Unlocking the Secrets of Shanghainese Seafood: One Dragon’s Culinary Mastery

A Culinary Journey Through the Bustling Streets of Shanghai

As a kid growing up in a Cantonese household, I can recall the mouthwatering aromas that would waft through our home whenever my dad, Chung Sun Lau, donned his apron and started prepping for another one of his culinary masterpieces. With over 50 years of experience honing his craft – first as a teenage chef fending for himself in Guangzhou, and later as the head chef of his own restaurant – my dad’s skills in the kitchen have always been the stuff of legends.

Now that he’s retired, I’ve made it my mission to share the hundreds of recipes and life stories stowed away in his head with the world. And today, I’m excited to take you on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Shanghai, unlocking the secrets of Shanghainese seafood and my dad’s unwavering pursuit of perfection.

Mastering the Art of White-Cut Chicken

One of the first dishes my dad taught me was his signature white-cut chicken. This deceptively simple dish is a quintessential part of Shanghainese cuisine, but achieving the right balance of flavors and textures requires years of practice and an innate understanding of the ingredients.

“As a kid fending for myself in Guangzhou, I had to learn to cook quickly and efficiently,” my dad reminisces, a nostalgic twinkle in his eye. “White-cut chicken was one of the first dishes I mastered because it was quick, nourishing, and absolutely delicious.”

The key, he explains, is in the precise timing and temperature control. The chicken must be submerged in boiling water for just the right amount of time, then immediately shocked in an ice bath to lock in the juices and create that signature silky-smooth texture. From there, it’s all about the dipping sauce – a delicate blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and scallions that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the chicken.

Embracing the Seafood Bounty of Shanghai

Of course, no exploration of Shanghainese cuisine would be complete without diving into the bountiful seafood offerings of this coastal metropolis. As my dad likes to say, “If it swims, it’s fair game!” From the briny depths of the East China Sea to the tranquil waters of the Yangtze River, Shanghai’s culinary landscape is a veritable treasure trove of aquatic delights.

One of the standout dishes we’re proud to feature on the menu at One Dragon Restaurant is our Steamed Hairy Crab. This delicacy, native to the Yangtze River Delta, is renowned for its delicate, sweet flesh and rich, creamy roe. My dad’s version is a masterclass in subtlety, allowing the natural flavors of the crab to shine without being overshadowed by heavy sauces or overpowering seasonings.

“The key to Steamed Hairy Crab,” he explains, “is to let the crab speak for itself. Too many people try to mask the delicate taste with strong flavors, but that’s a rookie mistake. You have to respect the ingredients and let them tell their own story.”

Elevating the Humble Shrimp

Of course, the seafood bounty of Shanghai extends far beyond just crab. One of my dad’s other culinary passions is the humble shrimp, which he elevates to new heights with his signature Sizzling Shrimp in Garlic Sauce.

“When I was a young chef in Guangzhou, I remember the first time I tried this dish,” he recalls, his eyes lighting up. “The sizzling wok, the fragrant garlic, the perfectly cooked shrimp – it was like a symphony for the senses. From that moment on, I knew I had to master this technique and make it my own.”

And master it he did. The secret, he reveals, lies in the careful preparation of the shrimp and the precise timing of the cooking process. The shrimp must be deveined, peeled, and patted dry to ensure they sear to perfection. Then, they’re tossed with a fragrant garlic-based sauce and seared in a blazing-hot wok, creating a mesmerizing sizzle and a flavor that’s both bold and balanced.

“When you take that first bite and feel the juicy shrimp practically explode with flavor, it’s a moment of pure culinary bliss,” my dad says, sighing contentedly. “That’s the kind of experience I want to share with every single one of our guests.”

Elevating the Humble Eel

If there’s one seafood dish that truly encapsulates the spirit of Shanghainese cuisine, it’s the humble-yet-extraordinary Steamed Eel with Scallions and Ginger. This unassuming dish may not have the same star power as the Steamed Hairy Crab, but in the hands of a true master like my dad, it becomes a symphony of flavors and textures.

“Eel is one of those ingredients that can be tricky to work with,” he explains, “but when you get it right, the results are simply divine.” The key, he says, is in the careful preparation of the eel itself – meticulously cleaning and trimming the flesh to ensure it cooks up tender and silky-smooth.

But the real magic happens in the steaming process, where the eel is infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh scallions and vibrant ginger. “It’s all about finding the perfect balance,” my dad muses. “The sweetness of the eel, the pungency of the ginger, the freshness of the scallions – when they all come together, it’s like a party in your mouth.”

Embracing the Unexpected: Shanghainese Seafood Delicacies

Of course, the world of Shanghainese seafood extends far beyond the tried-and-true favorites. As my dad likes to say, “If it swims, it’s fair game!” And that mindset has led him on a culinary adventure through some of the most unexpected and delightful seafood dishes imaginable.

Take, for instance, his signature Steamed Sea Cucumber with Soy Sauce. This unassuming ocean dweller may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but in my dad’s skilled hands, it becomes a true delicacy. “The key,” he explains, “is in the preparation and the seasoning. You have to respect the natural flavors of the sea cucumber and let them shine, while also adding just the right amount of complementary flavors to create a truly harmonious dish.”

Another Shanghainese seafood surprise that’s become a staple on our menu is the Braised Squid with Soy Sauce and Chili. “I remember the first time I tried this dish in a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the heart of Shanghai,” my dad recalls, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “The way the slightly chewy texture of the squid married with the bold, savory flavors of the sauce – it was like a revelation.”

Navigating the Culinary Landscape of Shanghai

Of course, no discussion of Shanghainese cuisine would be complete without acknowledging the sheer diversity and complexity of the local culinary landscape. From the bustling night markets of the Bund to the hidden gem restaurants tucked away in the alleyways of the French Concession, Shanghai is a veritable treasure trove of gastronomic delights.

As my dad always says, “The beauty of Shanghainese cuisine is in its ability to surprise and delight. You never know what culinary treasure you might stumble upon, but when you do, it’s like discovering a hidden gem.”

Carrying on the Legacy: Sharing the Secrets of Shanghainese Seafood

As I stand here in the kitchen of One Dragon Restaurant, watching my dad meticulously prepare each dish with the same unwavering passion and attention to detail he’s displayed for over half a century, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and awe.

“This is more than just a job or a business for me,” he says, his gaze fixed on the sizzling wok before him. “It’s a way of life, a legacy that I’m honored to pass down to you and future generations. The secrets of Shanghainese seafood are not just about the recipes or the techniques – they’re about the stories, the memories, and the love that goes into every single bite.”

And as I take that first, tantalizing taste of his latest creation – the Steamed Hairy Crab, the Sizzling Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, the Steamed Eel with Scallions and Ginger – I understand exactly what he means. This is more than just food; it’s a portal to a world of rich cultural traditions, a celebration of the bounty of the sea, and a testament to the unwavering pursuit of culinary perfection.

So come, join me on this journey through the bustling streets of Shanghai, where the secrets of Shanghainese seafood await. Let us unlock the culinary mastery of One Dragon, and discover the true essence of this remarkable cuisine.