If seasoning is compared to a symphonic concerto, then before the official performance, the performer must first set the tone. The basic basis for seasoning "tuning" is roughly as follows.
1. Seasoning based on ingredients
Fresh chicken, fish, shrimp, and vegetables have their own unique freshness, and seasoning should not be excessive to avoid masking the natural and delicious taste. Raw materials with a strong fishy smell, such as stale fish, shrimp, beef and mutton, and internal organs, should be seasoned with more seasonings to remove fishy and greasy odors, such as cooking wine, vinegar, sugar, scallions, ginger, garlic, etc., in order to reduce the unpleasant taste and enhance the freshness.
Raw materials that do not have a specific taste, such as sea cucumber, shark fin, etc., should not only be added to fresh soup, but also be seasoned according to the specific requirements of the dish.
2. Seasoning for dishes
Each dish has its own specific flavor, which is determined through different cooking methods. Therefore, the types and quantities of seasonings should not be scattered. Especially for multi flavored dishes, it is necessary to distinguish the primary and secondary flavors in order to use the main and auxiliary seasonings appropriately. Some dishes are mainly sweet and sour, while others are mainly fresh and fragrant. Some dishes have a sweet opening and a salty ending, or a salty opening and a sweet ending. The secret of multiple flavors and variations in a dish lies in the seasoning technique.
3. Seasoning according to the time
People's tastes often vary with the seasons, which is also related to the metabolic status of the body. For example, in winter, due to the cold climate, they prefer to use thick and plump dishes; In the hot summer, I prefer light and refreshing food.
4. Seasoning according to people
When cooking, while maintaining the flavor characteristics of local dishes, it is also important to pay attention to the different tastes of diners and make dishes according to their preferences. The saying 'there is no fixed taste in food, and those who are palatable are precious' is an appropriate summary of cooking according to people.
5. Seasoning
Good ingredients but poor seasoning or improper seasoning placement will affect the flavor of dishes. Seasoning also has another meaning, that is, when cooking dishes from a certain place, the local seasonings should be used in order to make the dishes fully flavored.