J. Kenji López-Alt Breaks Down the Science of Stir-Fry | WIRED

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  • Опубліковано 8 тра 2022
  • In a wok, fire, oil and metal combine in an explosive chemical reaction to create stir-fry. J. Kenji López-Alt literally wrote the book on the wok, and he's here to explain the science behind stir-fry
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 222

  • @paulmaddison6193
    @paulmaddison6193 2 роки тому +1752

    The generic narrator is completely unnecessary here. Kenji has great screen presence. Let him do all the talking.

    • @christophermurphree2315
      @christophermurphree2315 2 роки тому +21

      So true

    • @alexlankford8998
      @alexlankford8998 2 роки тому +16

      Literally the how it’s made voice

    • @Belioyt
      @Belioyt 2 роки тому +63

      Narrator is also annoying in this video

    • @badcloutsenpai9759
      @badcloutsenpai9759 2 роки тому +1

      @@alexlankford8998 l

    • @kidyuki1
      @kidyuki1 2 роки тому +14

      Agreed. I don't know if they think this will play more to broader audiences, but I can really do without it.

  • @shanzo4134
    @shanzo4134 2 роки тому +233

    I love Kenji, but what is this editing? Why all the jump cuts, reversing, and the weird narration? Just let Kenji do his thing, and show the process chronologically.

    • @DizzyBusy
      @DizzyBusy Рік тому +2

      Just watch the recipe on Kenji's own channel. He talks about these things on his own videos aaaall the time. Cut the middleman

  • @mathewhutchins2539
    @mathewhutchins2539 11 місяців тому +47

    Imagine having a presence as charismatic as Kenji and narrating over his explanation

  • @kidyuki1
    @kidyuki1 2 роки тому +401

    Imagine adding this kind of narrator overdub to other Wired videos like Tech Support or Autocomplete Interview.
    "Hi I'm Daniel Radcliffe!"
    *"Daniel Radcliffe is an actor best known for his starring role in the Harry Potter films, but let's see what this **_young wizard_** has to say about people's most-Googled questions about him"*

    • @7hiris
      @7hiris 2 роки тому +4

      That's a comedy format I would watch

    • @kiransingh2935
      @kiransingh2935 2 роки тому +4

      yeah the narrator on this is absolute cringe.

  • @helloworld5028
    @helloworld5028 2 роки тому +221

    The editing of this video just feels messy. Much prefer Kenji’s straightforward editing.

    • @sangredelangel
      @sangredelangel 2 роки тому +7

      His expertise really puts him in a level where he doesn’t need pro editing. Really a cut above the rest.

    • @benwilton5307
      @benwilton5307 2 роки тому +4

      Just let Kenji talk and subtitle the rest. The voice over and quick edits isn’t necessary or even beneficial. This isn’t a Taken or Jason Bourne movie. I had to mute the sound and read the subs

  • @danielboulton922
    @danielboulton922 2 роки тому +174

    Kenji is one of my favourite sources of food knowledge and food personalities. Not really sure why the narration was added? He’s so eloquent felt very unnecessary and condescending

  • @Ricecooka
    @Ricecooka 2 роки тому +95

    This 3rd person Food Network style editing is really awkward for anyone that normally watches Kenji (or really anyone that watches UA-cam cooking videos).

  • @nubcake67
    @nubcake67 2 роки тому +716

    Hey Wired, next time you do food, do everything in chronological order of actual cooking. Don't jump around to the different steps.

    • @michaelkhoo5846
      @michaelkhoo5846 2 роки тому +7

      It's kind of the opposite of how you should think about cooking a stir fry.

    • @ChineseSe7en
      @ChineseSe7en 2 роки тому +18

      Ya, who was the idiot that decided the order?

    • @ezclean7022
      @ezclean7022 2 роки тому +11

      Yes I'm fkn all over the place trying to make this screaming in the kitchen rewinding fast forwarding I still can't find how he made the actual sauce 😡🤬

    • @theregiment6236
      @theregiment6236 2 роки тому +10

      @@ezclean7022 go to his UA-cam channel and you’ll find a much more helpful video if you actually want to make beef and broccoli

    • @ezclean7022
      @ezclean7022 2 роки тому +3

      @@theregiment6236 thank you I made it haha.... It was amazing

  • @PeoplesInstinctives
    @PeoplesInstinctives 2 роки тому +70

    I’ve been stir frying incorrectly my entire life 😩. Thanks for the guide! This was great.

