Chapter 49 Stir-fried Carrots with Meat
"Okay, I understand."
Tang Yiyi turned on the fire in the pot, and the light blue flames licked the black bottom of the pot. After the water in the pot had evaporated, she poured in the oil.
Heat the pan, add the chopped pork belly pieces, and stir-fry until cooked through. Tang Yiyi proceeded methodically with each step; her years of cooking experience allowed her to remain calm in any situation.
The rich aroma of meat wafted out instantly, and the meat turned white. Add scallions, ginger, and garlic to sauté until fragrant, then add shredded carrots and stir-fry. Add a small spoonful of soy sauce and salt, and continue stir-frying. Turn down the heat later, as shredded carrots cook quickly and will be ready in two or three minutes.
I brought out the packaging box and packed the stir-fried carrots and meat that had just been cooked.
Song Man, who works at the front desk, smelled the fragrance and showed a look of delight.
Then, put the packaging box in a takeout bag, staple the bag to the order, and place it in a prominent position at the front desk.
The aroma wafted over, making passersby's mouths water.
Hmm, I don't think I've ever eaten at this restaurant before, but it's usually packed with customers.
It's almost lunchtime, let's eat here.
When Tang Yiyi cooks, she exudes a calm and composed demeanor. The stir-fried carrots and meat are served, with red carrot shreds followed by lightly browned meat chunks, the aroma wafting through the steaming dish.
Don't be fooled by these simple home-style dishes; once they were served, they were so popular that several people at the table were scrambling to grab them, making everyone's mouths water.
In just over ten minutes, Tang Yiyi had stir-fried several portions of shredded carrots with meat.
"It smells so good, but who knew it was just stir-fried shredded carrots and pork!"
"This is the authentic taste, it's making my mouth water."
"Stir-fried shredded carrots with pork? Give me two portions, one for dine-in and one to go."
No one can resist the aroma of stir-fried shredded carrots with meat, no matter how strong their willpower.
Wang Juan rushed over from the company, and as soon as she arrived at the entrance, she saw a lot of people.
As expected, there was a queue, but luckily she quickly ordered and got the order slip.
Having eaten tea eggs at a restaurant, people naturally choose to have lunch at a restaurant after having a competitive mindset.
Wang Juan usually eats a quick lunch, but if she's busy with work, she might go for a meal around 1 or 2 pm.
Over time, she developed some minor stomach problems and felt unwell.
But after figuring out that I need to love myself properly, I decided to start by making changes to my diet.
The hot stir-fried carrots with pork and bok choy were served, and they looked very tempting. The red of the carrot shreds, the light brown of the pork slices, and the few red chili pepper shreds made them quite eye-catching.
Wang Juan served the rice and then picked up her chopsticks. The shredded carrots she ate were crisp and refreshing, with a slightly sweet taste. The seasoning wasn't too strong, which masked the natural flavor of the food.
The sliced meat is fragrant and spicy, and very tender.
The portions were quite large; they ordered two dishes, and Wang Juan was worried that she might not be able to finish them and it would be a waste.
The guests at the next table began to enjoy their meal, occasionally offering a few words of praise.
Wang Juan thought the stir-fried carrots and meat were cooked so well, so much better than what she usually makes.
I'm so grateful she came over today, otherwise I would have had to order takeout.
There were also some bright green bok choy, and the cooking method couldn't be simpler. It tasted refreshing and clean, with a fresh vegetable flavor that lingered on the tip of the tongue.
Not only was I overworked at work, but I also got a scolding from my supervisor, which made me feel much better now.
One wave of guests after another arrived. Wang Juan was glad she had arrived early, otherwise there might not have been a place to sit.
At noon, the bell rang, and many students ran to the cafeteria. Xiaoyu picked up his schoolbag and went back to the cafeteria.
The rice was ready, and Tang Yiyi unplugged the power cord.
"Yiyi, how's business today?" Grandma Li's voice came, along with Lili.
"Well enough."
