Take another grilled mullet roe and cut it into strips about the width of a finger.
Lay out a large, square sheet of nori. Toast it over charcoal until it gives off a fragrant, slightly charred aroma. Spread a layer of delicate hand - beaten shrimp paste on it. Finally, place two strips of mullet roe on top and roll it up towards the middle to form a ruyi shape.
This ruyi - shaped mullet roe roll is dipped in egg batter and breadcrumbs, then deep - fried until it has a golden, crispy crust. Cut it into one - inch sections. It is so delicate and interesting, truly endearing.
Use snow - white flour and fresh egg yolks to knead into a smooth dough. The resulting thin noodles are smooth and chewy when cooked.
Chop some mullet roe and mix it into the rich and creamy white sauce. Simmer it over low heat to bring out the sweet and fresh flavor. The strong milky aroma blends with the sticky and glutinous texture of the fish roe, creating a lingering and unforgettable taste on the tongue. As it slides down the throat along with the thin noodles, the smooth experience is like flowing water in a winding stream, making people yearn for more.
For desserts, mullet roe is also used as a garnish. In each layer of fresh cream in the simple mille - feuille cake, chopped grilled mullet roe is mixed.
The sweet and glutinous mullet roe, with its moderately salty and fresh flavor, just right to neutralize the sweetness of the salted cream. It is both salty and sweet, melting in the mouth. In the softness, one can chew on the slightly elastic fish roe grains with a strong wine aroma, making the taste rich and interesting.
The shopkeeper stared blankly at the various delicate dishes served by Li Ying, completely stunned.
He had never imagined that just two small pieces of mullet roe could hide such wonderful transformations. He couldn't help but admire Li Ying whole - heartedly.
He respectfully held the recipes written by Li Ying and bowed humbly.
"Boss, since that's the case, I'll prepare the banquets for those ladies according to these recipes!"
Li Ying waved her hand, and the shopkeeper took the order and left.
After dinner, he rushed back in a hurry, looking troubled, and asked to see Li Ying again.
Seeing his worried face, Li Ying raised her eyebrows and asked, "What? Has something gone wrong?"
The shopkeeper had no choice but to bow and said softly, "Boss, I followed the recipes and sent these delicious dishes to various mansions. Your cooking skills are beyond doubt, and everyone was amazed."
"During the banquet, the ladies asked what mullet roe was and how it was made..."
The shopkeeper had only seen the finished product that Li Ying took out. But as for how to dissect, clean, pickle, and dry the mullet eggs, he really had no idea.
Moreover, after hearing from him that mullet roe could beautify the skin, several ladies were quite interested. They immediately proposed that Li Ji Restaurant should supply them with fresh wine - braised mullet roe every day.
Not knowing Li Ying's plan, the shopkeeper had to come back and report honestly.
"Boss, I've explained that I can't make decisions about the mullet roe. The ladies then said they would like to invite you to their mansions for a chat."
Since the other party was interested in a large - scale purchase of mullet roe, Li Ying naturally wouldn't turn down the business that came to her. She quickly changed her clothes and followed the shopkeeper to pay a visit.
The ladies in the mansion were already full after the banquet. Only sliced and grilled mullet roe and a basket of crispy - on - the - outside and tender - on - the - inside rice cakes for tea were left on the small table.
Introduced by the shopkeeper, Li Ying bowed slightly. She stole a glance at the expressions of the ladies at the table and saw that everyone looked amazed. Immediately, most of her confidence grew.
She was neither overbearing nor humble and answered fluently. She introduced the effects and cooking methods of mullet roe like a true connoisseur.
Most of the ladies at the table had official titles and lived in luxury. Naturally, they were not stingy with money. They were convinced by her words and immediately made a decision.
"This mullet roe is sweet but not greasy, salty and fresh but not fishy. It's great for a snack. Boss Li, you should send ten pairs to the Marquis Mansion every day from now on!"
One lady took the lead, and the others quickly echoed.
Li Ying roughly calculated that in this way, she would have to supply more than a hundred fresh mullet roes every day!
She had only accidentally caught a few mullets and made mullet roe for her own consumption. How could she meet such a large - scale supply demand?
She curtsied and said softly, "Ladies, I'm really flattered by your favor. But mullet roe is all about freshness. The fishing village is far from the capital. I'm afraid I won't be able to prepare so much stock in a short time. Could you ladies please give me some more time?"
The ladies didn't mean to make things difficult for her. Hearing her words, they frowned slightly and asked, "How long do we have to wait?"
Li Ying secretly calculated that it only took five days to pickle mullet roe.
With the help of the little spiritual cat Maomao, it shouldn't be difficult to find a large school of mullets.
Moreover, mullets were easy to breed. She had already vigorously promoted the fish - farming industry in fish ponds. By stocking mullet fry, it would be easy to supply mullet roe continuously in the future.
Thinking of this, she confidently promised, "Ladies, please rest assured. Within a month, I will definitely send fresh mullet roe to your mansions!"
This one - month period was actually her intention to buy more time, but the ladies didn't mind. Instead, they laughed lightly.
"Good. Then we'll set a one - month deadline. The accountants in our mansions will send you the deposit. You just focus on preparing the mullet roe. Also, develop more new ways of cooking and teach our chefs, so that we won't get tired of eating it every day."
Li Ying naturally took the order and nodded repeatedly with her head down.
Since the noble ladies were chatting and having tea, as a commoner, Li Ying was not suitable to stay for long. After the matter was settled, she bowed and prepared to leave.
She had only taken a few steps when she suddenly heard a few words floating into her ears.
"It seems that I can take this mullet roe to improve my appearance before the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet."
"Sister, what are you saying? Among us ladies in the inner chambers, your appearance is the most outstanding. For all these years, time has never treated you harshly."
The previous lady sighed and said, "Sister, you don't know. These days, I've been really exhausted preparing for the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. I feel that my energy is not as good as before..."
She looked dejected and gently rubbed her forehead. The others seemed to think of something and sighed, echoing her.
"You're right. The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet is such an important event. As her subjects, we naturally have to carefully prepare the birthday gifts. Who isn't exhausted?
"Master Cao of the Textile Bureau is really relaxed. He has already prepared that qiejinqiu robe, which will surely make a splash at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. It's a pity for us. This birthday gift has to be decent enough not to be outshone by the qiejinqiu robe, but we can't be too extravagant to avoid angering the Emperor... It's really difficult!"
Li Ying heard it all but didn't stop walking. But in her heart, she couldn't help but wonder.
Qiejinqiu robe?
If it was really the precious item she knew, then this Master Cao of the Textile Bureau was truly extremely extravagant!