Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Golden Shrimp Box

After three rounds of group matches, the six contestants were finally decided.

It must be said, these six contestants are truly a star-studded lineup.

First, there are the two female chefs from Group A. Chen Ran, who has been trending multiple times, needs no introduction, and the other chef, Jiang Ting, is also well-known in the local rankings, especially skilled in Cantonese cuisine.

The four chefs from Groups B and C also have very famous names.

It can be said that if you haven’t tasted the food of any of these chefs, you definitely aren’t a true food enthusiast.

And in the past, the foodies who supported Chen Ran were also starting to have some differing opinions.

“The competition is getting a bit too fierce... Chef Chen has some really great signature dishes, but these chefs, each one could hold their own in this competition.”

“Has Master Lu been in the background for a while? How come he was invited to this show? Wow, this old man looks really energetic!”

“Chef Ma is also here?”

“Wow, with this competition, even if Chef Chen doesn’t place, it’s understandable. A few of these chefs have been cooking longer than she’s been alive!”

While Chen Ran’s culinary skills have greatly improved over time, due to the various jobs she’s had, most people have only tasted a few of her dishes.

On the other hand, the other chefs have been active in their respective fields for decades, their skills have long been tested by time and diners.

In the earlier group matches, many fans were still rooting for Chen Ran, but now, even the fan groups were feeling a little nervous.

“The contrast seems a bit exaggerated, doesn’t it? Our Ran Ran looks so much smaller compared to these chefs…”

“Don’t boost others’ morale while dampening our own! Remember that Chef Pan was also competing with Ran Ran for the three-duck set. Let’s watch the competition!”

This competition had a bit of a variety-show feel, no longer live-streaming, but instead editing the five days of competition into three episodes for broadcast.

During these five days, the six chefs stayed together, not only competing but also encountering various daily interactions.

For example, the following scene... once aired, it sparked some controversy.

“Why doesn’t Master Lu respond to Chen Ran? Every time she greets him, he turns away?”

“He’s over sixty years old, how is he so impolite?”

Chen Ran noticed that Master Lu never responded to her. After trying to greet him twice, she gave up trying to continue the conversation with him.

Anyway, everyone was here for the competition, and in the end, only she would be stepping up to the competition stage, so interpersonal relationships weren’t her priority.

However, the other chefs had been in the culinary world for some time, and at least there would be no awkward silences between them.

“Wow, Chef Jiang is so accomplished at a young age!”

Hearing "accomplished at a young age," Jiang Ting thought of Chen Ran sitting on the sofa with her eyes closed and felt that the comment had a bit of a sarcastic tone.

“I’m not as good as you, Master Ma. Back in the day, your master’s Orchid Bear Paw won the national championship.”

The viewers watching this episode were laughing—every word was a hidden jab!

One implied that the other shouldn't rely on youth as an advantage, because there would always be younger ones behind; the other hinted that times have changed, and the approach of their master wouldn’t work anymore.

Before the first match even started, sparks were already flying!Even the editing seemed to hint at something, adding a sunglasses effect to the dialogue for several people.

It wasn't until Bai Jing finally stood up to announce the competition rules that this exchange, hidden with sharp edges, finally stopped.

“Hello everyone, the Two Capitals Culinary Competition officially begins! I’ll first announce the rules for the first round.”

“Everyone here represents the highest level of culinary skills in our country, and you’re all top chefs in your own right. The signature dishes of the masters here are all famous in their own time.”

“However, since this is a culinary competition, it wouldn’t make sense to only compete with your own signature dishes. In this round, the program team has researched each of the masters' signature dishes and then had everyone draw lots. Whatever dish you draw, that’s the one you have to make.”

The chefs in the room were stunned for a moment, but there was no major objection.

Indeed, each of the chefs had their own specialty, but since they came to this culinary competition, it was impossible to just stick to their comfort zones.

Moreover, having reached such a level in cooking, it was impossible not to take the best aspects from various cuisines.

