Don’t forget to add Sriracha! image source: Costco
Ling Ling Potstickers. That’s what’s up. During college, I probably ate Ling Lings at least 3-5 times a week. They’re so delicious and really easy to make. I just wished Ling Ling provided ten small packets of dipping sauce instead of just two medium sized ones. It’s the worst when you get down to the last five potstickers and you don’t have any sauce left. Ling Ling! Really?! Fortunately, I had a roommate who was quite the chef. Her DIY dipping sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and white vinegar, was the yang to my Ling Ling.
I prefer cooking Ling Lings in a frying pan, because I like my potstickers a tiny bit burnt. The annoying part about this method is checking to see if it’s time to add water. If you check too early, the hot oil splatters everywhere, including your face, neck, arms, and even your feet! If you wait too long, then you might end up with super burnt potstickers.
Having cooked over 500 Ling Ling Potstickers, I’ve learned a thing or two. To protect yourself from getting burned by the hot oil, use a lid as a shield. A little medieval, yes, but it’s proven to be effective (at least for me, anyways). The most important thing I’ve learned is how to put out a grease fire. Thankfully, I haven’t been forced to do that yet (knock on wood). While cooking Ling Lings or anything really, it’s important to know how to extinguish a grease fire.
Be prepared! Watch the video. It’s only 35 seconds long!
- Cover the pan with a metal lid. Don’t use a glass lid. It might shatter. If it’s safe to do so, turn off the stove. The grease fire can also be extinguished by covering the pan with a large, damp towel. Just make sure the towel isn’t dripping water, or it will make the fire worse.
- Baking soda can also be used to put out a grease fire. How? Baking soda contains bicarbonate, which release carbon dioxide, which is the same chemical contained in fire extinguishers. Extinguish the fire by pouring baking soda on the flames. Baking soda can only be used for a small fire.
- Last resort: fire extinguisher! Try putting out the fire with a lid or damp cloth first. But if flames are coming off of the pan, then extinguish away! Make sure to use a class B or K extinguisher.
When you’re cooking, keep an eye on the stove. If you start to see smoke, turn the heat down. If the fire get outs of hand, GET OUT ASAP AND CALL 911.
And whatever you do, NEVER THROW WATER ON A GREASE FIRE! I repeat, NEVER THROW WATER ON A GREASE FIRE!!! It will explode and your house will burn down.
By ALYSSA LLAMAS
getPHYT 