Chapter 12 Mealtime

Seeing Dan Bao bounce back, Qin Lang cheerfully prepared the shredded carrots, ginger, onions, and cilantro on a plate and placed it in front of Dan Bao.

"Purring!"

It's my turn to perform!

Seeing these ingredients, Dan Bao instantly perked up, blowing forcefully, rejuvenating the slightly wilted shredded ingredients to be distinct and fresh.

"Great job!"

Qin Lang complimented enthusiastically before reaching for the basin containing the soaked cornstarch.

The cornstarch by now had sunk completely underwater, giving a firm touch on the fingers.

It's thoroughly soaked.

After pouring out the excess water, he started applying the batter.

He mixed three spoonfuls of soaked cornstarch and half a spoonful of water, following this ratio he added the sliced pork tenderloin and tossed them together until every slice was fully coated with the batter.

Only with such batter-dipped Fried Pork in Scoop could the deep-fried meat achieve a crusty exterior and a tender interior.

When the oil reached 70 degrees Celsius, he unfolded the slices of pork and slipped them into the pot.

Before Qin Lang could complete this step, the aroma wafting from the Fried Pork in Scoop sizzling in the pot tantalized the senses.

"Gurgle!"

Dan Bao was salivating greedily, waiting eagerly for the moment when Qin Lang would scoop it out of the pot.

"It's not ready yet, wait a bit longer." Qin Lang said, trying to hold back his laughter as he looked at the eager little fellow with watery eyes, he placated it, "Haste makes waste."

"Gurgle!"

I don't want hot tofu! I want the Fried Pork in Scoop!

Qin Lang was even more amused by this.

The oil temperature rose rapidly to 80 degrees Celsius, as Qin Lang continued encouraging Dan Bao and quickly put the pork slices back into the pot for an extra 15 seconds of frying.

After removing the excess oil, he left only a bit of oil in the pot, added shredded ginger, shredded carrot, the fried pork and the previously prepared sauce, tossed and stirred a few times, then added shredded onions and cilantro, and tossed a couple more times.

"Done~" Seeing Dan Bao almost in tears from anticipation, Qin Lang quickly served the Fried Pork in Scoop. "Be careful, it's hot..."

Looking at Dan Bao, who had promptly snatched a piece of Fried Pork in Scoop, Qin Lang felt his warning was in vain.

Would a creature capable of breathing fire fear a bit of heat?

Watching Dan Bao eat was quite entertaining.

Its little yolk face hidden in its transparent body would emerge when eating.

A touch of magic.

Qin Lang served two bowls of rice from the rice cooker, placing one bowl in front of Dan Bao. "Try it with rice."

Having said that, he picked up a sauce-drenched slice of Fried Pork in Scoop, blew on it to cool it down, and took a bite.

The sweet and sour sauce was refreshing and balanced out the greasiness well, allowing the strong fragrance from the deep frying to explode in the mouth at the first bite.

The soaked cornstarch batter, under high temperature, formed a crust that was hard and crisp. The sauce made it soften slightly, resulting in an amazing texture.

The pork tenderloin inside retained its original flavor and tenderness because of the enclosed crust, such that even the juice was plentiful.

Paired with a mouthful of rice...

"This taste, I could eat it for a lifetime and not get tired of it." Qin Lang couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

"Purr Purr!"

Dan Bao, who had just discovered a whole new world of flavors, heartily agreed.

Having eaten a couple of mouthfuls of rice along with the Fried Pork in Scoop, Qin Lang, with a little reluctance, put down his chopsticks and took out a lettuce leaf from the vegetable basket.

"The Oxtail Soup will take a while longer, in the meantime, we can make the oyster sauce lettuce."

Although the Fried Pork in Scoop continued to tempt Dan Bao, it quickly retracted its head into its body and then hurriedly moved closer to Qin Lang.

"Glug!"

Check out my freshness!

Seeing Dan Bao skillfully use the food skill to make the lettuce even fresher, Qin Lang's face was filled with smiles.

With Dan Bao's company, even the cooking process became more fun.

As one of the home-style seasonal vegetable dishes, oyster sauce lettuce was not complicated to prepare.

While Dan Bao was offering his help, Qin Lang started the stove to boil water and make the oyster sauce for the lettuce.

A spoonful of oyster sauce, two spoonfuls of light soy sauce, a pinch of pepper, and a spoonful of cornstarch.

The taste of the vegetables was light, so thickening it would allow for more sauce to stick, enhancing the taste.

Finally, a large spoonful of water was added, and it was stirred until blended evenly.

Setting aside the prepared oyster sauce, Qin Lang took the lettuce that Dan Bao had processed, cutting off the roots and quickly washing it.

The water that had been boiling in the pot was now ready.

A spoonful of salt was added for an underlying flavor, a spoonful of oil was added to keep the lettuce green and vibrant after blanching. The lettuce was then put in the pot, blanched to sixty percent cooked, and plated.

Until it was put on the plate, the lettuce kept its green freshness, its surface shining with water glow, which looked especially tempting under the light.

Just by the colour, it stimulated one's appetite.

He heated oil in the pot, fried the minced garlic that Dan Bao had prepared until it was fragrant, added the oyster sauce and stirred until the sauce was bubbling and thick.

Amid the steaming heat, the fresh aroma of the oyster sauce mixed with the scent of pepper penetrated into the nostrils, just like a tempting elf, making one crave food.

"Dish is ready!"

Looking at the expectant eyes of Dan Bao, Qin Lang evenly poured the sauce over the lettuce and then brought the plate to the table, "Try it?"

"Dudu Gugu!"

Dan Bao cheered and quickly leaned over and carefully picked up a piece of lettuce.

The next moment, its eyes were shining.

It's so delicious!

Timing it right, Qin Lang opened the pressure cooker, ladled out two bowls of simmered oxtail soup, placed them in front of himself and Dan Bao, and then sat down.

Unlike the fragrance of Fried Pork in Scoop, the aroma of the oxtail soup was mellow and rich.

The milky-white soup was slightly thick, with a few red goji berries floating on top. There were also a couple of pale yellow Polygonatum slices and light brown oxtail. The collision of colors made it mouth-watering.

He took a light sip, and Qin Lang squinted his eyes in satisfaction.

The collagen in the oxtail melted into the soup after being cooked under high pressure. The freshness of the beef and the richness of the marrow, coated in collagen, lingered more clearly on the tongue.

The slight sweetness from the Polygonatum and goji berries added freshness to the oxtail soup, bringing about a rich but not greasy taste.

"Duru!"

Dan Bao carefully took a sip of the soup, revealing an expression similar to Qin Lang's.

The oxtail soup is really good!

"I'm glad you like it." Seeing how happy Dan Bao was eating, Qin Lang's face was full of smiles.

Nothing was more gratifying than the eater being satisfied with his own cooking.

Qin Lang picked up the tender, boneless oxtail and put it in his mouth.

The oxtail, full of collagen, was not firm, and the crevices in the texture were filled with the delicious soup.

The stronger beef flavor from the meat burst out with the chewing, filling the mouth.

A piece of oyster sauce lettuce, paired with rice, went into his mouth.

The aroma of garlic, fried in oil, was not overpowering, mixing with the fresh taste of oyster sauce, and the crisp, sweet texture of the lettuce, it instantly brightened Qin Lang's eyes.

The mix of saltiness and sweetness blended perfectly, instantly wiping away the lingering taste of the oxtail soup. Paired with full-grained rice that had a slightly elastic texture, it truly was a pleasure.

Next, it was time to feast.

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End of Chapter Bonus Content:

[Oyster Sauce Lettuce]