Li Ruowen

Introduction

Li Ruowen, widely recognized on the internet by her pseudonym Amanda, is a prominent content creator in the field of culinary arts, primarily known for her engaging cooking videos and cookbook. Her journey into the world of cooking and content creation began on May 16, 2013, when she uploaded her first cooking video on YouTube, featuring white asparagus wrapped with Italian ham. What started as a simple hobby soon transformed into a thriving career, as Li amassed over 10 million followers across various social media platforms.

Early Life and Education

Li Ruowen was born in Hubei province, China. In 2006, she moved to England to pursue her studies, where she first began exploring her culinary interests. During her time abroad, she developed her cooking skills in a small, makeshift kitchen, which was essentially an aisle between the bedroom and the living room in her residence. It was in this modest space that Li started her blog, "Amanda's small kitchen," documenting her experiences in creating homemade dishes.

Transition to Video Content

In 2013, Li expanded her blog's reach by delving into video content creation. She purchased a camera to photograph her cooking endeavors and eventually learned how to create videos. Her video series, titled "man shi man yu," became popular, with the name drawing from her English name, Amanda, and the Chinese word "man," meaning slow, reflecting her deliberate pace of presenting her recipes.

Cookbook: Amanda Tastes

In a significant milestone in her career, Li Ruowen launched her first cookbook, Amanda Tastes, after four years of meticulous preparation. The book features 94 recipes that encompass a wide range of categories, including meat, vegetables, seafood, baked goods, sauces, snacks, and desserts. The cookbook emphasizes homemade dishes, with Li aiming to inspire readers to enjoy cooking by providing them with accessible and straightforward recipes.

Cooking Philosophy and Methodology

Li's approach to cooking is unique, as she views the culinary process as akin to a scientific experiment. With a background in science, she applies logic to her cooking, considering it a form of chemical reaction. For instance, in baking, she stresses the importance of harmonizing three elements: the weight of flour, the consistency of beaten eggs, and the oven temperature. Li's experiments, where she manipulates variables to achieve the best outcome, are reflected in the detailed recipes she provides in her book.

Interactive and Educational Aspects

In Amanda Tastes, Li has incorporated QR codes for each recipe, enabling readers to access a video demonstration of her cooking process. This interactive feature not only aids in understanding the recipes but also enhances the learning experience. Li's intention is not only to teach readers how to replicate dishes but also to impart a deeper understanding of the hierarchy and principles of cooking.

Career Development and Current Work

Li returned to China after spending a decade abroad, recognizing that the dynamic changes in her home country would better align with her content and audience. Now based in Shanghai, she has formed her own team to focus on producing her show. Each new dish introduced on her show involves extensive practice, a full day of filming, and a day of editing, followed by active engagement with her audience on social media to address any queries.