Crossover Anime: Starting with a Fusion of Master Chef, a Top-Tier Master Chef

No wonder he dared to challenge Lin Youshu.

……

Wait until the fish in the pot is almost cooked.

Lin Youshu lifted the lid of the pot and added sugar and dark soy sauce.

This is the third seasoning for braised carp, which is commonly known as the "three fixes" before it's done: setting the shape, setting the flavor, and setting the color!

Tofu needs to be boiled a thousand times, and fish a thousand times!

After adding the seasonings, let it simmer in the boiling broth for a while to allow the flavors to meld.

At this point, the aroma begins to increase significantly.

Those nearby could clearly feel the aroma wafting through the rising steam, and couldn't help but sniff.

"Wow!"

Lin Youshu quickly scooped the fish out and plated it, then turned the heat from low to high to reduce the sauce!

He's not going to thicken this braised carp with cornstarch!

The sauce will naturally reduce; as you stir it with a spoon, the sugared sauce will gradually bubble and thicken. At this point, pour it over the fish while it's still hot.

The fragrance spread instantly!

Braised carp, all done!

……

"Hiss... Including killing the fish, it only took 15 minutes!"

"Shouldn't the focus be on the fragrance? It smells so good!"

"I can't smell any fishy smell at all; on the contrary, the aroma of the fish is fully brought out. Why is that?"

"Suddenly I realized that I've been cooking fish the wrong way all along..."

"Even I, someone who doesn't like eating carp, find it very appetizing."

"Yoshino-san is in danger!"

"..."

Lin Youshu's side was already finished, while Yoshino's side was a little slower, but it was also finished soon.

It really is braised sea bream!

The Japanese-style braising method has some subtle differences from the Chinese method, which you'll find out in a bit.

Two plates of fish were served on the table.

The canteen staff who had been watching the whole thing gathered around.

The exciting moment is almost here!

Chapter Thirty-Five: Where Did This Immortal Come From?! (Please collect, give flowers, comment, and rate!)

"Both sides are braised!"

"They all look delicious."

Why do I feel like Yoshino-san's chances of winning are a bit slim?

"Just looking at the presentation, Lin Sang's braised carp is undoubtedly more tempting. The color and the sauce reduction are absolutely amazing!"

"As for the aroma, it's fragrant but not cloying, rich but not dissipating, it just keeps wafting into your nose!"

"In comparison, Yoshino-san's braised sea bream is much worse in both color and aroma."

"Although I really want Yoshino to win, it seems a bit dangerous now."

"However, it's too early to say. Carp doesn't taste as good as sea bream, and it has more bones. We'll have to try it to know!"

"..."

The canteen staff who were watching discussed it in hushed tones.

However, Yoshino's expression was serious.

Once the two fish dishes were placed on the table, he knew his chances of winning were slim.

As I said before, professionals are better able to see where the difference lies.

I just didn't expect to lose so decisively!

That's absolutely overwhelming!

"Did this guy... learn to cook from the womb?"

Yoshino looked at Hayashi Yuuki, shocked and even unable to suppress his jealousy, jealous of his talent.

This is comparable to the chasm between mortals and gods!

……

"please!"

The two exchanged a glance and both gestured for the food to be tasted.

Lin Youshu first picked up chopsticks and a spoon, peeled off a piece of fish belly meat from the braised sea bream, dipped it in the sauce, and put it in his mouth.

The first bite of fish is very particular.

If the part slightly above the belly of the fish isn't tasty, then the whole fish is wasted.

"The cooking time was alright, but the seasoning was a bit lacking."

After tasting it, Lin Youshu commented.

To be fair, Yoshino's skill level is already better than that of many four- or five-star restaurant chefs. Coupled with his rich experience, the dishes he makes are enough to satisfy the appetites of most diners.

Nani? !

However, the surrounding cafeteria staff were immediately in an uproar when they heard him say that.

This is the first time I've heard someone describe Yoshino-san like this; it's quite disrespectful.

What does it mean to have the cooking time just right?

This is our head chef!

What does it mean if the seasoning is a little lacking?

There's something wrong with your tongue!

Some people immediately showed their indignation, and were just short of rolling up their sleeves and coming over to beat Lin Youshu up.

But thinking about it, their braised carp seems to be better. If they really win, then there's nothing to say about this evaluation.

Because they have the confidence!

The premise is that Lin Youshu can win.

……

Yoshino's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

It is said that one's own family knows one's own affairs.

Controlling the heat and seasoning have always been his weaknesses.

He was eliminated from Totsuki Academy back then because of these two things.

Later, he worked hard and practiced constantly, which helped him improve his skills a little.

Unfortunately, I've never been good at seasoning; my talent is limited.

This "bad" doesn't mean they're bad at the game, but rather it only applies to master-level players.

In the eyes of ordinary people, it is already perfect.

However, the difference between an ordinary chef and a culinary master is just a tiny bit!

After Lin Youshu finished eating, it was Yoshino's turn.

Under everyone's gaze, he also used chopsticks to peel off a small piece of fish from the braised carp, mixed it with the sauce, and put it in his mouth.

The moment he took a bite, Yoshino's eyes widened instantly, his heart filled with a storm of emotions!

"How can it be!!!"

Surprisingly, the texture of this fish was unusual; instead of being soft and mushy, it was incredibly springy!

That alone makes it far superior to all the braised fish he's ever eaten.

Logically speaking, no matter what kind of fish it is, it is impossible to achieve this kind of taste after braising!

However, Lin Youshu did it!

"Is this the difference between 'perfectly cooked' and 'just right'? The difference is too big!"

What shocked Yoshino even more was the sauce for the braised carp.

The moment his taste buds detected that flavor, he felt so blissful that it was as if his soul had left his body.

The last time I experienced this intense feeling of happiness was...

To be precise, it was 20 years ago, when he married his wife.

The two went from being students to holding hands and walking down the aisle.

The day was sunny and the weather was fine.

The wedding venue was filled with flowers, ribbons, and balloons, and both sets of parents, relatives, and friends all offered their heartfelt blessings.

This moment is just like that moment!

"I lost."

Yoshino sighed softly and readily admitted it.

"Yoshino-san?!"

The canteen staff who had gathered around were shocked once again.

After just one bite, you admit you're not as good as others? Is this really the Yoshino I know?