Living abroad can bring about a lot of unexpected changes. For me? It was cooking.
Ask my family, and they can count the number of times that I have actually engaged in any kitchen activity with one hand. Before moving here, I was convinced that I would be eating instant noodles and fried eggs for all three years of university (I packed a lot of ramen).
I was stalling and it was not the solution; I needed to ‘adult.’ So, I finally started to cook more advanced meals and quickly realized that it was not so impossible after all.
Coming from a non-cooking type like myself, I truly understand the struggles. Below are my seven personal tips for anyone who is in my position and is looking for a companion in their journey of entering adulthood.
Tip #1: Seasoning is everything!
Often overlooked, seasoning is probably the boundary between inedible and edible. By throwing in a pinch of salt or a dash of sugar, you can begin to taste a tremendous difference in your dishes. This can be done, for instance, by having a full-fledged spice cupboard; mine is stocked with salt, sugar, soy sauce, chicken bouillon powder, and oyster sauce.
However, remember to adjust your seasoning gradually. You can always add more, but be aware that your action is pretty much irreversible nine times out of ten. If you do happen to overseason your soup, add more water. Too much sodium in your food? Simply squeeze in some lemon or lime juice, and everything is going to be alright.