The muscle fibers of venison are quite coarse, and it has a relatively strong gamey odor and a unique texture. Currently, using spices can perfectly eliminate the gamey smell. However, Professor Dylan said I used too many spices, affecting the overall flavor hierarchy, so now I need to do a 'subtraction'.
In other words, I need to reduce the amount of spices while ensuring a distinct flavor hierarchy.
As for the meat's texture, I need to put some effort into the cooking. I could try softening it with honey; adding a little honey when stewing venison can soften the meat. Or perhaps baking soda. Baking soda can also break down the fibers in meat, making it more tender…
Night fell. In the kitchen, Hisako Arato's face was filled with determination. Looking at the neatly arranged venison on the cutting board, a look of resolve shone on her face.
Since she didn't know which cooking method was best, she decided to try every single one!
"Front chest meat, hind leg meat, tenderloin…"
Simultaneously starting three woks, Hisako Arato took a deep breath, rolled up her sleeves, and decided to cook three dishes at once to increase efficiency.
After all, she only had one day to prepare, and she absolutely had to find the most suitable venison dish for her to cook within that time!
Ryo Hayama, a strong competitor who ranked in the top five in last year's mid-term assessment. After a year of refinement, his strength now would only be greater than it was then.
Although both scored equally in two rounds of the selection, appearing evenly matched, he possessed the "God's Tongue" of the same caliber as Erina-sama, which he relied upon.
"No, once I start thinking this and that, anticipating a failed outcome, fear sets in. If I continue like this, I definitely won't be able to win against him!"
Various thoughts flashed through her mind. Hisako Arato frustratingly tugged at her hair, taking a long while to snap back to reality and stop dwelling on unnecessary worries.
Her teacher was Dylan. Having learned by his side for so many years, her strength had undergone earth-shattering changes compared to before.
If she still couldn't handle a mere Ryo Hayama like this, then she would truly be unworthy of Dylan's teaching.
All in all, she would give it her all!
Meanwhile.
Shiomi Research Institute.
"Ryo, it's getting late. Time to go to sleep…"
Under the dim yellow light, a tall man was cooking in the kitchen, his concentration highly focused, his large eyes filled with seriousness.
Behind him stood a petite girl. Dressed in pajamas, her face was full of worry, wishing for him to finish cooking and go rest.
"I'll be done in a bit. Tomorrow's opponent is very strong, Jun. You go back to sleep first. You must be very sleepy by now…"
"I can stay here with you…"
Looking at Jun Shiomi, whose eyes were heavy with sleep, Ryo Hayama put down what he was holding. Without waiting for her to finish speaking, he stepped forward and scooped her up in a princess carry, taking her to the bed in her room.
"What are you doing! I'm an adult, okay? Don't carry me like a child!"
Faced with Ryo Hayama's thoughtfulness, Jun Shiomi first flinched, then, blushing crimson, she gently punched his chest, speaking in a tone that defied description.
"I know, I'm not treating you like a child. It's just late, and you should be sleeping."
Placing Jun Shiomi on the bed, he considerately tucked her in. Then, turning off the room lights, Ryo Hayama walked out and returned to the cooking station.
"Always acting like an adult, even though he was so dependent on me as a child. Hmph."
Jun Shiomi softly hummed. Feeling warm, she pulled the blanket down. The next moment, drowsiness overcame her, and soon she fell into a deep sleep.
On the other side, Ryo Hayama redirected his attention to the cooking station.
Looking at the fresh venison on the cutting board and the array of spices beside it, he began a new attempt.
From returning from the Summer Selection Office until now, he had been researching for several hours, making many dishes during that time, but none of them satisfied him.
"This heat, this temperature, can maximize the activation of the spices' aroma, while simultaneously removing the gamey smell from the venison. If I'm going to make it, then I'll make it pure. I'll create a dish that fully releases the deliciousness of venison, using spices!"
A large amount of spice powder fell from Ryo Hayama's hand, landing on the meat ribs. His other hand spread it over, performing a simple coating and marinating.
