Sludge suction system

While the other contestants were busy preparing various rare ingredients, Fang Xiaobei calmly walked to the front of the stage, holding an ordinary tilapia and a seemingly common lemongrass. This action attracted the attention of the audience, who began to whisper among themselves, wondering what kind of tricks she could make with these simple ingredients.

Fang Xiaobei placed the tilapia on the cutting board, her knife moving swiftly and deftly, completing the scaling, gutting, and cleaning processes in the blink of an eye. She then made several delicate and precise cuts on the fish, but this was just the beginning. Next, she began preparing the spices. She selected fresh, vibrant lemongrass, finely chopping some and placing it in a mortar. She added some unassuming dried tangerine peel, star anise, and peppercorns, which gradually blended into a unique powder under her pounding. But what was intriguing was the small dish of sesame oil and honey she then added—what kind of sparks would they create with these spices?

After applying the sauce, she wove a mat out of lemongrass and placed it on a baking tray, then put the fish on top, and drizzled rice wine over it. This series of steps seemed simple, yet it was full of hidden tricks. Once the fish was in the oven, Fang Xiaobei focused intently on controlling the heat and time, her eyes firm and confident. But could this ordinary tilapia really be transformed into something magical in her hands? As time passed, an indescribable aroma gradually wafted from the oven, growing stronger and stronger, tantalizing the olfactory nerves of everyone present. Everyone couldn't help but crane their necks, eager to see how this lemongrass-grilled tilapia would ultimately be presented to them.

The atmosphere at the culinary competition was electric, with the audience's eyes glued to the contestants on stage. The competition had strict rules: contestants had only two incense sticks' worth of time to prepare a dish that would earn high praise from five seasoned food critics, using only the ingredients and seasonings provided on-site. This was undoubtedly a comprehensive test of culinary skills, adaptability, and innovative thinking.

Ye Keke stood to the side, arms crossed, a mocking smile on her face. She glanced disdainfully at Fang Xiaobei and muttered under her breath, "Hmph, what kind of tricks can she pull off with just an ordinary tilapia and a few lemongrass stalks? The level of this competition is getting more and more disappointing."

Gao He stood in a corner not far from Ye Keke, his eyes fixed on Fang Xiaobei's every move. His hands unconsciously clenched into fists, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. His thoughts drifted back to the past. He remembered how, in order to improve his culinary skills, he had heard of Fang Xiaobei's exceptional talent in using spices. He had tried to get close to her, feigning interest but actually hoping to learn her unique spice techniques. During those days, he watched Fang Xiaobei effortlessly manipulate various spices, whether common ones like Sichuan peppercorns and star anise, or less common ones like lemongrass and basil. She always precisely controlled the dosage and combinations, bringing out the unique flavor of each spice to its fullest, creating dishes that were unforgettable.

Now, standing on the competition field, watching Fang Xiaobei methodically preparing lemongrass-grilled tilapia, Gao He felt a mix of emotions. He was afraid that Fang Xiaobei would once again shine in the competition with her superb spice skills, surpassing the reputation he had worked so hard to build; he was also worried that his past dishonorable thoughts would be exposed, affecting his image in the eyes of others.

"Xiao Bei's method today seems simple, but it actually hides a secret. She often surprises us in the past, and who knows what amazing idea she might come up with this time. If she really makes a delicious dish with these unassuming ingredients, wouldn't all my careful preparations be in vain? The outcome of this competition is of great importance, concerning my reputation and future. I absolutely cannot let her surpass me so easily. But looking at her confident demeanor, could it be that she has already mastered some unique spice blending secret?" Gao He became more and more nervous as he thought about it, his breathing became rapid, and a hint of panic and determination was revealed in his eyes. He secretly vowed that he must show his best skills in this competition and absolutely could not let Fang Xiao Bei beat him.

"Xiao Zha, do you think my lemongrass tilapia dish can really win this competition?" Fang Xiaobei whispered, her eyes looking at Xiao Zha on her sleeve.

