Cooking Techniques
Chasing the Dragon: The Science and Soul of Wok Hei, Shanghai's Most Elusive Flavor
Wok hei—that intoxicating, smoky breath that makes a plate of Shanghai stir-fry taste like nothing you can recreate in your apartment—is part chemistry, part muscle memory, and part magic. We dug into the science behind it, talked to chefs who've spent decades chasing it, and came back with real, actionable tips for home cooks working with an American gas range. Spoiler: you can get closer than you think.
