- Selecting a protein (for popular combinations)
- Choosing ingredients that taste delicious with the protein
- Consider balance of sweet and sour flavors, preferences, and nutritional balance
- Select suitable spices or aromatic vegetables and decide whether to use oil or serve as a side
- Determine cooking methods: grilling, boiling, or stir-frying
- Visualize the dish, select appropriate plate considering both aroma and taste for presentation