- Salt at the right time β salt draws moisture out. Salt vegetables near the end, meat in advance.
- Sugar isn't just for sweetness β a pinch rounds out harsh flavors.
- Soy sauce first, salt second β soy sauce adds umami.
- Garlic burns fast β add it to hot but not smoking oil.
- Vinegar at the end β a splash brightens any dish.
- Cornstarch slurry for restaurant gloss β mix 1:2 with water, add in the last 30 seconds.
Cooking well is about understanding ingredients, not following recipes.