Chinese kitchenware - the crystallization of China's millennium cooking wisdom

Jack, a foreign friend who has lived in China for many years, can now skillfully use various Chinese kitchen utensils like a local. Entering his kitchen, you will see neatly arranged wok, steamer, rolling pin, and kitchen knife, each of which has been given new life by him.

At the beginning, that heavy Chinese kitchen knife was a challenge for me, "Jack recalled." But now, I have mastered the techniques of 'push cutting' and 'pull cutting', and cutting silk and slices is no problem. "He particularly loved the hand forged kitchen knife he bought from the old market, believing that its balance and sharpness were irreplaceable.

Chinese style wok is the protagonist of Jack's kitchen. He learned the correct way to 'nourish the pot' - carefully dry it after each use and apply a thin layer of oil. This pot is almost non sticky now, and when stir frying, the heat is controlled just right, creating the perfect 'pot gas', "he proudly said. On weekends, he often makes Kung Pao chicken and Mapo tofu for his friends, which is highly praised.

The use of the steamer also reflects Jack's dedication. He has mastered the optimal steaming time for different ingredients and also lays lotus or cabbage leaves at the bottom of the cage to prevent sticking. Steaming fish must be done after the water boils, and eight minutes is enough, so that the fish meat will be tender and smooth, "he shared his experience.

Even the seemingly simple rolling pin, Jack has figured out the trick. When rolling dumpling wrappers, the middle should be thick and the edges should be thin, so that they won't break when cooked, "he said as he skillfully rolled out perfect round dough wrappers.

Through continuous practice and seeking advice from Chinese friends, Jack not only mastered the skills of using these kitchen utensils, but also understood the culinary culture behind them. He said, "These tools are the crystallization of thousands of years of culinary wisdom in China. Cooking with them is like having a dialogue with traditional Chinese culture." Nowadays, these Chinese kitchen utensils have become an indispensable part of his life and an important medium for him to showcase Chinese culture to his hometown friends and family.