People in different areas have different eating habits. For example, southerners like to put some sugar in cooking, but northerners are not used to it. Also, many people don't like to add monosodium glutamate, so they use sugar instead. In fact, a little sugar will not only affect the taste of vegetables, but also adjust the color, aroma and taste. When cooking meat dishes, in order to look good, some sugar is often fried first, such as braised pork and braised ribs. This is because sugar is heated by caramelization, producing a beautiful deep red. Protein contained in meat will have a series of complex reactions with sugar at high temperature, bringing attractive aroma to dishes. The combination of sweet taste of sugar and salty taste of salt can also promote the umami taste of dishes, make stew more mellow and tender, and play a role in relieving boredom; Sweet and sour mixed with sweet and sour dishes can produce a sour and sweet taste similar to fruit, which is very appetizing and delicious. The order and time of putting sugar and salt in cooking are also very particular. When cooking, you should put sugar before adding salt. Although both sugar and salt have the function of "dehydration", the function of sugar is much smaller than that of salt, so sugar can be put first. But the sugar should not be put too early, otherwise it will stick to the bottom of the pot and the color will turn gray. Experienced chefs put sugar twice when cooking braised dishes. Add a little sugar for the first time to let the seasoning fully penetrate into the raw materials; Adding sugar for the second time makes the marinade thick and beautiful. But not all dishes are suitable for adding sugar. For vegetables with light taste, such as broccoli and peas, the strong taste of sugar will mask the fragrance of these vegetables, so it is better to fry them with a little oil and salt. Tips for China Eating Net: All rights reserved, please indicate the source statement: All recipes, articles, knowledge and data published in this article and China Eating Net Food Encyclopedia are for reference only, please check them yourself before use, and the risks arising therefrom shall be borne by you personally. China Food Network "Food Encyclopedia" strives to become a professional life service platform that provides the best practical food, recipes and recipes, professional health knowledge, life tips and ingredients introduction.