Chapter 1775: Glass Meat

Huo Zhenteng has been able to remain enduringly popular in the culinary world his entire life not only because he uses his brains to scheme against others, but also because he possesses some genuine skill.

He has a few signature dishes that have always been very impressive.

And this "Glass Meat" is his most masterful dish.

Usually, when he makes this dish, he does it in a separate kitchen and won't let others watch; it is very mysterious.

Therefore, he assumed that relying on this one dish alone would be enough to make Sheng Zichen lower his status and obediently invite him over.

So, he waited at home with peace of mind.

When Sheng Zichen heard that almost every table of guests had ordered "Glass Meat," he did not panic, but instead revealed a meaningful smile.

He called Li Dashao: "Big Brother, lend me a few people from your kitchen; my kitchen is on strike."

Li Dashao's booming voice rang out: "Is that old rascal Huo Zhenteng up to his tricks again? I knew he didn't have good intentions. Don't worry, the people will be there in less than an hour; it won't delay your business."

"Thank you, Big Brother."

"Why are we brothers talking about thanks?"

"But based on my understanding of that old rascal, he must have recommended that guests order Glass Meat on today's menu. None of us know how to make this dish, so what should we do?"

Zichen said softly: "I do."

After saying this, he held the phone a little further away.

"You do?" Li Dashao's voice instantly rose by several degrees.

"My god, you're bluffing, right? Many people have studied this dish of the old guy's, and no one has figured it out. You figured it out?" Big Brother's booming voice was no joke; it could deafen one's ears.

Zichen said with a chuckle: "If you don't believe me, just come along. Come over and see for yourself whether I'm bluffing."

"Fine."

He agreed readily: "I'll go right now. If you're lying to me, I'll smash your kitchen..."

Big Brother's temperament is just like that; he never says polite pleasantries.

Whatever he thinks in his heart, he says with his mouth. If Zichen couldn't make the Glass Meat, he really would smash the kitchen!

One hour later.

Li Dashao appeared at the restaurant with his most prized chefs, looking high-spirited and vigorous.

As soon as he arrived, he shouted: "I'm here! Make a dish of Glass Meat for me to taste immediately. If you're bluffing and can't make it, I'm going to smash the kitchen!"

Zichen said with a grin: "Big Brother, since you've already come, I definitely can't let you down. Let's go, to the kitchen."

Li Dashao waved his hand: "No need. I'm just here to see if you're bluffing, not to learn your craft. You go ahead and make it; I'll go in after you're done."

Every chef has their own signature dish, and a signature dish cannot be easily shown to others. Even if the other party invites you to watch the preparation process, it is often just out of politeness and shouldn't be taken seriously.

This is an unwritten rule. Although Li Dashao is not one to stand on ceremony, he still understands the rules.

Zichen insisted without question, pulling him toward the kitchen: "Let's go, and you guys follow too. I'll make it in front of everyone; let everyone see how Glass Meat is made."

Seeing his serious expression, Li Dashao knew it couldn't be fake.

He hurriedly pulled him back and kindly reminded him: "Don't be a fool. If you teach the apprentice, the master will starve. A traitor appeared last time; why are you still so unreserved?"

Zichen smiled, unconcerned: "Big Brother, Glass Meat is Huo Zhenteng's signature dish, not mine. If I have to acknowledge a master, then Huo Zhenteng would be the master."

Li Dashao:...

He felt that this actually made some sense.

Since Zichen had said so, he said it was fine, so it was fine. Everyone, besides being half-doubting, was also excited and eager to try.

If Boss Sheng could really make Glass Meat, that would be great; they all wanted to learn.

Zichen took fresh tenderloin out of the refrigerator and placed it in the freezer to quick-freeze.

Then he began to mix the batter, and everyone was enlightened!

Generally, when people mix batter, it's nothing more than sweet potato starch, potato starch, corn starch, or flour, but Zichen used wheat starch!

He poured in water and salad oil in batches, stirring slowly, and later added an egg white.

The batter was mixed thin. By this time, the meat in the freezer was frozen enough. Zichen took the meat out of the freezer and cut it into equal-sized cubes.

Then he heated the oil in a wok, and when the oil was ninety percent hot, he quickly put the meat cubes, which were coated in a thin layer of batter, into it.

With a "Sizzle—" sound, he quickly scooped them out.

Then he coated them in another layer of batter and deep-fried them again!

Applause immediately erupted behind Zichen!

Everyone was a chef; experts look at the technique, and one look at the process was enough to grasp the key to it.

In fact, the most critical part of Glass Meat is the preparation of the batter and the control of the heat.

The batter is transparent because of the wheat starch, and the layers are crispy because it is fried multiple times!

After knowing the trick, everyone knew how to make it.

Li Dashao slapped his head in sudden realization: "Oh my, I experimented many times and never succeeded. It turns out it was so simple."

He gave Zichen a thumbs-up, completely convinced: "Brother, you are still the best. No wonder we are all just chefs, while you can be a big boss!"

Zichen's Glass Meat was finished. Everyone tasted it in turn, and all praised it endlessly.

"The texture is crispy, and the layers are distinct."

"The surface is crystal clear and bright, and the tenderloin is fresh, tender, and juicy."

"Delicious."

Everyone present was a chef; if the professionals all praised it, then there was definitely no problem.

The restaurant operated as usual, and customers were, as always, an endless stream.

Huo Zhenteng was at home, leisurely crossing his legs, waiting for Sheng Zichen to come to his door and beg him!

It was almost noon, and according to his plan, the people he sent were almost there.

Since a week ago, he had begun to lay the groundwork, having the waiters strongly recommend his signature dish—Glass Meat.

Especially regarding today's meal orders, every table had his Glass Meat, and to prevent Sheng Zichen from changing dishes for customers, he even specifically arranged for a few "guests" to dine there at lunchtime.

As long as a waiter suggested changing a dish, his people would seize the opportunity to make a scene and ruin the restaurant's reputation!

With so many backup plans, he was not afraid that Sheng Zichen would refuse to bow his head.

It's just that...

Noon arrived, and there was no movement at all.

Noon passed, and there was still no movement at all!

Huo Zhenteng felt a little panicked; he did not think there were any loopholes in his plan, but he always felt something was not quite right. He wanted to call the people he had arranged to ask, but just as he took out his phone and before he could dial, a waiter ran over in a hurry.

"It's bad, it's bad..."

He was panting, his face full of anxiety.

"Speak properly, what is bad? How unlucky."

He assumed from the start that the restaurant was in trouble; although he used a reprimanding tone, the corners of his mouth turned up, and he was very happy inside.

But soon, he was no longer happy.

The waiter finally caught his breath and said, "The restaurant, the restaurant is operating normally, every table was served Glass Meat, and the guests are full of praise, saying it tastes even better than before."

Huo Zhenteng:...

He exclaimed, "Impossible! Did you look carefully?"

This waiter was the mole he had planted in the hotel; he was his man.