish that Chloe prepares is a classic Chinese dish of clams in black bean sauce. She first cleans the clams and removes any sand and dirt before sautéing them with garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans. The clams are then seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to balance the flavors. This dish is a delight for any seafood lover as the salty, savory flavor of the black beans perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the clams.

Next up, Chloe fries up some jumbo shrimp with chili garlic sauce. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients and the right technique to ensure that the shrimp are cooked just right. The crispy, golden exterior of the shrimp is a testament to Chloe's expert frying skills, while the spicy garlic sauce brings a nice balance of heat and sweetness to the dish.

Finally, Chloe prepares a healthy and hearty fish soup with tofu. She starts by boiling a fish head and bones to create a broth that is rich in flavor. The broth is then simmered for a few minutes with ginger, garlic, and green onions before adding tofu and bok choy. The result is a light but satisfying soup that is perfect as a mid-week meal.

Throughout the episode, Chloe also shares interesting trivia about the benefits of eating seafood. She highlights how seafood is low in calories, high in protein, Omega 3s, and packed with essential nutrients that are crucial for good health. She also explains how seafood has been a staple food in China for thousands of years and how it plays an important role in Chinese cuisine and culture.

Overall, "Shellfish and Seafood" is an engaging and informative episode that showcases the best of Chinese seafood cuisine. Chloe's easy-to-follow techniques and attention to detail make it easy for viewers to replicate the dishes at home, while her infectious passion for cooking and love for Chinese cuisine will inspire viewers to explore and experiment with new flavors and ingredients.