Food Wars, my food not only glows!

　Faced with Alice Nakiri's doubts, Bai Yuan patiently explained that cooking river fish requires more effort than cooking sea fish.

　"I see."

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's answer, Alice Nakiri nodded as if she understood, not realizing there was such a detail.

　"The shrimp fried noodles were just average. The shrimp weren't handled properly to be tender, which made them a bit tough. But for someone of your age, it's already pretty good. With a few more years of practice, you should be able to reach the level of a second-class chef."

　After tasting the food in front of him, Bai Yuan gave a fair assessment: it was a restaurant that didn't have any special features, but did a great job with basic dishes.

　This kind of shop is very suitable for ordinary fishermen.

　After accumulating knowledge over this period, Bai Yuan understood the standards that chefs at each level needed to meet.

　To become a second-class chef, one needs to go further in their area of ​​expertise and create at least 18 dishes that meet the chef's level requirements.

　A first-class chef must accept any challenge from the examiners and prepare a dish that fits the theme within a specified time. Furthermore, they cannot only cook dishes of their own specialty; their other culinary skills must be at least at the level of a third-class chef.

　Master chefs are divided into nine levels.

　To become a master chef, one must be proficient in at least three areas of cooking and must also be able to answer questions from examiners without having any obvious weaknesses.

　If one wishes to go further and become a legendary star chef, one must challenge a master chef of the same star level, wagering the star on one's chest in a food battle under the impartial supervision of the first-class executive officer of the Food Research Association.

　That's right, it's a food battle, but in this world, the food battles are no longer just small-scale skirmishes at Totsuki Culinary Academy; they've become a competition that sweeps across the entire world's culinary community.

　What grudge do you have?

　Resentment can be resolved through a food battle.

　In addition, participating in various high-level cooking competitions can also earn stars, which is a common way for chefs to advance.

　"Judging from your tone, you must be a very skilled chef. I want to challenge you. If you win, I'll waive the cost of this meal."

　Just as Bai Yuan was lost in thought, Kurokiba Ryo's figure appeared behind him without him noticing. The boy stared at him intently, as if he were looking at some rare treasure.

　"Challenge me? Aren't you getting the order a bit wrong? If you have the strength to challenge me, you'd better wait another ten thousand years!"

　Although he had already noticed Kurokiba Ryo appearing behind him, Hakugen was not prepared to accept the challenge he had issued.

　A fight between unequal opponents is just a waste of time, even if you win.

　"You don't dare? You were just giving a very eloquent critique of other people's cooking, making it sound quite convincing. Or are you actually just a complete idiot?!"

　"Such a low-level provocation won't work on me."

　Seeing the fighting spirit burning in Kurokiba Ryo's eyes, Bai Yuan understood his thoughts very well. After he gained some strength, he also liked to challenge people everywhere.

　You can often gain a lot from competing against strong opponents.

　However, the time of a strong person is very precious. He paid a heavy price for challenging those legendary chefs in the Dark Cuisine World.

　"You think you can challenge my master?"

　"and who are you?"

　Just as Kurokiba Ryo was about to say something more, he was interrupted and turned around to find Nakiri Alice looking at him with hostile eyes.

　"I am the disciple of the person you are challenging. It's not that I'm arrogant, but I want to say that if we were to really fight, you're not even as good as me! How dare you speak so arrogantly to my master? You're truly ignorant!"

　Alice Nakiri spoke with a strong voice, her anger evident at this moment, after all, Ryo Kurokiba had mocked her master right in front of her.

　Although she really wanted her master to teach him a lesson and show him what it meant to be outmatched, the other party was even weaker than her, so it was only right for her to take action.

　"What did you say?! You little brat, can you even handle a kitchen knife?!"

　Upon hearing Alice Nakiri's words, Ryo Kurokiba's eyes widened, and his voice immediately rose several decibels, causing Shirai to raise his hand to cover one ear.

　"What?! How rude! I can not only wield a kitchen knife, but I can also use it to defeat you and utterly crush you!"

　Alice Nakiri shouted in dissatisfaction.

　"In that case, the two of you shall have a contest. The topic will be seafood, which is your specialty. If you can beat Alice, then I will compete with you."

　Looking at the sullen Alice Nakiri, Bai Yuan thought for a moment and then spoke.

　This guy has been learning to cook for so long, but he has never competed with a chef of similar skill. His practical experience is pitifully weak, so this is a good opportunity for him to improve.

　"A word is settled!"

　Upon hearing Bai Yuan's words, Kurokiba Ryo hurriedly responded. In his opinion, a girl like Nakiri Alice, who was powerless, could not possibly serve a dish that surpassed his.

　If even someone like him can surpass him, then it's ridiculous that he works day and night as the head chef in the restaurant, honing his culinary skills!

　"Then let's have the competition in your kitchen. My master and all the diners here will be the judges. The loser must apologize to the other!"