Master Ma was the first to speak up: “Okay, this is more like a competition. Otherwise, what’s the point of everyone just making their own prepared dishes?”

Jiang Ting also made a sarcastic comment: “Exactly, otherwise if we’re just comparing preparation skills, we might as well just compare who’s older.”

The tension was palpable!

Viewers who saw the unedited footage of the argument were thrilled.

“They all seem pretty old, and I thought there wouldn’t be any drama. But who would've thought…”

“Exactly, because they’re all older, they’ve all achieved a certain status, that’s why they’re more likely to argue.”

“I’m curious what signature dish the program team prepared for Chen Ran. I really want to see the expression on someone’s face when they draw the Three-Duck Set.”

The program team’s preparations weren’t too outrageous. From each chef’s representative dishes, they selected some that wouldn’t require too much preparation time.

After all, the competition only lasted two hours, and dishes requiring long marinating times wouldn’t be possible.

Chen Ran’s three dishes were clear-braised lion’s head, stir-fried double crisp, and three-diced buns.

“After everyone draws their corresponding dishes, the original chef will score the dish. Of course, when scoring, you must provide reasons,” Bai Jing explained with a smile. “It’s also an exchange of culinary skills between everyone.”

Lu Jingrong, who had mostly stayed silent, snorted through his nose: “Even without a reason, I definitely won’t lower the score.”

This was on TV! They were all well-known figures, so this comment from the program team felt a little disrespectful.

Lu Jingrong stepped forward to draw the first lot!

“Stir-fried double crisp.”

To distinguish whose signature dish it was, the back of the slip had a small “Chen” written, indicating that it was Chen Ran’s dish.

Master Ma followed closely and also drew Chen Ran’s clear-braised lion’s head. He raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Most of these veteran chefs rarely went online. Before this, he had never heard of Chen Ran, only knowing that she was a popular chef on the internet.

“One Huaiyang dish, one Shandong dish—this young girl is quite bold.”

Jiang Ting also stepped forward. She was a bit nervous. After drawing the first ball, she paused and put it back, then drew another ball.

Opening it, she was surprised to find it was the Three-Diced Buns! The back also had Chen Ran’s name!

When Jiang Ting advanced in the group stage, she knew that Chen Ran would be a formidable competitor.Not only because her dish of Guobao Rou was of a high standard, but also because she dared to make the same dish as the other contestants on such a competitive stage, going against the grain!

Such confidence must certainly be backed by solid skill.

However, even though they had already overestimated Chen Ran, they never expected that after her Huaiyang and Shandong dishes, she would also present a white-cut dish!

Jiang Ting was a red-case chef, and her white-case skills were limited to steaming buns at home. In a competition like this, she wouldn’t dare to take a risk.

Looks like she’d have to forfeit this round...

Jiang Ting raised her hand to signal Bai Jing and was about to speak when she noticed that Chen Ran, who had been silent until then, spoke first.

“Host, I think this topic isn’t quite right.”

“Everyone here is a red-case chef, and pulling out a white-case dish is clearly making things difficult. I suggest that Chef Jiang draw again.”

After she said this, she turned to the other chefs: “Don’t you all think Chef Jiang should draw again? The program team’s topic wasn’t professional enough, and it’s unfair to make Chef Jiang bear the consequences of it.”

Master Ma, who had just described Chen Ran as “quite bold,” looked at her and raised his hand: “I agree.”

“I agree too.”

“I agree as well.”

Bai Jing had already urgently discussed with the director’s team and quickly explained with a smile: “Indeed, it was a mistake on the part of the program team. But it also shows that Chef Chen has a wide range of skills. Let’s see what Chef Jiang draws this time... It’s a chicken roe and fish belly dish!”

When everyone was talking together just now, Chen Ran had been standing off to the side. Now, during the drawing, she planned to wait until the other two chefs had finished before stepping up.

However, the other two chefs turned to gesture for Chen Ran to come forward.

