As Master Chen was grilling, Fu Yu stood by watching.
It was clear that during this time, Master Chen had been diligently working to improve his grilling skills, but in terms of execution, there was noticeably no breakthrough.
Fu Yu furrowed his brow, trying to pinpoint the cause.
He watched very closely, but as he saw the fish nearly finished grilling, he still couldn't identify the specific issue.
Clearly, Master Chen's grilling skills were quite good, his control over the heat was decent, yet why couldn't he level up his personal grilling skills?
Fu Yu was also quite curious!
Although he hoped he could help and offer some guidance, when it comes to culinary skills, achieving a breakthrough ultimately relies on oneself.
The grilled fish emitted a rich aroma as Master Chen turned it over and prepared to apply the sauce.
Both in the grilling technique and the orderly manner of applying the sauce, everything followed a set routine.
Fu Yu patiently and attentively observed.
Diligence does not disappoint the determined.
In the end, he did spot a non-issue issue.
The corners of Fu Yu's mouth, previously taut, slowly curved into a smile!
This was the reason!
When Master Chen was grilling, he was too methodical, too focused on rules!
However, grilling, like all cooking techniques, is a very flexible and casual practice.
Adhering too strictly to established steps can lack a certain creativity.
Fu Yu couldn't help but look at Master Chen.
Through previous interactions, he had understood some aspects of Master Chen's personality.
Meticulous, earnest, with strong principles for both people and tasks. When teaching barbecue at Qianlima, his requirements for Fu Yu and others were just as stringent.
They had to strictly follow the established grilling methods and procedures, and each of his own actions were like an exact replica, with precision.
Even when applying sauce, Master Chen was the same!
He was very skilled in his saucing technique. Now, his control over grilled ingredients was exceptionally precise. He even studied how much sauce to apply to different ingredients and how to evenly cover every part.
However, the grilling method he wanted to learn and master was Fu Yu's approach.
And what was the core of Fu Yu's grilling technique?
It was all about adapting to changes and handling all the details of grilling flexibly!
Yet, although Master Chen wanted to learn Fu Yu's method, he was too rigid.
This led him to only grasp Fu Yu's basic operations, rather than the mindset in cooking.
Once Fu Yu realized this, he couldn't resist saying to Master Chen as he watched him, "Master Chen, when you apply the sauce later, try adding an extra layer around the gills."
Master Chen was taken aback.
In fact, when grilling fish, Master Chen usually focused on the fish meat's grilling and the sauce application.
As for the fish head, few people eat that part.
After all, unlike other cooking methods, after long exposure to charcoal grilling, the fish brain and meat in the head lose their original delicate flavor, making them less palatable, and since it's not stewed, the flavors don't penetrate well.
But since Fu Yu mentioned it, Master Chen decided to follow his suggestion immediately.
He agreed and carefully added an extra layer of sauce to the gills.
However, as soon as the brush touched the gill area, Master Chen paused.
Like a flash of lightning in his mind, countless thoughts and ideas suddenly surged, and soon, without much thought, inspiration began to pour in.
The fish meat next to the gills is actually the most tender part on the fish head, without small bones.
If it's braised or steamed, this part is delicious.
But when grilled, this area tends to be too thick.
And since it's not scored, the flavors don't penetrate well; an extra layer of sauce would indeed enhance the taste.
This should-have-been-simple logic had slipped by him unnoticed.
Because when eating grilled fish, people usually focus on the fish meat directly, or leave it aside, only savoring the meat.
The tender meat near the gills is often nibbled at the end, without much thought.
Due to careful consideration of the order in which customers dine, his related grilling techniques and cooking methods were repeatedly tested and settled on as the perfect approach.
This often led to his overly methodical cooking style.
He overlooked a crucial point.
Adaptability!
Master Chen beamed with an indescribable joy overwhelming him.
Right!
It was because he was too focused on step-by-step operations that he overlooked some very simple details.
The reason for his stagnant progress was due to his rigid cooking approach and lack of flexibility.
Finally, he found the root of the problem.
The bottleneck that had long hindered him was finally broken through.
At this moment, he clearly felt a significant qualitative leap in his grilling skills!
Even though it was just a flash of realization, and he hadn't moved to the next step yet, he was clearly aware that he had truly improved.
Moreover, he found he had a clearer understanding of Fu Yu's grilling techniques.
However, Master Chen did not become complacent because of this.
Because he gradually realized why Fu Yu suddenly asked him to apply an extra layer of sauce at the gills.
Previously, Fu Yu hadn't made such a suggestion during grilling.
Master Chen couldn't help but look at Fu Yu, understanding that he was being given guidance.
To perform perfect grilling and master the art of cooking, the essence of Fu Yu's grilling technique was in flexible and adaptable handling and operation!
Master Chen seemed like a veil was lifted from his eyes, freeing from a state of seeing only one part of the picture.
Clearly and distinctly recognizing his shortcomings.
Looking back on all his past operations, he suddenly realized he had been stuck in a rigid learning routine, trapping himself in a series of constraints, lacking the ability to adjust his cooking methods according to the specific conditions of the ingredients, losing the ability to adapt.
Such a misguided concept had restrained him!
If not for Fu Yu, he might never have achieved a true breakthrough in his lifetime!
He was indeed very fortunate to meet Fu Yu and receive his guidance.
It's truly difficult to encounter such a master in daily life!
