A Chinese Grandma’s Dos and Don'ts List

When delving into the intricacies of Chinese cuisine, there's no better guide than a seasoned Chinese grandma with her wealth of wisdom. However, if you can't consult her, let me (a 20-something, Indian woman) be your second-best option. Given that at Chilzo, we place great importance on authentic sauces and craft them using the perfect ingredients (all hail Sichuan peppercorns!), you and your kitchen will always be in on the best that China has to offer.

1. Do: Mise En Place – Organise Before Cooking: Think of your kitchen as a stage where every element plays a crucial role, and the mise en place technique stands as a silent guardian. Before the sizzle of the wok begins, I prefer to gather all my essentials – chopsticks, sauces, and spices. Success in a Chinese kitchen, or any kitchen, depends on every component being ready and organised. As chaos threatens to take things out of control, mise en place can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
   
   
2. Don't: Use MSG Abundantly: While MSG enhances umami, moderation is key when taking on the wok. Unfortunately, MSG is not the best for your health either. The good thing is that it's not an unskippable Chinese essential at all! You can use sauces like Chilzo's Chilli Oil or Schezwan instead to get that umami kick without any risks. These will compromise neither taste nor your health so you can enjoy your stir fries and your dumplings without a worry in the world.
   
   
3. Do: Have an Authentic Sauce: The heart of every Chinese dish lies in a well-crafted sauce. Channel your skills or let Chilzo's Chinese Collection take on the job for you. Made with real Sichuan peppercorns and premium natural ingredients, there is no way you or your Chinese dishes will ever fall flat!
   
   
4. Don't: Handle Tofu Carelessly: Tofu requires a delicate touch. Revered for its versatility and ability to absorb flavours like a sponge rushed preparation of tofu might disrupt its texture. So treat it like a treasure, with patience and attention. Gently press out excess moisture and be extra careful when cutting it to get uniform pieces. Simmer it, and allow it to show you why any Chinese grandma would take up a recipe with tofu in it in a heartbeat.
   
   
5. Do: Embrace Communal Feasting: Meals in China are like communal expeditions, where each dish becomes a shared memory. Enjoy the feast, let your creations take centre stage, and savour the experience as the lazy susan spins tales of mutual delight, weaving together moments that linger long after the last bite.
   
   
6. Don't: Neglect Stir-Fry Technique: Stir-frying is all about balance and speed. If you don't crank up the heat and toss things quickly enough, your dish might end up bland because it’ll miss the char and depth that makes stir-fry so good. You've gotta find that sweet spot where everything dances just right in the wok to get those real flavours popping.

There we go! Your tips and tricks, the dos and don'ts that can transform you from a novice to… well, not an expert, but it is a valiant start. You can now take on the toque and the apron without feeling unprepared.

Check out more of our culinary hacks to take your kitchen game to the next level.