"Grandma Li, what would you and Lili like to eat?" Tang Yiyi asked.
“We’re all fine with this,” Grandma Li said as she picked up Lili. “Let’s look at the menu first.”
"We have stir-fried shredded carrots and pork today, would you like to try some?"
I've been to this restaurant a few times before, but I've never seen them serve stir-fried shredded carrots with meat. Luckily, they have it today, so I can give it a try.
Grandma Li nodded, "Then I'll have stir-fried shredded carrots with meat, and a cabbage."
After saying that, she prepared to pay in cash, as Grandma Li wasn't very good at paying with her phone.
"Grandma, please sit down first, I'll go prepare the dishes," Tang Yiyi said, inviting the two of them to sit down.
Lili saw Xiaoyu wiping the table with a rag, looking very serious.
"Xiaoyu, you're so diligent," Lili said admiringly, unlike herself who didn't want to do any chores when she got home.
At this moment, Grandma Li smiled and said, "Xiaoyu is a good boy."
Xiaoyu was a little embarrassed by the praise, and then lowered his head to wipe the table.
Grandma Li and the others have finished their stir-fried carrots with meat and Chinese cabbage.
The stir-fried carrots and pork in front of me looked so tempting. The pork slices glistened with oil and were steaming hot, giving off a wonderful aroma.
Lili picked up her chopsticks and tasted the shredded carrots. The carrots were crisp and tender with a hint of sweetness. She didn't usually eat carrots, but she found them delicious. She had heard that eating more carrots was good for the eyes.
Lili picked up a large shredded carrot with her chopsticks, finding it increasingly delicious with each bite.
The meat slices were tender yet chewy, and Grandma Li's eyes widened in surprise. Her teeth weren't very good, but she could chew this kind of meat thoroughly.
Serve with a bowl of rice, pour over the little bit of broth at the bottom, add some vegetables, and mix it with the rice for a delicious and flavorful meal.
"It's delicious!" Grandma Li said with a smile, her wrinkles deepening at the corners of her eyes.
Lili nodded, it really is... It's so appetizing, another day of envying Tang Xiaoyu.
In the afternoon, many teachers were resting in the office.
Teacher Wang took out her phone to order takeout. The food in the cafeteria at noon was too oily, and she didn't eat much. Now she was very hungry.
She saw many restaurants, some familiar and some unfamiliar. For some reason, she scrolled down and found "Tang Family Restaurant".
The restaurant's menu still features home-style dishes, accompanied by a complimentary soup.
When Teacher Wang saw the stir-fried carrots with meat, she blinked her slightly sore eyes. She often stared at the computer and looked at homework, which always made her eyes uncomfortable, and carrots were just the thing that were good for her eyes.
Without a second thought, I ordered a plate of stir-fried shredded carrots and pork over rice, plus a complimentary bowl of soup.
The restaurant's daily soup is never offered for free to fool customers; it is made with high-quality ingredients and has a rich and mellow taste.
Around 1 p.m., Tang Yiyi was preparing lunch for them when a takeout order came in, so she had to go to the kitchen and cook the dishes herself.
When Teacher Chu woke up, she went to the restroom and bumped into Teacher Wang, who was picking up takeout, on her way back.
Seeing the familiar takeout packaging, Teacher Chu asked, "The little restaurant near the entrance? Teacher Wang, didn't you eat enough for lunch?"
Teacher Wang smiled and nodded, then took the takeout back to her office.
Even though the weather is getting cooler now, it's still quite humid in the afternoon.
I'd rather go back to the office; it's cool with the air conditioning.
One minute later, Teacher Wang lifted the lid of the lunchbox.
Teacher Chu, who had just entered, sniffed the air and said, "There's a meaty smell. Teacher Wang, you're really poisoning my lunch break."
Ms. Wang felt a little embarrassed, and in order to avoid disturbing her colleagues, she tried her best to move quietly and not make any noise.
I was already a little hungry, but the aroma made me even hungrier.
