Latest / Learn Cantonese with Fexingo / Cantonese Cooking: Stir-Fry Techniques
Transcript
- Lucas: Welcome back to Learn Cantonese with Fexingo. I am Lucas. Luna: And I am Luna. It is so good to be here again. Lucas: We are picking up right where we left off last episode. Luna: Right. Last time we talked about rainy days and bringing an umbrella. Lucas: Exactly. But today, the rain has stopped. Luna: Ohh. So what are we doing now? Lucas: We are going into the kitchen. Specifically, the wok. Luna: The wok. Oh, I love that part. Lucas: If Fexingo has been helping you make actual progress with this language... Luna: Then listener support is what keeps these episodes ad-free. Lucas: You can help us keep the kitchen warm by visiting buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. Luna: It really helps us bring you these small, digestible lessons every week. Lucas: Thank you for supporting us. Now, let's get cooking. Luna: Yes. Let's cook. So, what is the first thing we need? Lucas: We need high heat. In Cantonese, we say 猛火. Luna: 猛火. Let me try that. Lucas: Good. 猛火. It means strong fire or high heat. Luna: 猛火. Okay. High heat. Got it. Lucas: Say it with me. 猛火. Luna: 猛火. Lucas: Perfect. 猛火. We need this for the next step. Luna: So, once the pan is hot, what do we do? Lucas: We move fast. We quick-fry. That phrase is 快炒. Luna: 快炒. Quick-fry. Okay. Lucas: Listen closely. 快炒. Kaai chiu. Luna: 快炒. Is that correct? Lucas: Spot on. 快炒. It means to stir-fry quickly. Luna: 快炒. Like tossing vegetables rapidly. Lucas: Exactly. 快炒. Keep the food moving. Luna: 猛火 and 快炒. High heat, quick fry. Lucas: Yes. You have the rhythm down. Luna: I feel like a professional chef already. Lucas: Almost. But there is one secret ingredient. Luna: Secret ingredient? What is it? Lucas: It is called 鑊氣. Wok hei. Luna: 鑊氣. Ooh. That sounds important. Lucas: It is. 鑊氣. It means the breath of the wok. Luna: The breath of the wok. I love that. Lucas: Repeat after me. 鑊氣. Luna: 鑊氣. Lucas: Again. 鑊氣. Luna: 鑊氣. It gives the food that smoky flavor. Lucas: Exactly. 鑊氣. That is what makes street food taste amazing. Luna: I want that flavor. 鑊氣. Yes. Lucas: So, we use 猛火. We do 快炒. And we chase 鑊氣. Luna: 猛火. 快炒. 鑊氣. That is a good combo. Lucas: It is. But wait. How do you know if it tastes good? Luna: You taste it! Obviously. Lucas: Right. But in Cantonese, we have a specific word for that check. Luna: What is it? Lucas: It is 試味. To taste the flavor. Luna: 試味. Shi hai. Okay. Lucas: Let's practice. 試味. Luna: 試味. I dip the spoon in. Lucas: Good. 試味. Add some salt if needed. Luna: 試味. Check the seasoning. Lucas: Perfect. 試味. That is the final step. Luna: So, let's put it all together. Lucas: Sure. Start with 猛火. Luna: 猛火. Turn up the heat. Lucas: Then 快炒. Toss everything. Luna: 快炒. Keep it moving fast. Lucas: Catch that 鑊氣. The smoky aroma. Luna: 鑊氣. Yes, smells delicious. Lucas: Finally, 試味. Does it need more soy sauce? Luna: 試味. Just a little bit more. Lucas: There you go. You made dinner. Luna: I did it. I cooked with Cantonese. Lucas: You really nailed it. Luna: Can we eat now? Lucas: Not yet. Let's review one more time. Luna: Okay. Review mode. Lucas: High heat. 猛火. Luna: 猛火. Strong fire. Lucas: Quick fry. 快炒. Luna: 快炒. Fast tossing. Lucas: Wok breath. 鑊氣. Luna: 鑊氣. Smoky flavor. Lucas: Taste test. 試味. Luna: 試味. Check the salt. Lucas: Excellent work today, Luna. Luna: Thanks, Lucas. I feel so capable. Lucas: You should be proud. Luna: I am. These phrases are so useful. Lucas: They are. Practice them in your own kitchen. Luna: I will. Maybe tomorrow I will make noodles. Lucas: That sounds wonderful. Luna: With lots of 鑊氣. Lucas: Absolutely. Lots of 鑊氣. Luna: See you next time, everyone. Lucas: Bye for now. Keep practicing.