The next moment, the marinated ribs appeared on the densely striped iron grill, emitting an alluring sizzling sound as they touched the grill.
"Sealing all six sides and then cooking thoroughly can maximize the retention of moisture, keeping it tender and juicy."
Watching the venison ribs under the flames, Ryo Hayama silently waited for the right moment. When all six sides turned golden brown, he added spices for the second time, and also squeezed some lemon juice to soften the venison ribs' texture.
In addition to that, there was venison fat. Because venison is quite lean, with very little fat, he needed to continuously brush oil during the grilling process.
However, Ryo Hayama felt that brushing other animal or vegetable oils would affect the flavor, so he rendered venison fat from the small amount of fatty meat on the venison itself, using it to prepare these venison ribs.
"The final layer of spices."
Forking up the venison, Ryo Hayama raised his hand high. The next moment, countless spice fragments softly fell onto the venison.
Ryo Hayama did not plan to continue grilling, so he placed the grilled meat onto the cutting board with a fork to cool naturally.
Because the cooking temperature was just right, the final layer of spices melted with the residual heat of the dish, forming an elegant, more layered aroma.
"It's great, but it's missing something…"
Taking a bite from the edge, Ryo Hayama closed his eyes, savoring the flavor.
"Maybe I should try minced garlic. Garlic and meat have been the best partners since ancient times."
He shook his head. Although the venison ribs before him tasted very good, it wasn't enough to defeat Hisako Arato.
She was personally taught by Dylan; she couldn't be weak.
"Next are the seasonings…"
In the kitchen, the young man continuously wiped away sweat, making new attempts with the venison ribs before him. A rare expression of satisfaction appeared on his face.
"What a wonderful taste, Hisako Arato. Tomorrow, I will personally defeat you and advance!"
The kitchen lights dimmed. Ryo Hayama left the kitchen. There was definitely no problem with this dish; it combined everything he had learned. He would win!
The next day, Tsukiten-no-Ma.
The atmosphere was just as lively and enthusiastic, but compared to the previous two days, there were far fewer spectators now. After all, people weren't idle jobless vagrants. After the initial novelty wore off, only a few chose to stay.
Only for the final semifinals and finals would Tsukiten-no-Ma be fully packed; that would be the moment of peak atmosphere. Whether it was the chefs competing on stage or the audience present, everyone would feel their blood boil!
At this moment, Hisako Arato and Ryo Hayama stood on opposite sides, completely focused on preparing their dishes. In front of them, one had a wok, and the other had a grill.
An incredibly rich aroma spread outwards from their cooking stations, making people involuntarily gulp and fill with anticipation.
Dylan's gaze calmly watched Hisako Arato. This time, she was using a wok, which meant she was probably preparing a stir-fry dish.
She cut the venison hind leg meat into small pieces.
Next, she prepared cassia bark, angelica root, star anise, ginger slices, and the white part of scallions.
She added a small amount of clear water to the wok, put the meat into cold water, and added white wine to remove the gamey smell.
As the water in the pot boiled, the venison produced a large amount of white foam. These were the blood and impurities from the venison, which had to be completely removed.
While blanching, she started another pot.
She boiled venison fat in plain water, without adding a single drop of extra oil. Over medium-low heat, she slowly boiled the water dry, allowing the fat to melt into venison oil, thereby ensuring the purity and richness of the venison oil's flavor.
"She actually thought of rendering oil from venison fat? Is she planning to use it to cook venison…?"
A grizzled elder in tea-colored clothes murmured softly, a hint of surprise on his face.
Because venison is generally lean, a whole deer doesn't have much fat, and even less oil can be rendered from it. Generally, it wouldn't be used for rendering oil.
However, the venison oil rendered this way would naturally taste exceptionally good.
When Hisako Arato poured the venison oil into a bowl, the hot oil collided with the bowl's surface, and a profoundly rich aroma immediately permeated the air.
"Original broth for original food, original sauce for original dish. This young one seems to have grasped the essence."
Watching Hisako Arato's operation, Senzaemon Nakiri secretly nodded. Truly worthy of being a young one who followed Dylan; she certainly learned a lot.