    • @Jake.r606
      @Jake.r606 2 роки тому +9

      Kenji has a way of making people rethink how they cook certain dishes, doesn't mean you were wrong.

  • @nirazel
    @nirazel 2 роки тому +32

    Logical/Scientific approach to cooking food is my only and most enjoyable one. Whole small world creation in daily routine.

  • @CoolSawce
    @CoolSawce 2 роки тому +30

    Why does the narrator sound like he's staying up past his bedtime and trying not to wake up his parents?

  • @curt300s
    @curt300s 2 роки тому +34

    He’s brilliant. Follow his well-tested techniques for outstanding results. Kenji’s videos and books are a godsend. I’m a disciple of his for years and my dinner guests and family reap the benefits.

  • @Reinolds_Recipes
    @Reinolds_Recipes 2 роки тому +1

    Love it! Thank you again for sharing new subscriber here ❤️

  • @sanbilge
    @sanbilge 2 роки тому +28

    It's a pleasure to see Kenji and his book promoted like this.

  • @imrichkusnir824
    @imrichkusnir824 2 роки тому +7

    First Kenji video I've seen in a long time without looking at his bare feet. Awesome, great job Kenji!

    • @fransisco5748
      @fransisco5748 2 роки тому +2

      Also without Shabu waiting for the meat 🤣

    • @DizzyBusy
      @DizzyBusy Рік тому

      @@fransisco5748 Or his daughter calling for more blueberries

  • @geekfreak2000
    @geekfreak2000 2 роки тому +10

    Can we see more of Chef Kenji? Such an icon and seems like a genuinely cool person 🥰

    • @BlackEndsWhite
      @BlackEndsWhite 2 роки тому +2

      hes got his own channel

    • @suuud92
      @suuud92 Рік тому +1

      Do check out his channel: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt. Every video this dude does is thoroughly inspiring and educational!

  • @Baz.007
    @Baz.007 Рік тому +1

    extremely informative. definitely (re)learned a few things.
    thanks!

  • @allensmithee632
    @allensmithee632 2 роки тому +24

    Kenji is the man so humble and smart af 10/10

  • @mindtheprivacy
    @mindtheprivacy Рік тому +5

    So scientific!!!!! impressed by his vocabulary!

  • @jupiterwilkymay5161
    @jupiterwilkymay5161 2 роки тому +10

    SMALL BATCHES! makes so much sense now

  • @obsoletethoughts3930
    @obsoletethoughts3930 2 роки тому +7

    I may have missed something but what were the sauces used?

  • @davasg96
    @davasg96 2 роки тому +37

    3rd person Kenji just feels weird

    • @Andorski
      @Andorski 2 роки тому +6

      No dog, can't see his feet. 3/10

    • @nubcake67
      @nubcake67 2 роки тому

      Same

  • @mariastevens6406
    @mariastevens6406 Рік тому

    Thank you for this. Kenji is one of my faves, and I and my wife love stir fries

  • @MSUSpartansRock
    @MSUSpartansRock Рік тому +3

    I followed Kenji's beef tenderizing methods to a "t", except I made the marinade and finishing sauce a tex-mex style. Best dang burrito's we've ever had!!!

  • @janetf23
    @janetf23 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!👏❤‍🔥💯

  • @rise4097
    @rise4097 2 роки тому +3

    Kenji the GOAT!

  • @keiths210
    @keiths210 2 роки тому +19

    In addition to the unnecessary voiceover others have mentioned, all those rewind effects are really annoying too. Just start at the beginning and go forward. It's not hard. If I'm trying to make this dish, I don't want to be following along and then be told I should have done this other step first.

  • @daxmcanear
    @daxmcanear 7 місяців тому

    This guy is awesome

  • @krm1292
    @krm1292 2 роки тому +12

    A geniuinely interesting video ruined by an unnecessary narrator. Good job!

  • @prfwrx2497
    @prfwrx2497 Рік тому +5

    The editing style came out of the late 90s.

  • @andrewlit2202
    @andrewlit2202 2 роки тому +6

    Skip the narrator and do it chronologically. Kenji doing his thing is better than whatever gimmicks you thought would help the video.

  • @mega_byt3
    @mega_byt3 Рік тому +3

    Some chef will actually use heat high enough that the tossed ingredients are licked by the flame, further intensifying the 'wok hei'

  • @kevink6420
    @kevink6420 Місяць тому

    So this is the guy who published the best recipes ever?