　"Okay, I accept your challenge! Come with me."

　Seeing that Kurokiba Ryo agreed, Alice Nakiri's lips curled up slightly, and her clenched fist loosened a little. This guy had just insulted Shirayuki so much, it was intolerable! She would never forgive him so easily!

　Because he didn't think he would lose, Kurokiba Ryo's expression didn't change. He simply turned and walked towards the kitchen, and Nakiri Alice immediately followed.

　Chapter Sixteen: Cod Broth Ramen VS Fish Shumai

　"Chef, you're back."

　"These two are guests? They were brought directly to the kitchen, so they must be very important guests."

　Good afternoon, chef.

　Bai Yuan followed closely behind, and soon the three of them arrived at the kitchen. The kitchen helpers were busy at each stove, and they would look up and greet Kurokiba Ryo whenever they saw him.

　The hands kept moving.

　It was clear that Kurokiba Ryo had a high reputation in this kitchen, and he would always nod indifferently when greeted by others, but since everyone knew his personality, no one said anything.

　Soon, the three found two vacant cooking counters, on which were placed a lot of fresh seafood that they had bought at the market that morning.

　"Use whatever ingredients you like here. If even one person thinks your seafood dish is better than mine, then you win this competition!"

　Seeing Alice Nakiri looking around the kitchen with an air of nonchalance, Kurokiba Ryo stared at her with eyes blazing with anger.

　If he hadn't wanted to compete with that young man, he wouldn't have wasted his time dealing with this little brat! She probably couldn't even handle a kitchen knife properly!

　But who exactly is this young man? His mere aura alone made him tremble with excitement, and the chef's soul was completely activated.

　I absolutely have to have a match with him!

　Kurokiba Ryo roared inwardly; this was the first time he had ever felt this way. If he could fight him, his culinary skills would definitely improve by leaps and bounds!

　"Underestimating me will lead to great losses."

　Seeing Kurokiba Ryo staring intently at Bai Yuan, Nakiri Alice had calmed down and was now looking at him with a displeased expression, clearly bothered by his disdain.

　But it doesn't matter, she will do everything in her power to defeat him!

　"I hope you can help me warm up successfully."

　"What an arrogant fellow!"

　After saying this, Kurokiba Ryo ignored Nakiri Alice's shouts and walked to the kitchen counter. Looking at the cod that had just been caught from the sea, a dish came to mind.

　Cod broth ramen.

　Thinking of this, Kurokiba Ryo produced a kitchen knife in his hand, bent over and arched his back, and his aura changed at this moment.

　With his right hand gripping the fish knife tightly, he gently sliced ​​the flesh below the gills, then, with an almost artistic touch, steadily cut along the side of the fish, reaching the spine.

　With a "whoosh," the fish knife gently pushed against the bone, cleanly and neatly splitting the entire fish in two. With several more swift cuts, the fish meat and bones separated instantly. The precision of the movements was as if each cut had been precisely calculated.

　Next, Kurokiba Ryo flipped the half-fish in his hand, his movements still nimble. With the same angle and force, he gently removed the bones along the ribs, picking out the tiny fish bones one by one. Throughout the process, the fish meat was almost undamaged, maintaining its original integrity and tenderness.

　This incredible performance immediately attracted the attention of those around, and the kitchen helpers cheered in unison. Bai Yuan was no exception, a strange light flashing in his eyes.

　This kid's seafood handling skills are much better than I expected. Although his technique is still a bit rusty, it's already quite good for his age.

　Unfortunately, Kurokiba Ryo was facing off against Nakiri Alice, who had undergone his grueling training!

　Remove the useless fish head, cut the fish meat into small pieces suitable for cooking, and put the pot on the stove, turn on the heat and add cold water to bring it to a boil.

　Add the prepared cod pieces to boiling water and cook until done. Remove them from the water, break them into small pieces with two forks, and set aside.

　After doing all that, he took out a new pot, put butter and olive oil in it...

　At this point, Bai Yuan frowned slightly, stopped looking, and turned his gaze to Alice Nakiri, who was not far from him.

　The girl didn't rush to start cooking. She stared intently at the ingredients in front of her, lost in thought, and paced back and forth as she pondered.

　This is something she learned from Bai Yuan: using walking to sharpen her mind, which can be considered a kind of inheritance in a sense.

　"I understand!"

　Suddenly, as if struck by a flash of inspiration, Alice Nakiri couldn't help but slap her forehead as the image of the Chinese snacks that Shirai Awakened had made last time flashed into her mind.

　It is said to have originated from Hong Kong and is made with fish meat. The taste is unforgettable once you've had a bite!

　but...

　The image of Bai Yuan repeatedly pounding the fish meat with two iron rods flashed through my mind. In order to make delicious fish meat, he pounded it for a full half hour, and it is said that he used the technique of making Chaoshan beef balls.

