Liu Yunong has always been decisive in her actions; once she decided to let Fu Yu do the cooking, she quickly set things in motion!
So, after the assistant had all the ingredients prepared, under the personal guidance and support of Liu Yunong, Fu Yu began to cook.
Liu Yunong had already shared all her experiences and insights of cooking live carp with Fu Yu. Therefore, as Fu Yu started to operate, she didn’t offer any more guidance but stood by carefully observing.
Even Fu Yu had to treat it with utmost seriousness this time!
When cooking begins, if you first handle the live fish, it inevitably takes time.
The key to this dish lies in time management—how to shorten the cooking time as much as possible to let the customer experience the rare sight of eating piping hot live fish.
Fu Yu first adjusted and arranged all the utensils, ingredients, and seasonings according to his cooking habits.
Then, his first move was to place the cutting board a bit closer to the wok as per the steps in the classic traditional recipe, with medicinal cotton and white gauze placed casually next to it.
Fu Yu’s actions were casual, like picking up a spatula for stir-frying or using a ladle to serve porridge.
However!
Liu Yunong immediately spotted the key point here.
Brilliant!
Right from the start, the sophistication in his technique and operation became apparent.
Simply placing the cutting board closer to the wok saves a lot of time.
While a few seconds may seem trivial, for this dish, every second saved in the kitchen enhances the customer’s dining experience.
Liu Yunong’s eyes brightened, watching even more attentively.
Wang Yulong also perked up.
Seizing the rare idle moment as the ingredients entered the steamer, he couldn’t help but come over to Fu Yu’s station for a closer look at the cooking process.
Putting the cutting board closer to the wok also facilitates the chef’s operation.
But this so-called proximity still maintains an arm’s distance, as space is needed for bowls, pots, ladles, and other utensils.
Yet Fu Yu’s adjustment of the cutting board, with just a casual movement, caught Wang Yulong’s attention.
Fu Yu placed the cutting board directly beside the wok; by slightly lifting his arm, the ingredients could go right into the pot.
A seemingly simple action, yet it showed Fu Yu’s meticulous care.
His attention to detail was impeccable.
Fu Yu focused on the cooking, preparing all the side dishes.
The oil sizzled in the pot as he cooked the side dishes.
He switched pots and prepared the oil for frying the fish.
Fu Yu’s method differed from Liu Yunong’s.
Liu Yunong would half-prepare the live fish before heating the oil.
Whereas Fu Yu heated the oil first before starting to fillet the fish.
Though a simple procedural difference, it reflected Fu Yu’s confidence in cooking this dish.
After all, the time for heating oil is fixed, and heating oil first means the speed of processing the fish must match that timeframe.
Liu Yunong’s lips tightened, and her heartbeat inexplicably quickened.
Wang Yulong was also watching intently.
He hadn’t noticed before; Fu Yu was no longer the humble, low-key kitchen newbie from before. He was sharp like a honed blade, capturing attention with just his initial moves.
Fu Yu was skilled in breaking down tasks.
Everyone knew that.
At this moment, everyone’s eyes were on Fu Yu, filled with expectation.
The kitchen is like this.
Everyone has their role, with a specific scope of work.
For example, the chef is responsible for taking orders and handling the cooking; they act first when situations arise.
Fu Yu took on the challenge without fear, confidently handling the order!
At this moment, the true essence of cooking began!
Fu Yu followed the instructions from the classic traditional recipe and started to fillet the fish.
He swiftly descaled it, slit open the abdomen, being careful not to cut open the chest cavity.
He removed the entrails, leaving the heart and gills, and washed them clean.
Placing the carp on the cutting board, he scored both sides with corrugated patterns, making an "X" pattern on the tail...
Liu Yunong stood by assisting, not just with words but fully focused on Fu Yu’s operation, ready to hand him any needed utensil.
In the kitchen, there’s never a solitary strong person.
It’s always small groups working in unity and cooperation!
After scoring the fish, Fu Yu casually picked up the sterilized medicinal cotton.
Seeing Fu Yu’s actions, everyone couldn’t help but gasp!
The critical part of cooking this dish had begun.
Fu Yu, at this time, became the center of attention in the entire kitchen!
Because only the fish’s lower belly had been opened, the chest cavity remained sealed. Inside, though some innards were removed, parts of the heart were still attached, needing further handling.
Though everyone knew this step was necessary, given Liu Yunong’s recent failure, the pressure on Fu Yu was palpable!
Could Fu Yu do it?
Liu Yunong looked at Fu Yu and couldn’t help but remind, "Keep your hand steady, your movements gentle, and your speed quick..."
There was another sentence Liu Yunong thought of but didn’t voice.
Can it really be done?
Fu Yu naturally sensed the concern in Liu Yunong’s tone, so he nodded: "Okay."
Just as Fu Yu could detect Liu Yunong’s unspoken words.
Liu Yunong also sensed the determination and confidence in Fu Yu’s tone.
I believe I can do it.