The Mind of a Chef Season 1 Episode 15 Smoke

The Mind of a Chef season 1 episode 15 titled "Smoke" takes viewers on a culinary journey exploring the art of smoking in cooking. The host of the show, Chef David Chang, who is known for introducing New York to the famous pork bun, delves into the world of smoking meats, vegetables, and even cocktails.

The episode features Chef Chang visiting Kentucky to explore the traditional method of smoking hams. He visits the renowned Broadbent's B&B Foods, where he learns the process of dry-curing hams with salt, sugar, and other spices to create a unique flavor. He also discovers the concept of smoke rings, the pink ring that forms around the meat when it absorbs the smoke, and how it's an indication of the smoking process's effectiveness.

The episode also features Chef Chang visiting renowned pitmasters Myron Mixon and Rodney Scott to learn about the art of smoking whole hogs. Chef Chang observes how the pitmasters use different wood types, such as hickory, oak, and applewood, to create different flavors. He is also introduced to the concept of "low and slow" cooking, where meats are cooked at low temperatures for an extended period to create a tender and juicy texture. Chef Chang also explores how smoking techniques are applied to new ingredients, such as smoked avocado, which adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Furthermore, the episode features Chef Chang sharing his personal recipe for the famous pork bun, which includes smoking the pork belly before cooking it. He explains how smoking adds an extra layer of flavor to the pork, and how it's a great technique that can be applied to other meats.

Throughout the episode, Chef Chang also explores how smoke can be infused into cocktails, creating unique smoky flavors. He visits a bar specializing in smoked cocktails and watches as bartenders use a smoking gun to infuse strong, smoky flavors into their drinks.

Apart from cooking techniques, the episode also touches on the cultural significance of smoking in various cuisines. Chef Chang delves into how smoking has been a preservation technique for meats for centuries, and how it's a part of various culinary traditions worldwide.

Overall, The Mind of a Chef season 1 episode 15 "Smoke" is an engaging and informative episode for food lovers and cooking enthusiasts alike. Chef David Chang's curiosity and passion for exploring different elements of cooking, combined with stunning visuals, and informative commentary make it a must-watch for viewers who love to cook or appreciate good food.