“Chef Chen, go ahead. You draw first.”

“Chef Chen, please.”

Just now they had called her by her name or even referred to her as "the young girl," but now they were all calling her “Chef Chen”!

One reason was because she was skilled enough to master both Huaiyang and Shandong cuisine, and even a white-case dish. Even if her skills were somewhat general, it was still impressive.

Moreover, anyone who had come this far, who would think they were general and not proficient?

In the culinary world, where skill is everything, being good at what you do is the most important!

Another reason was that, just now, when Chen Ran had spoken out on behalf of Jiang Ting, who had been silent and seemingly proud, she stepped forward to help Jiang Ting by requesting a dish swap.

Jiang Ting had drawn Chen Ran’s signature dish. If Chen Ran hadn’t spoken up, Jiang Ting would have had no choice but to forfeit or look bad. Only Chen Ran, the chef skilled in white-case dishes, could make such a request with authority.

This moment was also edited into the final broadcast of the show.

“It’s over, I’m going from a fan of her cooking to a fan of her character!”

“Sister Ran is so cool! So awesome!”

“Chef Chen is so responsible! That moment really had a sense of a master’s demeanor!”

Even Chang Nian, after seeing this scene, secretly clinked glasses with Wu Chaomei: “Ran Ran really has that feeling you had when you were young.”

That kind of confidence, coming from the heart, is the most charming!

Wu Chaomei didn’t say any flattering words. She had been sharp-tongued for half her life, and all her praise for Chen Ran had already been conveyed in her remark about Chen Ran regaining her sense of taste.She simply raised her small wine glass and finished it in one go: "Alright, let's see what Ran Ran draws."

Chen Ran, who had swapped dishes for Jiang Ting, ended up drawing one of Jiang Ting’s signature dishes: Golden Shrimp Box.

This was a classic Cantonese dish. When Chen Ran saw the dish name, she paused and thought for a moment.

Jiang Ting walked over and couldn’t help but speak up: "Chef Chen, have you made this dish before? Would you like me to share my method with you?"

At first, Jiang Ting had been somewhat upset when Master Ma used Chen Ran’s age to challenge her. But unexpectedly, this youngest chef turned out to have the most master-like demeanor!

She even became more cautious in her tone, saying she’d offer her method as a "reference" rather than telling her how to make it.

Chen Ran looked up sincerely into her eyes: "Sister Jiang Ting, I spoke up for you earlier because I believe that in competitions, fairness and justice are key."

"Nowadays, there are fewer chefs with true craftsmanship. For those of us who have reached this point, we should be more united and supportive of each other."

"But a competition is a competition. I spoke up for fairness earlier, and now I’m making this dish for fairness too."

Jiang Ting opened her mouth but was momentarily speechless.

She had just been sparring with the other chefs, but now, seeing Chen Ran’s sincerity, she suddenly felt that she had forgotten the original intent with which she began learning cooking.

She even thought that no matter how Chen Ran made the Golden Shrimp Box, she would still give her some points. But now, it seemed that this wasn’t what Chen Ran needed at all.

Jiang Ting pinched her hand, released it, and let out a deep sigh before speaking: "Chef Chen, I will give an objective evaluation later."

Chen Ran nodded and began picking the ingredients for the Golden Shrimp Box.

As the name implies, the Golden Shrimp Box has a golden exterior filled with shrimp meat as the filling.

The golden crust looks golden and translucent, crispy and delicious when bitten, but it isn’t made from flour—it’s made from extremely thinly sliced pork lard.

This dish is notoriously difficult to make.

The first challenge is slicing the pork lard thin enough so that after frying, it becomes transparent enough to show the filling inside.

The second challenge lies in seasoning the shrimp filling. With such a method of cooking, the shrimp meat is cooked in a closed space surrounded by lard. Any slight fishy smell in the shrimp will be magnified during the tasting.