  • @niubilities
    @niubilities Рік тому +5

    Shaoxing wine is not only for flavor but also helps to remove any odd sorta gamey/fishy flavor if your quality of meat is questionable. Corn or potato starch also changes the texture of the meat, making it more tender by locking in the juices.
    I would also add a dab of oyster sauce to any beef or pork stir fry, it elevates the flavor profile a lot.

    • @jaungiga
      @jaungiga Рік тому +2

      In his original recipe, Kenji adds dark soy sauce and oyster sauce to the dish. I guess here he was working with what Wired provided him for the video

  • @fadl2009gh
    @fadl2009gh 2 роки тому +2

    Love the quality

  • @shadowsilver49
    @shadowsilver49 2 роки тому +3

    what are the ingredients in the mix of sauce ?

    • @WilChu
      @WilChu 2 роки тому +1

      Probably the standard light soy, dark soy, oyster, xiaoxing, and sesame

  • @BookOnThrough
    @BookOnThrough Рік тому

    Yes! I've been perusing UA-cam for great videos on stir fry, but... I don't really need to know HOW TO MAKE STIR FRY IN TEN MINUTES! I just want to make a good dish, and I want to understand how it physically works. Awesome video, super helpful, good knowledge.

  • @jamesdouthit7489
    @jamesdouthit7489 2 роки тому

    YES KENJI

  • @shimulsvlog1638
    @shimulsvlog1638 2 роки тому

    What's the alternative of umami cos it's not available here

  • @Kaptenclassic
    @Kaptenclassic 2 роки тому +8

    ...Jackie Welles survived!

  • @benbloom41
    @benbloom41 2 роки тому +1

    Does boiling water ruin the oil base cure on the Wok? Thanks great video

    • @nicklloyd9165
      @nicklloyd9165 10 місяців тому +1

      No. Washing it with soap does

  • @BarnyWaterg8
    @BarnyWaterg8 2 роки тому +4

    The food lab is a 10/10 cook book

  • @tammy1001
    @tammy1001 2 роки тому +2

    What about rust, does that help transfer flavour?

  • @Romi_Zii
    @Romi_Zii 2 роки тому

    Yay! A second helping!
    💗❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎

  • @jelin5233
    @jelin5233 2 роки тому +3

    He forgot to include a secret he learned. Using a blowtorch when stir frying to burn and sear the meat

  • @Metoobie
    @Metoobie 6 місяців тому

    Masterclass!

  • @kai_san_live
    @kai_san_live 2 роки тому +43

    TIL it's possible to make a Kenji video unpleasant to watch with overbearing narration and old-fashioned TV overediting.

    • @onkelpappkov2666
      @onkelpappkov2666 Рік тому +3

      This is how user k0magnet reacted to the overbearing narration and old-fashioned TV overediting, adding important information to the discussion. Let's rewind to the beginning of the comment.

  • @aidancole9965
    @aidancole9965 Рік тому +1

    can someone explain to me when he says a carbon steel wok will impart a different flavor, how is this flavor imparted

  • @Thesimarpal1
    @Thesimarpal1 Рік тому

    0:02 that's how they shoot the video nice.

  • @Tausami
    @Tausami 2 роки тому +2

    I keep expecting the narrator to start talking about aliens

  • @prayash
    @prayash Рік тому

    My wife already taught me the blanching technique and it changed my life 😛

  • @warrior1151
    @warrior1151 22 дні тому

    Can you please go tell Adam ragusia he keeps saying that it's you don't have to wash your meat like he's annoying. Please go tell him something Kenji please

  • @Osiris-wm2kj
    @Osiris-wm2kj 6 місяців тому

    This man definitely took the wok to Poland 💪🏾

  • @corrzyLAD
    @corrzyLAD 10 місяців тому

    All hail Kenji

  • @rg1283
    @rg1283 2 роки тому

    I wait for the day for J. Kenji Lopez-Main to show up

  • @newbambi
    @newbambi 2 роки тому

    7:52 - "It's gonna turn bright green"
    *video editor turns up next shot color grading to matrix-level green*

  • @TheSwedishRider
    @TheSwedishRider Рік тому +1

    05:12 is it just me or do the "half teaspoons" seem to be closer to tablespoons?

  • @maggpiprime954
    @maggpiprime954 2 роки тому +11

    I don't eat meat, but this does help me understand my kitchen chemistry better, thank you.