"Not only that contestant, but the other contestant also used venison oil. This distinctly layered aroma is truly mouth-watering!"
Beside him, the bald elder gulped. This multi-layered aroma was truly alluring to the extreme, making it impossible to look away!
"Venison tends to be dry and fibrous. Using oil rendered from venison fat is indeed a good solution…"
Dylan nodded in approval. The fact that both of them thought of this solution proved they had learned a lot this past year. They were indeed commendable.
However, the taste is still more important for a dish.
Hisako Arato, after blanching the venison, did not rush to put it in the wok. Instead, she took out a bag of ice from a nearby suitcase.
She untied the bag and poured all the ice into a basin beside her.
Cold air spread in all directions. Hisako Arato poured in two scoops of water, using the coldness of the ice to quickly lower the water temperature.
"It's time."
Looking at the slightly shrunken venison before her, Hisako Arato's eyes sharpened.
Without hesitation, she scooped up the blanched venison with a strainer and poured it all into the prepared ice water. In an instant, from hot to cold, from outside to inside, the venison muscle fibers contracted at an astonishing speed, and the internal moisture was tightly locked in place.
She started the wok, heated a small amount of oil, and added the previously prepared cassia bark, angelica root, star anise, and other spices and herbs. Over low heat, she slowly sautéed them until their aroma was released. Too high heat makes it easy to burn. If the heat were too high, the result would be a burnt smell, not an aromatic one.
Once the star anise in the wok changed color, she added ginger slices and scallion whites, continuing to sauté over low heat until fragrant. Then, she added the venison from the ice water to the wok.
At the same time, sizzling sounds rang out in everyone's ears. Because there was still moisture on the surface of the venison, it reacted with the hot oil when it entered the wok.
However, because there was a considerable amount of venison, when the oil splattered, it coated the entire surface of the venison, giving it a golden-brown color.
She stir-fried rhythmically, aiming to evenly heat the venison pieces. Hisako Arato dared not shift her gaze an inch, fearing any mistake.
Even a slight overcooking would drastically reduce the venison's texture and flavor. The precise degree here required the cook to accurately grasp it based on experience.
"I'm finished. Triple-Flavor Roasted Venison Ribs."
Just then, Ryo Hayama's voice rang out. Everyone present turned their gazes, and Dylan's attention also shifted from Hisako Arato.
Looking up, he saw Ryo Hayama approaching with a plate of roasted venison ribs, charred on the outside and tender on the inside. He was looking at Dylan, his face bearing a profound smile.
"Triple-Flavor Roasted Venison Ribs, huh? It's a rather straightforward name…"
Hearing Ryo Hayama's words, and looking at the slightly browned, alluringly fragrant venison ribs in his hand, Dylan's face showed a thoughtful expression.
Triple-Flavor Roasted Venison Ribs, as the name implied, were venison ribs with three layers of flavor.
Combining this with Ryo Hayama's method of sprinkling seasonings three times, Dylan gained an initial understanding of his creativity. It was indeed a good approach.
"Such a large cut of venison ribs, it truly looks satisfying!"
Looking at the large piece of venison ribs on the plate before him, the bald elder's face lit up with a smile. He loved eating meat the most, and seeing this scene filled him with joy.
"The charcoal you used to roast the venison ribs must be fruitwood charcoal, and not just any fruitwood charcoal, but the finest cherry wood charcoal."
Twisting his nose, capturing an incredibly unique scent from the roasted venison ribs, Dylan's eyes became thoughtful, and then he slowly spoke to Ryo Hayama.
"That's right, I used cherry wood charcoal."
A hint of surprise flashed across Ryo Hayama's face. The other person could instantly identify the charcoal he used. This nose was terrifyingly powerful!
Even for him, without special training, it would be very difficult to determine what tree the charcoal originally came from by just a wisp of fruitwood charcoal aroma. This kind of problem was a bit beyond the scope.
"Cherry wood charcoal has a hard texture, high density, is easy to ignite, and has a high heat value. It burns for a long time, has a rich smoky flavor, and is very suitable for grilling meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods."
