Chapter 930 - Mapo Tofu (2/2)

“That’s right. But I think this dish was made using that preparation method,” Zhou Shijie nodded before voicing his opinion.

“But just with thin slices and washing it with water will not have such a result,” Zhang Yan said with a frown.

“But when eating it, the taste of the pork loin is very strong. It is rich in flavor and does not feel like it has been washed over with water,” Hu Yue said with a nod.

In truth, there were records of Zhang Daqian’s Grinding Leaf Sauteed Beef. In the records, it was mentioned that the beef only needed to be sliced into thin pieces and rinsed it with water for 20 minutes before mixing a little amount of cornstarch to it. Finally, after sautéing it with some scalding oil, it will be ready.

But that method was not easy to accomplish. Moreover, pork and beef were different. If one did the same with pork, the flavor would have been washed off and the meat would taste bland.

“It might be hard for others, but Little Yuan had just finished the Three Fragrance to the Ocean not long ago. Yes, it’s the dish recorded in Song Za Zu, and he reached 100% completion on it,” Zhou Shijie declared with a wide smile.

“Isn’t that only a dish that exists in legends?” Zhang Yan cried out.

“Song Za Zu? Is that some ancient food menu?” Hu Yue asked as he had never heard of the name.

“No. It’s a general knowledge book, and within, only the flavor, appearance, and name of the dish was recorded. It’s quite a pity. But Little Yuan took only three days of research to recreate it,” Zhou Shijie said expressionlessly.

“It is obvious you are being smug here…” Hu Yue remarked inwardly as Zhou Shijie’s bragging had caused him to choke on his own words.

“Can you bully others just because you have talent?” Zhang Yan was looking at Yuan Zhou with an odd gaze.

That’s right. That was too excessive. A dish that only its name was recorded had been recreated after only three days of research.

“It is his responsibility to research about cooking. There’s nothing worth praising him about that. Don’t make him grow smug after hearing the praises,” Lee Yanyi said sternly.

“Hoho, can you stop showing off?” Hu Yue muttered inwardly.

“Recreating a dish from the name alone? That is a remarkable achievement. Is the humility shown only an act?” Hu Yue thought to himself, his gaze fixed on Yuan Zhou.

Of course, he had still decided to come give Yuan Zhou an interview after this.

Zhou Shijie had praised Yuan Zhou in a smart manner this time, causing everyone to fall into silence. Inwardly, Ma Cheng was already filled with admiration.

As for Zhao Xin, as usual, he repeated to himself inwardly, “I am not listening. Not listening to the bastard.”

“Third dish, Mapo Tofu. Enjoy your meal,” Yuan Zhou served the third dish and broke the silence that had fallen.

The Mapo Tofu was served on a flat square plate, the blocks of tofu were all arranged neatly.

The side of the tofu facing the eaters gave off a feeling that it was white and exquisite, looking like a piece of jade. As for the other side that was not facing the eaters, it was covered by a layer of red, giving the tofu a red and glossy look. On top of the tofu, garlic shoots were spread about.

And in between the blocks of tofu, reddish-gold mincemeat was scattered everywhere, perfectly blending in amid the tofu pieces.

And if one paid more attention, one would be able to see some brown dots on the tofu. Those were the Sichuan peppers sprinkled by Yuan Zhou.

It was precisely the Sichuan pepper that had brought life to this dish, giving it an intense aroma that waffled about in the air.

“It looks good,” Lee Yanyi remarked.

“But we can only judge after eating it,” Zhang Yan no longer held back and immediately picked up his chopsticks.

“That’s right. We should judge after eating,” Hu Yue nodded and prepared to eat as well.