Stir-frying

Our basics are now in place, so we begin cooking in earnest. A word to keep in mind as you begin is ts‛ui. It does not have a concise translation, but essentially it means food cooked so its essence is preserved, its texture is respected, its freshness retained. It describes food that is cooked to the precise point of doneness, no more.

Stir-frying perfectly illustrates the concept of ts‛ui. It is a quick process and, when done properly, foods are never overdone, their fabric is never destroyed, their taste remains sharp and in focus.