"Host, our cheat code is amazing! Look, take this cooking competition for example. That ordinary tilapia and those seemingly unremarkable lemongrass might be just ordinary ingredients in other people's hands, but in your hands, they are completely different!"

This magic touch can make tilapia meat tender and juicy. It's like a super detector that can find the hidden good flavor molecules in the fish meat, making the fish's freshness burst out all at once. It can also turn those unpleasant fishy smells into a particularly refreshing taste, as if it has given the fish a super transformation.

Let's talk about lemongrass. The Golden Finger makes its fragrance incredibly rich and multi-layered. Under the Golden Finger's influence, the components that emit fragrance become more active, making lemongrass smell more than just a single, monotonous scent. Instead, it has fruity, floral, and that pleasant herbal aroma.

"When you rub the spices treated with 'Golden Finger' onto the fish and put it in the oven, 'Golden Finger' continues to work! It controls the oven temperature, ensuring the fish skin is golden and crispy while the inside remains tender, and guaranteeing the spices' flavor penetrates deeply into the fish. In short, with 'Golden Finger,' even ordinary ingredients can be transformed into amazing delicacies in your hands. Just watch this competition!" Xiao Zha and Fang Xiaobei explained.

After these words, Fang Xiaobei felt free to use her magic touch to give this lemongrass tilapia a unique aroma.

In a corner of the culinary competition arena, Gao He and Ye Keke are intently preparing their signature dish—Sichuan peppercorn chicken—in an attempt to stand out in this fierce competition.

Gao He gently placed a carefully cleaned Sanhuang chicken into an old-fashioned earthenware pot, then added appropriate amounts of ginger slices and scallion segments, followed by mellow Shaoxing wine and clear well water. He then lit the stove and began to carefully stew the chicken. He gazed at the leaping flames in the pot, cautiously controlling the heat, single-mindedly focused on ensuring the chicken achieved the most tender and smooth texture through the slow simmering. As the water temperature gradually rose, the chicken in the pot tumbled continuously, its skin slowly turning as white as snowflakes. At the same time, the rich and mellow aroma of the meat wafted through the air, attracting the attention of those around him.

Ye Keke was busily preparing the Sichuan peppercorn sauce. She carefully selected a handful of fresh, vibrant green Sichuan peppercorns and placed them in a mortar, adding a few glistening grains of salt before vigorously pounding them. Instantly, the unique and rich aroma of the Sichuan peppercorns filled the air; even a light sniff was enough to send a tingling sensation down one's spine. Next, she added finely chopped garlic, bright red chili peppers, fresh cilantro, and chopped scallions, then poured in a spoonful of sizzling hot oil. With a crisp "sizzle," the aromas of the various ingredients mingled and wafted through the air, making one's mouth water. Then, she methodically added a suitable amount of soy sauce for umami, vinegar for aroma, and a touch of sugar for a perfectly balanced sweetness, before quickly stirring it all together. In no time, a bowl of bright green, fragrant, and spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce was ready.

Once the chicken was stewed to the perfect doneness, Gao He swiftly scooped it out and immediately immersed it in pre-prepared ice water. This soaking made the chicken firmer, more elastic, and smoother. After the chicken had completely cooled, he deftly scooped it out again and skillfully shredded it into even, fine strips, then neatly arranged them on a rustic plate. Seeing this, Ye Kejian slowly and evenly drizzled the prepared Sichuan peppercorn sauce over the shredded chicken, the sauce flowing gently along the grain of the meat. Finally, Gao He carefully sprinkled some white sesame seeds on top as a garnish, making the dish even more visually appealing and enticing.

Gao He and Ye Keke exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with confidence. They were convinced that their painstakingly prepared dish would achieve excellent results in this fierce competition. However, they were completely unaware that Fang Xiaobei's lemongrass-roasted tilapia was about to create a sensation in the competition, becoming the focus of everyone's attention and leaving everyone in awe.