Teacher Wang took out his chopsticks and saw that the shredded carrots were crisp and red, and the slices of meat were not the pale white kind, but light brown. The combination of red and brown made it look even more tempting.
Teacher Chu, who was standing next to her, tried her best to pretend she didn't smell it, but in reality, she was drooling with envy.
Stand up straight, it smells so good, it really smells so good.
The crisp and sweet shredded carrots paired perfectly with the tender slices of meat.
Teacher Wang squinted her eyes in enjoyment, indulging herself.
After a satisfying meal, with not even a drop of soup was wasted, the bell rang signaling the end of the lunch break.
Many teachers jumped up from their desks and cast resentful glances at Teacher Wang.
You're eating so heartily, have you even considered that we're sleeping?!
Before class even started, the teachers chatted as they tidied up their lesson plans.
"It's so hot that nobody has a good appetite. After the summer vacation, many students in my class have lost weight. Even my cheeks have gotten thinner. It's all because the cafeteria food is so bad!"
"Summer is the best time to lose weight. I eat two meals a day at home, and sometimes I'm not even hungry, so I don't eat two meals."
Teacher Wang touched her face. Hmm, it seems like she's gained weight because the food has been good lately.
Tang Yiyi tidied up the shop, then pulled down the roller shutter and took Xiaoyu's hand to go home.
Living in a high-rise building means you have to take the stairs, and sometimes the lights in the stairwell flicker.
There was a dark figure in front of the door. Tang Yiyi was almost startled when she saw it.
Xiaoyu was also a little scared, clenching his fists. Who would be in front of his house so late at night?
The landlord turned around, saw Tang Yiyi, and exclaimed with delight, "Could you make me some fried rice?"
Tang Yiyi was taken aback. Was this the landlord? Rent was due soon. "Is the landlord here to collect rent?"
The landlord shook his head. "There are still a few days left. Could you please make me some fried rice? I'll pay for it."
I didn't eat enough last night, or rather, I haven't been eating well for a while, except for the day I came to collect rent from Tang Yiyi.
Upon hearing this, Tang Yiyi smiled knowingly, "No need for money, I'll make you some fried rice with eggs."
Xiaoyu was still somewhat wary as he took out his key to open the door.
Tang Yiyi went to the refrigerator to get two eggs and some scallions. As for the fried rice, she used yesterday's leftovers.
Heat the wok over high heat. Lard is the best for frying rice. Scoop out a spoonful of solidified white lard and put it into the wok. The wok will sizzle and pop. Pour in the golden egg mixture, then add yesterday's leftover rice. Stir-fry over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and chili rings, stir-fry quickly, and toss the wok to make sure every grain of rice is coated with egg mixture. Add a handful of chopped greens, stir-fry until done, and serve.
In the living room, the landlord sat on the sofa, looking somewhat uneasy. He smelled the delicious aroma of the food and swallowed hard.
As the fried rice was served, the landlord said, "Thank you!"
The rice was wrapped in egg slices, sprinkled with chopped green vegetables for added flavor, and topped with bright red chili rings and emerald green scallions.
He picked up a spoon and scooped up a large spoonful of fried rice. As soon as he put it in his mouth, his eyes widened in surprise.
It tasted just as good as I imagined. The fried rice wasn't oily or greasy. You could enjoy the tender eggs and the refreshing vegetables. The chili peppers added a spicy flavor, making it less bland.
The landlord was delighted; this fried rice was much tastier than the 268 deluxe fried rice offered by Jucailou, with a much richer texture and flavor.
A simple yet delicious bowl of fried rice that the landlord wanted more of even after he was full.
Everyone says it's best to eat until you're 70% full, but what if you still want to eat more?
Before leaving, the landlord said to Tang Yiyi, "Thank you for your hospitality. The fried rice was delicious. It's okay if you pay the rent a few days late." He even said she didn't have to pay at all, because the fried rice was fragrant but not greasy—it was so delicious!
Tang Yiyi: "..."
She and Xiaoyu shared the remaining fried rice.
Then, after washing up, I went to bed.
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