#micorfiction #SliceOfLife #Azzuragraph

#CW for food

You know the rules. You did it before. Hot, sizzling pan with a little bit of oil. You toss the tofu in it just to get some sear. And your eyes wander to your spice cabinet. What if? Why not? You reach for it, put it beside your stovetop. “One must not put water in the pan; it will steam instead of sear,” but it’s not water. It’s soy sauce. A little umami, a little salt, flavour, and a lot of temptation. You grab the bottle, cover most of the opening, and with the makeshift pour spout, you add some to the pot.

The reaction is violent and unforgiving. The steam immediately covers everything. The bottom of a stainless pan turns black, and your mouth tastes the salt. It’s a complete disaster. Or is it? As about all the violence disappears, you realise the new type of texture in your tofu. More pronounced, almost glazed. Just another toss, and it’s ready.

You stop in your tracks, still holding a bottle. Your brain is trying to understand the situation, but there is only one resolution. You need to update the rule: “One must not put water in the pan; it will steam instead of sear, unless...” That’s enough for now. We’ll figure out the rest later.