The third difficulty is with the pork lard itself. Since it’s high in fat, if the frying temperature isn’t controlled properly, it could explode!

The traditional method of making Golden Shrimp Box involves cutting two slices of pork lard, filling them with shrimp meat, and then sealing the two slices together.

After frying to set the shape, the edges of the lard are trimmed off to prevent it from being too greasy.

However, this is the method used in the kitchen out of public view. In a competition broadcasted to the public, this would look unattractive.

Chen Ran shaped a piece of pork lard into a cylinder, thought for a moment, and then quickly made a cut.

Jiang Ting, who was closely watching, noticed a hint of disappointment on her face.

This cut... it was too thick.

The authentic Golden Shrimp Box pork lard slices should be no more than two millimeters thick, but Chen Ran’s slice was roughly three millimeters thick.

However, it was still good for a first attempt at cutting!

Jiang Ting sighed and was about to shift her focus back to chopping chicken roe when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chen Ran place the thick slice on the cutting board, lay the knife flat, and slice it again!

The three-millimeter thick slice was divided in half, leaving a small connection in the middle. Chen Ran kept cutting, making twenty slices in one go, and then began marinating them.The first step was complete.

She let out a sigh of relief. The sticky pork lard had been cut into such thin slices so neatly—this, even for her, required careful attention.

The next step was to prepare the shrimp filling.

In the traditional method, this step requires shelling live shrimp and chopping them into a filling, then adding egg whites and beating them until firm. Chen Ran shelled the live shrimp, chopped them finely, added the egg whites and seasoning, but instead of starting right away, she took out the previously sliced pork lard pieces and filled them with the shrimp mixture.

The shrimp filling, which had just been chopped, was slightly sticky. Chen Ran carefully placed the pork lard slices on the outside and then began to pound the mixture to firm it up!

Having made countless lion’s head meatballs, Chen Ran was already well-practiced in the process of firming up the filling.

Gradually, the two slices of pork lard stuck perfectly to the shrimp filling, and the oil in the frying pan was already hot.

Into the pan!

The first round was low heat to set the shape, and the second round was a slightly higher temperature for a double fry. Chen Ran was careful at every step, carefully monitoring the heat.

Soon, the Golden Shrimp Box was ready!

After two rounds of frying, the pork lard slices had become completely translucent, and one could even see the shrimp meat filling through the golden crust.

Chen Ran couldn’t resist and tried a piece herself.

Since her sense of taste returned, she had begun to enjoy tasting her dishes.

With a gentle bite, the golden, crispy pork lard easily broke apart. The light, crisp texture, with a hint of pork fat fragrance, was perfectly balanced—rich but not greasy.

It felt like eating extremely thin-cut original potato chips—delicious!

And when the crispy shell shattered, the fresh, bouncy shrimp filling finally emerged. Because it had been sealed inside the pork lard during frying, the shrimp filling was incredibly juicy with no dryness whatsoever.

The contrast of these two textures and flavors—rich and fresh—provided a satisfying, layered taste, a perfect combination of land and sea.

Bai Jing, who was ready to serve the dish to Jiang Ting, even heard the sound of Chen Ran biting through the shrimp box...

He suppressed his urge to taste it, quickly bringing a plate of Golden Shrimp Boxes to Jiang Ting.

Jiang Ting felt somewhat conflicted. She had been secretly observing Chen Ran’s cooking process and had watched as Chen Ran even improved the recipe during the cooking process, even on her first attempt.

She picked up a shrimp box and took a bite.

Bai Jing watched as Jiang Ting ate three pieces without giving any scores and couldn’t help but feel anxious.

"Chef Jiang? Would you like to give a score before eating?"

Jiang Ting sighed and put down her chopsticks. "This dish... I really can’t give it a score."

She cupped her hands toward Chen Ran. "Chef Chen, your improvement just now really inspired me. Can I learn your method?"

A chef who can improve a recipe during the competition is beyond her ability to judge!

No matter the person or the skills, she was completely impressed!