My Mother’s Secret Ingredient Makes All the pieces Style Higher

The primary time I made considered one of my mother’s recipes—a stir-fry of tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and pork spareribs—I questioned why it did not style just like the model I would eaten rising up. It was good, however lacked a sure depth of taste. This occurred each time I recreated considered one of my childhood favorites, whether or not braised brisket, tofu and greens, or one thing so simple as congee. These dishes had been staples at my mother and father’ dinner desk. And but, my renditions all the time gave the impression to be lacking one thing. I could not ask my mother—she has Alzheimer’s illness—and nobody else in my household was capable of assist. I chalked it as much as nostalgia and style reminiscences enjoying methods on me—till I poked round my mother and father’ kitchen in Hong Kong.

Opening drawers and cupboards to look at spices and seasonings, I discovered a number of containers of Lee Kum Kee Hen Bouillon Powder. I dipped my finger in for a style and instantly acknowledged the wealthy, deeply savory notes of poultry. That is when it occurred to me: My mother will need to have seasoned all her cooking with hen bouillon powder, and this was the key ingredient I would been lacking all alongside.

Made with salt, flavor-enhancing MSG, dehydrated hen meat, sugar, hen fats, and yeast extract (plus different components and taste enhancers), Lee Kum Kee’s hen bouillon powder is a fast shortcut for including umami to no matter you are cooking. Most Western-style hen broths and bouillon powders include aromatics comparable to onion, garlic, celery, and/or carrot. Whereas these components give the bouillon a candy, vegetal be aware that works nicely with American dishes comparable to hen soup and casseroles, that taste profile would not all the time go well with Chinese language cooking. 

As a result of Lee Kum Kee’s hen bouillon powder would not include any aromatics, it is extremely versatile and will be simply included into a variety of dishes. I exploit it to make fast soup bases or sauces for noodles, dumplings, and greens, in addition to to season and marinate meat. A beneficiant pinch additionally enhances the flavour of braises, stews, and stir-fries, delivering a potent increase of umami. To forestall my cooking from changing into overly salty, I begin with a lightweight hand with different salty components like soy sauce; style and modify as I’m going; and dilute with extra water if wanted.

This hen powder was my mother’s prompt improve for every thing, and now it is the rationale my cooking is virtually nearly as good as hers.