Satisfying Knife Skills – Cut Potato l Chinese Recipes by Masterchef

What other knife skill is important when working with potatoes besides dicing and julienning?

Mastering knife skills is an essential aspect of cooking. It is said that the way you handle a knife speaks a lot about your culinary expertise. The skill of cutting vegetables perfectly is an art that requires patience, precision, and practice. One of the most common ingredients that require perfectly diced or chopped pieces is potatoes. In this article, we will look at some satisfying knife skills for cutting potatoes in Chinese recipes by Masterchef.

Potatoes are a staple in Chinese cuisine, and there are many recipes where potatoes are the main ingredient. The most common way of cutting a potato is by dicing it into small cubes. To achieve this, you need to select the right knife for the job. A chef’s knife is the most commonly used knife, and it has a broad blade, usually eight to ten inches long. It provides a firm grip and makes it easier to chop, mince, or dice potatoes.

To dice a potato, start by slicing off a small section of the potato to create a flat base. This will help to stabilize the potato while cutting. Then, place the potato on the cutting board with the flat side down. Hold the potato firmly with one hand and with the other hand, make a series of parallel cuts through the potato, taking care not to cut all the way through. Turn the potato 90 degrees and make a series of perpendicular cuts. The potato will now be divided into small cubes. Use the tip of the knife to cut any large pieces that are still attached.

Another popular way of cutting potatoes is by julienning them. Julienne potatoes are long, thin strips that are often used in stir-fry dishes. To julienne a potato, first, remove any bumps or irregularities on the surface. Then, using a mandoline, slice the potato into thin, even slices. Then, stack the slices on top of each other and cut them into thin strips.

Apart from dicing and julienning, there are many other knife skills that can be applied to potatoes. For instance, the art of peeling potatoes is also an important skill. While it may seem like a simple task, peeling potatoes requires finesse and accuracy. To peel a potato, hold it in one hand and use a peeler in the other. Start at one end and slowly peel the skin off in one continuous motion.

In conclusion, potatoes are a versatile ingredient in Chinese cuisine that requires a variety of knife skills. Whether you are dicing, julienning, or peeling, mastering these skills will improve your cooking and help elevate your dishes to the next level. Remember, it takes practice to perfect these skills, so take your time and enjoy the journey to becoming a master in the kitchen!