　She shyly touched Bai Yuan's muscles; they were hard, large, and very firm. Then she realized she couldn't do it; at best, she could only create an imperfect product.

　Among the many sea fish on the cooking table, the most suitable for making fish shumai is undoubtedly flounder. Thinking of this, Alice Nakiri turned her gaze to Bai Yuan.

　Seeing her look at him, Bai Yuan just smiled and didn't say anything. After all, this was her competition, and as her master, he didn't want to interfere too much.

　"Let's get started."

　Turning her gaze back, Alice Nakiri quickly got into the zone, deftly washing the flounder in front of her, removing the scales, innards, and bones, and taking only the flesh.

　Cut the fish into small pieces, then mince it with the back of a knife. While mincing, Alice asked other chefs for some scallions, ginger, and lemon, and mixed them with salt to make a bowl of scallion, ginger, and lemon salt water to remove the fishy smell and enhance the aroma.

　Learning something new and applying it immediately—that's the best way to put it into practice.

　Bai Yuan nodded secretly from a distance. Although he had instructed Nakiri Alice to specialize in molecular gastronomy during this period, he had not neglected to hone her basic culinary skills.

　These are all fundamental skills in cooking, and they can be applied even in molecular gastronomy.

　After mincing the fish into a paste, Alice Nakiri took out a piece of pork fat, cut it into small pieces, and pounded it into a paste with the back of a knife. Then she mixed the two together and continued to pound them with the back of a knife until they were combined.

　The ratio of fish to pork fat needs to be 2:1, and tapioca flour and wheat flour need to be added in a 3:1 ratio.

　Add chicken powder, MSG, sugar, salt, and pepper. Then chop some onion and garlic, and sprinkle them in batches onto the fish filling on the cutting board. Continue to chop with the back of a knife.

　Add the mixture of tapioca flour and wheat flour in two batches during the process, then add two spoonfuls of fish sauce until they are completely combined.

　Even after the fish filling is perfectly blended, you still can't relax. You need to pick up the prepared filling by hand and pound it vigorously until it becomes sticky, in order to improve the texture of the shumai.

　Finish

　By the time she got to this point, Alice Nakiri was panting heavily. The fish filling in front of her was translucent and looked incredibly appetizing.

　"Ten minutes versus half an hour, is the difference really that huge...?"

　Looking at the fish filling in front of her, Alice Nakiri did not feel smug. Instead, she remembered the fish filling that Shirai had pounded with an iron bar.

　Crystal clear like crystal, you can even see your reflection when you stand in front of it. Both its appearance and taste have reached the limit of what fish can achieve!

　However, Bai Yuan used catfish back then, while she is using flounder now, so there will be some differences between the two.

　Place the prepared fish meat in a plate and freeze it for half an hour. This will help lock in the moisture of the fish meat.

　Meanwhile, Alice Nakiri found a bag of flour in the kitchen, cleared the countertop, and prepared to make shumai wrappers herself.

　Chapter Seventeen: A Miscalculation, Bai Yuan's Guidance

　The wrappers for shumai are different from those for steamed buns. The ideal wrapper is paper-thin, allowing light to pass through, and turns crystal clear after steaming.

　Because noodle cooking is considered the most basic of all dishes, Bai Yuan spent a whole month teaching Nakiri Alice, so her noodle-making skills are now comparable to those of a third-class chef.

　She makes shumai every few days because of its delicious taste, and each time she makes it with different fillings. She also has her own insights into making shumai wrappers.

　If we're just talking about making shumai wrappers, Alice Nakiri can confidently declare that she can challenge a top-notch chef.

　At this moment, the girl added high-gluten flour and warm water to the basin, then added salt and stirred it with chopsticks until it became flocculent, and then kneaded it by hand until smooth.

　Unlike ordinary chefs who only let their dough rise once, Alice Nakiri insists on three resting and three kneadings to make the dough more elastic, allowing it to be rolled out wide and large, perfect for wrapping shumai.

　After kneading the dough three times, the dough used to make shumai wrappers was as smooth as a baby's skin. Alice Nakiri quickly rolled it into long strips and took out 5 grams of dough to make a dough ball.

　Lay the dough ball flat on the table and roll it out with a rolling pin to the size of your palm, making the edges thinner and the center relatively thicker so that the shumai won't leak.

　Although it's just a trivial little trick, it can greatly improve the quality of shumai. At the beginning, Alice Nakiri ruined a lot of shumai because she didn't pay attention to this.

　Because of this, she always remembered this point when making shumai, and from then on, no more shumai with a leaky bottom were ever made. It has to be said that you can learn something after just one try.

　Meanwhile, while Alice Nakiri was making shumai wrappers, Ryo Kurokiba had already finished cooking and was walking towards Shirabuchi, exuding a murderous aura.

　"Try it! My secret-recipe cod broth ramen!"