Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
âThis is a jellyfish. It has a distinct saltiness, so the current recipe is not quite suitable,â Liao Ning realized what went wrong with the girlâs dish when she examined the ingredients. It wasnât due to an excessive amount of salt but rather because the recipe lacked comprehensiveness.
Elder Jiang couldnât believe it. âBut all these ingredients are fresh and have been tested. How could they turn out salty?â
âThe jellyfish grows in seawater. After soaking in seawater for years, it naturally acquires a salty taste. Essentially, all seafood encounters this issue. However, if itâs washed thoroughly and cooked at high temperatures, the saltiness can usually be eliminated.â
Liao Ning glanced at the girl. âThe recipe she obtained is for a cold jellyfish dish, so this problem isnât her fault. Even if the jellyfish had been soaked in clear water, it wouldnât completely get rid of the salty taste.â
Upon discovering the truth, Elder Jiang deeply regretted his impulsiveness. However, as a prominent figure in the field of ancient food research, he couldnât bring himself to admit such a minor mistake.
Liao Ning sensed Jiang Heâs dilemma and offered him a way out. âPreparing seafood is a challenge that few people can handle. If I hadnât made jellyfish multiple times in the past and studied them extensively, it would have been very difficult to uncover the key. Elder Jiang, youâve been immersed in the library all day, relying on the restoration recipes from ancient books. Itâs understandable that you wouldnât be aware of this.â
âThis young lady is already so courageous at her age, daring to attempt making seafood. Thatâs quite rare. Considering the ingredients werenât processed beforehand, itâs commendable that you managed to preserve the freshness of the jellyfish! Best of luck to you. You have a bright future ahead!â Liao Ning praised the girlâs bravery to try something new.
Elder Jiang understood that Liao Ning was providing him with an opportunity, so he followed her lead and said, âI acted hastily today. I hope you wonât hold it against me. I shouldnât have unjustly blamed you.â
âDr. Jiang, thereâs no need to apologize. I feel incredibly honored to receive your guidance. I hope you wonât be upset with my previous attitude! â Ning Ling didnât expect Elder Jiang, the esteemed senior in the field of ancient food and culture within the Alliance, to apologize to her so sincerely. She felt flattered.
âThis particular recipe isnât well-suited for making jellyfish. Since Iâm here today, I happen to know how to prepare a jellyfish salad. Iâll refine this recipe.
Ning Ling, please assist me in documenting it.â
After making her statement, Liao Ning washed her hands and prepared to make the cold jellyfish dish.
She took a portion of the jellyfish skin that Ning Ling had pre-soaked in water and cut it into thin strips. Then, she blanched the jellyfish strips in hot water heated to 800C.
âThe jellyfish strips should be quickly scooped out within 30 seconds. If left for too long, they will lose their crispy texture,â Liao Ning explained while Ning Ling swiftly recorded the detailed cooking process.
Once the blanched jellyfish strips were ready, Liao Ning transferred them to a bowl of cold water to cool down rapidly, ensuring the collagen in the jellyfish skin remained intact. After draining the water, she set the jellyfish strips aside as a reserve.
Next, Liao Ning proceeded to prepare a flavorful sauce. She combined chopped fresh chili, garlic, coriander, a spoonful of raw soy sauce, a spoonful of vinegar, an appropriate amount of white sugar and MSG, and a spoonful of oyster sauce in a bowl. Lastly, she added a spoonful of hot oil to enhance the aroma and stirred the sauce until well mixed.
Since the jellyfish strips still retained their inherent saltiness, Liao Ning omitted the addition of salt.
âGive it a try!â Liao Ning pushed the bowl of jellyfish strips towards the others, gesturing for them to sample the dish.
Although Ning Ling was eager to taste it, she patiently waited until Elder Jiang was ready to try it.
As the jellyfish strips and sauce touched her palate, Ning Ling experienced a delightful combination of sour and spicy flavors that danced across her taste buds. The crispy jellyfish strips exhibited a satisfying elasticity. Unable to contain her excitement, Ning Ling took another bite before giving Liao Ning the highest praise. âItâs absolutely delicious! Iâm so happy! Liao Ning, youâre amazing! !â
Liao Ning arched an eyebrow. She couldnât help but notice that Ning Lingâs way of speaking resembled that of her livestream fans. However, considering the significant age difference between them, it was reasonable for Ning Ling to refer to her as âsister.â Liao Ning concluded that she was perhaps overthinking the matter and that Ning Ling wasnât necessarily a fan of hers..