Milk Street Television Season 1 Episode 1 Homecooking, Chinese Style

Milk Street Television is a cooking show that focuses on bringing people together through food. In season 1 episode 1, titled "Homecooking, Chinese Style," host Christopher Kimball explores the vibrant and flavorful world of Chinese cuisine.

The episode begins with Kimball showcasing the key ingredients for Chinese cooking, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Sichuan peppercorns. He also highlights the importance of mise en place, or having all ingredients measured and prepped before starting to cook.

Kimball then dives into the first recipe, a classic dish called kung pao chicken. Kimball explains the history of the dish, which originated in the Sichuan province of China and features spicy Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies. He demonstrates how to properly cut the chicken for the dish and provides tips on how to achieve the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors.

Next up is a dish called dan dan noodles, which originates from the Sichuan province as well. Kimball discusses the different variations of the dish and demonstrates how to make the sauce, which is the heart of the recipe. He also shows a helpful technique for boiling noodles so they don't stick together.

Kimball then moves on to a vegetarian dish, stir-fried eggplant with garlic and basil. He explains the importance of using Chinese eggplant, which is thinner and less bitter than the regular American variety. He also demonstrates a helpful technique for rinsing off the garlic to tone down its harsh flavor.

Finally, Kimball shows how to make a dessert called fried bananas with honey. The dish is quick and easy to make, and the sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.

Throughout the episode, Kimball provides valuable cooking tips and techniques, such as how to properly brown meat and how to use a wok. He also showcases the wide variety of ingredients and flavors that make up Chinese cuisine. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for Chinese home cooking and the wonderful flavors it has to offer.