Qin Tian took the beef, skillfully removed the tendons and membranes, cut it into fist-sized pieces, and then soaked it in water, changing the water repeatedly until the blood was completely removed and the meat turned pinkish-white.
"The first step in making beef jerky is to remove the fishy smell." Qin Tian explained to Su Wantang, who was helping him, while he was busy working. "Soaking is just the foundation, the key is to blanch it."
He put the beef in a pot of cold water, added ginger slices, scallion segments, and a few spoonfuls of cooking wine, and brought it to a boil over high heat. As the water temperature rose, blood foam continued to rise to the surface, and Qin Tian patiently skimmed it off one by one with a spoon until the soup became clear.
After removing the beef from the water and rinsing it with warm water, the most crucial step, braising, begins.
Qin Tian took out a family heirloom-like casserole, lined the bottom with thick slices of ginger and scallions, and then wrapped more than a dozen spices that Su Wantang had brought from her hometown, such as star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, fennel seeds, cardamom, and cloves, in gauze and put them into the pot.
"The proportions of spices are crucial; too much or too little will make it too strong, it's all about feel and experience," Qin Tian said with a smug smile.
He poured in enough boiling water to cover the beef, added soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and a spoonful of soybean paste. After bringing it to a boil over high heat, he turned it down to low heat, covered the pot, and let the rich aroma of the sauce slowly fill the kitchen.
One hour, two hours...
The entire house was filled with an irresistible and enticing aroma of meat. Su Wantang leaned against the kitchen doorway, like a greedy little cat, constantly swallowing her saliva.
The moment Qin Tian lifted the lid, an even richer aroma burst forth. The beef in the pot had turned an enticing reddish-brown, and could be easily pierced with chopsticks.
"Don't rush, it's not over yet." Qin Tian smiled as he took the braised beef out and placed it in a ventilated area to cool. Once the surface of the beef was dry, he shredded it into even strips along the grain.
The final step is baking. He spread the beef strips out on a baking sheet, sprinkled them with chili powder and cumin powder, and put them in the oven to bake slowly at a low temperature.
This process involves baking off excess moisture from the beef while simultaneously locking in the flavors of all the spices into every single beef fiber.
When the oven dinged, Su Wantang was the first to rush over.
Qin Tian, wearing gloves, took out the baking tray. The glistening, reddish-brown, and fragrant beef jerky made one's mouth water.
He picked up a piece of beef jerky that was still warm and held it to Su Wantang's lips: "Try it, it's my precious niece's special snack."
Su Wantang couldn't wait to take a bite.
Instantly, a complex aroma explodes in your mouth! First comes the rich, savory sauce, followed by the wonderful blend of various spices, perfectly bringing out the natural freshness of the beef. The texture is even more exquisite—dry yet not tough, chewy yet not hard, becoming more fragrant with each chew, leaving your mouth watering.
"Delicious! So delicious!" Su Wantang squinted her eyes happily and exclaimed indistinctly.
Seeing her satisfied expression, Qin Tian handed another one to Lu Linchuan, who was watching with a smile. His heart was filled with an unprecedented peace and joy.
This is home.
There are family members, laughter, and the comforting warmth of everyday life.
He picked up a piece of beef jerky, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. All the past humiliations and bitterness seemed to be completely diluted and dissolved with the rich aroma of the meat. (This chapter has been read. Please click to continue reading the next chapter!)
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