Chapter 806 - 580: Is This the Legendary ‘Golden Tongue’? (Part 2)

Chapter 806: Chapter 580: Is This the Legendary ‘Golden Tongue’? (Part 2)

Huang Jun watched intently, his satisfaction evident, though some curiosity inevitably arose in his heart.

Curious about Meng Hongze’s identity!

That’s right!

The arrogance displayed by Meng Hongze was quite obvious, but it was not arrogance or conceit, nor blind self-satisfaction, but rather a reflection of stable confidence.

Among the many chefs, his demeanor appeared particularly distinctive, as if his family background endowed him with a unique essence and depth...

Unaware of what Huang Jun was thinking, Meng Hongze was at the moment focused on his operation.

He gently clutched a small piece of tofu at the base of his thumb, then used chopsticks to carefully make a small opening at the edge of the tofu cut, next clamping some meat filling with the chopsticks and slowly filling it into the opening.

While stuffing the meat filling, he paid careful attention to the pressure exerted by his hand, fearing that he might accidentally break the tofu and thereby ruin its integrity and appearance.

When he felt that the meat filling was sufficiently stuffed, he stopped, placed it on the board for later, and proceeded to handle the next piece.

In this manner, he mechanically repeated this series of steps...

Huang Jun stood aside, continuing to observe each candidate’s operational techniques.

The other three candidates held a small spoon in one hand, gently picked up a neatly cut piece of tofu, and skillfully traced a smooth arc on the tofu’s surface, precisely scooped out a suitable groove, and then filled it with meat filling.

Though proficient, these techniques could only be considered standard.

The next second...

When he cast his gaze back to Meng Hongze and witnessed his operation, he couldn’t help but nod slightly, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes.

Honestly speaking.

This traditional stuffed tofu method is much more challenging than simply carving a hole to fill with meat, it requires real skills to execute!

Using this method has another advantage.

There is no need to think about dealing with the excavated tofu, thus cleverly avoiding unnecessary waste.

Judging solely by this.

Meng Hongze had already stood out among the other three candidates, gaining a slight edge!

The balance in Huang Jun’s heart once again tipped in favor of Meng Hongze...

At this moment.

Meng Hongze had completed the stuffed tofu step, and proceeded to pour an appropriate amount of oil into a skillet, preparing to undertake the tofu frying step.

He placed each stuffed tofu piece into the pan, purposely turning the side with the meat downward,

In an instant...

The pan emitted a continuous sizzling sound.

He slowly fried the tofu over a low flame, not forgetting to gently shake the pan to ensure even heating.

As he continued frying...

The outer skin of the tofu gradually turned golden and tempting, while the air was filled with a rich aroma.

When each piece of tofu had been fried to a golden crisp, its edges glowing with an enticing sheen, Meng Hongze gently picked them up with chopsticks and placed them neatly on a plate, awaiting the next transformation into deliciousness.

He added an appropriate amount of oil to the pan again, and once the oil was heated, scooped in a bit of spicy sauce.

Upon encountering hot oil, the spicy sauce appeared to awaken, slowly releasing its vibrant red oil, akin to a blush in the morning light, and gradually the entire pan surface was covered in a brilliant red oil sheen, eye-catching and tempting.

After adding an appropriate amount of hot water to the pan, he gently slid the plate of fried stuffed tofu back into the pan.

To enhance overall sweetness and freshness, he added chicken essence and a bit of sugar, drizzled some soy sauce, and sprinkled a hint of thirteen spices.

He covered the pan, allowing the contents to slowly stew in the steam.

About five minutes later...

The tofu had soaked up the broth, becoming plump and flavorful in appearance.

Upon seeing this!

Meng Hongze quickly lifted the lid of the pan.

At that moment, a rich aroma suddenly burst forth, compelling him to take a deep breath, indulging in the scent.

However, something was still missing!

He deftly sprinkled in the chopped chili peppers, promptly adding a suitable amount of starch water to thicken, seeing the sauce gradually becoming thick and glossy, like alluring amber.

Once the sauce had thickened sufficiently, he picked up the spatula, gently scooped out the stuffed tofu, and carefully arranged it on the plate, meticulously garnishing with green scallions as a finishing touch.

At this point!

A delicious dish of stuffed tofu was thus completed.

"Chef Huang, Director Liang, and esteemed leaders, my stuffed tofu is ready!"

Meng Hongze announced with a face full of smiles, radiating confidence and anticipation, warmly inviting everyone: "Please have a taste!"

As soon as he finished speaking.

Chef Zheng excitedly shouted: "I’ve also finished over here!"

"Mine is ready too!"

Yu Daqing and Zhao Weiguang hurriedly said, then looked expectantly at Huang Jun and the others: "Why not try what I’ve made first?"

Huang Jun smiled slightly, gesturing for everyone to calm down: "There’s no need to rush, everyone. Let’s sample in order, for fairness and to appreciate each chef’s masterpiece one by one."

Liang Yinqiu nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Then, naturally, they picked up chopsticks and headed towards Meng Hongze’s stuffed tofu.

Liang Yinqiu elegantly picked up a piece of stuffed tofu and placed it in her mouth, slowly chewing and savoring.

Liu Suyu and other leaders also picked up the tofu to taste, showing expressions of approval on their faces.

Huang Jun picked up a piece of stuffed tofu, his eyes carefully wandering over it.

Hmm~

Overall, this stuffed tofu’s color, aroma, and appearance were very pleasing.