  • @mnsotapop
    @mnsotapop 2 роки тому +1

    Love Kenjis vids This one was a bit off since his metal bowls look just like the ones my dogs use. 🐕 🙃

  • @manwithoutacountry
    @manwithoutacountry Рік тому

    Would you wash and use baking soda on another meat like pork or chicken?

  • @RecetasMaricel
    @RecetasMaricel 2 роки тому +1

    😯

  • @kungfudunk94
    @kungfudunk94 8 місяців тому

    Lol it seems harder for him to tossing around with that western stove.

  • @RoxyLuffer
    @RoxyLuffer 2 роки тому +39

    He doesn't recommend Non-Stick because the USA still use Teflon, and Teflon releases toxic gasses at high temperatures! If you're in Canada, your Non Stick pans do NOT have Teflon, because Teflon was Banned in Canada in 1988!! THE MORE YOU KNOW! Stir-Fry On, Friends!

    • @tomhunt354
      @tomhunt354 2 роки тому +6

      More like Woks were around a long time B4 Teflon. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

    • @RoxyLuffer
      @RoxyLuffer 2 роки тому

      @@tomhunt354 Duh? Woks have been around for 2000 years. Also, in another video he specifically recommends against Non Stick pans because of the Teflon releasing toxic fumes at high temperatures. Teflon, in North America, is only legal in the USA. As for why he recommends High Carbon Steel, it's a valid reason, but not everyone has the time, or knowhow on how to care for such a pan.

    • @jrisner6535
      @jrisner6535 2 роки тому +2

      @@RoxyLuffer a non-stick wok can't reach the temperatures you need to stir fry - all there's literally no point using a non-stick wok... Might as well use a frying pan

    • @kly2266
      @kly2266 2 роки тому +2

      @@jrisner6535 non-stick woks won't give out wok-hei like carbon steel

    • @jrisner6535
      @jrisner6535 2 роки тому

      @@kly2266 exactly

  • @Malysitos
    @Malysitos 6 місяців тому

    5:13 for protein marinade

  • @kamijoudazai3010
    @kamijoudazai3010 Рік тому

    I feel like I understand the anime Food Wars's cooking a little bit more thanks to science of food.

  • @samuelmills2649
    @samuelmills2649 2 роки тому

    Hey wheres the msg?

  • @arepana1
    @arepana1 6 днів тому

    Loved the technique and will like to see a vegan version :)

  • @typerightseesight
    @typerightseesight 2 роки тому

    so veggies first? then meat? I always do noodles. then set them aside to do meat and add veggies. to make sure the meats cooked.

  • @user-ly6er5zb2w
    @user-ly6er5zb2w 2 роки тому

    In Taiwan, it's very weird to wash your meet. Nobody does that even in a restaurant.

  • @derekdurst9984
    @derekdurst9984 2 роки тому

    I just "Amazoned" your new book! Question: is there a portable gas burner with enough btu's to approximate your "special;" burner??? Any suggestions..or will it be a waste of money.??.(originally a New Yorker, but I have lived here in S.F. since 1970...(so no problem buying Gai Lan...et al) Thanks...

    • @Knite_el6767
      @Knite_el6767 2 роки тому

      i think if you check the older stirfry videos on his own channel he recommends a large outdoor butane burner once or twice

    • @derekdurst9984
      @derekdurst9984 2 роки тому

      @@Knite_el6767 Thanks..but I am asking about the indoor butane burners one occasionally sees on Asian cooking channels..unfortunately I don't have an "outdoor space"! But thanks for your reply,..I do appreciate it!

    • @Bergstaller01
      @Bergstaller01 2 роки тому

      @@derekdurst9984 You'd want something like a Iwatani 35FW Butane Stove. Apparently they're really good as a butane stove.

  • @typerightseesight
    @typerightseesight 2 роки тому

    i season the meat with the sauce packet that comes with the baldak ramen. lol

  • @legoshi6531
    @legoshi6531 2 роки тому

    Didn't he already make a video with babish on stir fry already

  • @sebastianescobar4697
    @sebastianescobar4697 2 роки тому +1

    Really good Video. I thought the way it was edited and introduced by the narrator really helped to novigate it well.

  • @ryanforsyth5189
    @ryanforsyth5189 2 роки тому +2

    Certain this video was directed by Christopher Nolan.

