Cutting, Chopping, Slicing
Cutting, Chopping, Slicing
I’d like to talk about knives in this posting, which is the single most essential tool in our kitchen, although too seldom discussed. Surprisingly, we do not pay enough attention to this indispensable tool that can make our lives miserable if it is dull. A razor-sharp knife can make the whole cooking process much more enjoyable.
According to an old saying, the sharper the knife, the safer it is. Irene Kuo, the famous restauranteur and author of The Key to Chinese Cooking: “A razor-edged cleaver sobers one’s mind and sharpens vigilance.”
Just ask yourself if you are happy and comfortable with what you have now. If the answer is “No,” then get a new one.
I recommend buying a general-purpose knife that is functional and appropriate for everyday kitchen use, including cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, and mincing.
The iconic Chinese cleaver, a heavy, broad-bladed knife measuring three to four inches wide and eight to nine inches long, is my personal preference. I prefer this to the Japanese Santoku brand knife, which is shorter than its Western-style counterparts, ranging from five to eight inches in length, and designed with a more balanced weight distribution.
You can’t go wrong with a stainless steel knife, because this material is the best one due to its durability and high resistance to corrosion.
It takes a little time to get used to using a Chinese cleaver, simply because it’s heavier than most knives. But, once you get the hang of it, you’ll ask yourself how the heck you got along for so long without a cleaver.
The Chinese cleaver makes my work in the kitchen easy and fast. I don’t need any gadgets like a garlic presser, or a grinding machine for mincing meat, as both tasks are easily done with the cleaver. And the broad blade picks up whatever bits you chopped on the cutting board without a scrapper. In short, I love the cleaver for its versatility.
A variety of Chinese cleavers are available on Amazon. I recommend the Ken Hom Seven-Inch Stainless Steel Cleaver, which sells for under $30. This ultra-sharp cleaver slices easily through thicker meats, bone and a variety of other foods. And its handle provides great balance and weight while remaining durable for years of use.