"Furthermore, cherry wood charcoal possesses a unique aroma."
Hearing the conversation between Dylan and Ryo Hayama, the other judges, as if a switch had been flipped, began to offer their insights, explaining cherry fruitwood charcoal to the audience.
"Ryo…"
Watching the situation on stage, Jun Shiomi clasped her hands in front of her chest, her eyes filled with pride.
"Professor Dylan, do you also have a God's Nose?"
Looking at Dylan's calm expression, Ryo Hayama couldn't help to ask.
The other person knew the secret of his dish, cherry fruitwood charcoal – which he chose as the best among six types of fruitwood charcoal – just by smelling it once.
It can impart a layer of aroma to food, burns for a long time, maintains a constant temperature, and can maximize the release of the spices' flavor.
"No, but I have Super Sense of Smell. You can understand it as a similar ability."
Shaking his head, Dylan didn't want to say more on the matter. He thrust his fork into the venison ribs before him, then brought it to his mouth.
The venison ribs were tender and juicy, with a hint of wild aroma. The smoky flavor of the cherry fruitwood charcoal gradually permeated the venison ribs during the cooking process, greatly enhancing its aroma.
This was the first layer of the triple flavor.
In addition to that, the combination of crushed black pepper, alluring lingering spice, and thyme, all added a refreshing spicy kick to the venison ribs.
This was the second layer of the triple flavor.
As for the third layer of flavor.
It was the garlic-infused soy sauce brushed on its surface.
"The savory flavor of soy sauce provides the necessary seasoning for the venison ribs, making their taste more robust. Furthermore, the amino acids and sugars in the soy sauce undergo the Maillard reaction during grilling, creating a unique caramelized aroma."
Lifting the roasted venison ribs with a fork, he held them under the spotlight, clearly captured by the circling camera in the sky.
"Gulp."
"What a beautiful color! I've never seen grilled meat so beautiful."
"It's too alluring! Oh, no, I should have eaten breakfast before coming!"
Looking at the perfectly charred color of the venison ribs on the big screen, the audience involuntarily gulped, their faces filled with longing.
"A tender texture, a unique smoky aroma, a subtle spiciness on its surface, and the uniquely strong garlic flavor and savory taste from the garlic-infused oil. All these aromas combine, forming a natural masterpiece that makes one's taste buds cheer endlessly, and the flavor of the venison ribs becomes even richer!"
"Delicious!"
As he spoke, Senzaemon Nakiri's clothes suddenly burst apart, turning into threads and falling to the ground. This also made the audience shout.
"The Director has exploded his clothes again!"
"As expected of Hayama, he easily made the Director explode his clothes!"
Someone shouted loudly, and the scene immediately erupted in discussion.
At this moment, everyone's faces were beaming with excitement, as if the person who competed on stage and made the Director explode his clothes was themselves!
"This dish can be described as a multi-layered deliciousness, each layer stronger than the last, finally elevating the flavor to new heights. A good concept."
Dylan nodded in praise. To utilize aroma to this extent, truly worthy of a Super Sense of Smell.
"My dish is also complete. Please taste it."
Just as the judges were praising Ryo Hayama, Hisako Arato's voice suddenly rang out. Looking up, she was seen approaching with a small pot.
Looking at the venison chunks in the pot, the grizzled elder in tea-colored clothes appropriately raised a question. Everyone else also looked up at Hisako Arato, awaiting her explanation.
"Four Harmonious Energies Returning Venison Pot."
Hisako Arato stated. Based on Dylan's suggestion yesterday, she reduced the spices by 60%, using only a few herbs to draw out the flavor, thereby bringing out the full taste of the venison.
"It looks like an ordinary venison soup. What is this 'Four Energies Returning' concept…?"
Looking at the milky white venison pot before them, everyone present showed expressions of curiosity.
"No matter what, let's taste it first."
After discussing without reaching a conclusion, and exchanging glances, the grizzled elder in tea-colored clothes was the first to pick up chopsticks and grab a piece of venison.
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