  • @IanWilkinson
    @IanWilkinson 2 роки тому +3

    I'd eat it👍

  • @Barry-Sweaty
    @Barry-Sweaty Рік тому +1

    This man just blew my mind and gave me a total stir-fry chub. Chubbin’ so hard right now.

  • @IconoClastPhilosophy
    @IconoClastPhilosophy 2 роки тому +2

    They skipped the aromatic step . . . If you followed this but didn't add garlic or ginger to the oil you're going to be disappointed.

    • @ckannan90
      @ckannan90 2 роки тому +1

      With this whiplash non linear editing who even knows if they skipped it

  • @beautifulindianmelody
    @beautifulindianmelody Рік тому +2

    Hey Wired, what's with the weird narration and totally unnecessary jump cuts? Chronological steps makes it easier for everyone. Kenji has amazing screen presence and knows how to captivate his audience. Totally unnecessary commentary/narration. I can't believe a Kenji video can be ruined like this!

  • @Alex-hm7nt
    @Alex-hm7nt 2 роки тому +1

    Guess I've been doing it "wrong" lots of nice little tips!

  • @typerightseesight
    @typerightseesight 2 роки тому

    i h ave no idea how they get it to exeplode like a fireball. and im kinda worried at the same time because i cook with one everyday. lol.

  • @jasondeblou6226
    @jasondeblou6226 Рік тому

    Arent you supposed to wash the beef after adding the baking soda?

  • @okhera1
    @okhera1 Рік тому

    Very Nice Bro! Get Good People!

  • @ezclean7022
    @ezclean7022 2 роки тому +1

    So where the recipe I watched 4times I don't see him make the sauce

    • @OrangeCountyHP
      @OrangeCountyHP Рік тому

      I'm digging through the comments for this same clarification. No quantities for the shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, or corn starch.

  • @bbiyikoglu
    @bbiyikoglu 2 місяці тому

    When you use a smaller wok, it's easier to get wok hei.

  • @dasalsakid
    @dasalsakid 2 роки тому +1

    Kenji is the King!!!

  • @worldwide_cruising
    @worldwide_cruising 2 роки тому +2

    *I pray that everyone who is watching this masterpiece becomes really happy and successful in life!*

  • @whatever4065
    @whatever4065 2 роки тому +3

    Imagine going to a burger joint at 2am and the guy behind the counter goes "Let's look at the science here"

  • @b43xoit
    @b43xoit 2 роки тому +2

    "Twenty times hotter"??? Really? Can I see the arithmetic of that?

    • @kelzuya
      @kelzuya 2 роки тому

      Kenji has videos on his yyoutube where he goes into wok BTUs and temps

  • @MotoDareDevil
    @MotoDareDevil 2 роки тому +3

    The voice over made this video tacky whenever it was heard, very bad production choice.

  • @timothymcn
    @timothymcn 2 роки тому +5

    The narration feels so out of place for this video. Put me off watching the entire video, tbh.

  • @Visualize01
    @Visualize01 2 роки тому +1

    Love Kenji, hate the editing style for this video. Just leave things in chronological order and let Kenji do the talking.

  • @KevinInsu
    @KevinInsu 2 роки тому +2

    Time stamp for myself:
    04:05

  • @Ninjalectual
    @Ninjalectual Рік тому

    This man only knows how to teach! 👨‍🎓

  • @ldballoon4
    @ldballoon4 10 місяців тому

    hmmm

  • @iPat6G
    @iPat6G 2 роки тому +1

    There are generally two ways to use a wok.
    The first one you keep the wok on the stove at all times while moving and stirring the content around with a 'wok spatula', hence the name "stir-fry".
    Then there's another way in which you move the wok to toss the content up and down and stir things around with a 'wok ladle'.

  • @sohast70
    @sohast70 6 місяців тому

    Well, there you go: Wired finally did it. They ruined a video with Kenji. Didn't think it was possible, given that Kenji is a GOAT. Haven't they seen any of Kenji's videos? Just give him a headcam and done. The result is better than this stuff.

  • @Larkeshet
    @Larkeshet 2 роки тому

    Oyster sauce? Skipped one ingredient in the edit

  • @josephsmith765
    @josephsmith765 2 роки тому +2

    That man bun is where I should be rn…

  • @samsr2887
    @samsr2887 2 роки тому +6

    this narrator is not great. just let kenji talk.

  • @mastod0n1
    @mastod0n1 2 роки тому +6

    The editing on this video is terrible