"Governing a big country is like cooking small delicacies" means that governing a big country is like cooking delicious side dishes.
This sentence comes from Chapter 60 of Laozi's "Tao Te Ching". The specific explanation is as follows:
1 Governing a big country is like cooking small fish. The oil, salt, sauce and vinegar must be just right. It can’t be overdone, and it can’t be missing.
2 Governing a big country should be as difficult as cooking, and should be as careful as cooking. Both must control the heat and pay attention to the seasonings.
3 "Xiaoxian" refers to a small fish or a piece of small meat, which means that governing a big country should be like cooking a small fish. When cooking a small fish, don't stir it too much. If you stir it too much, it will rot easily. It is a metaphor for running a big country by doing nothing. It is often used to describe how easy it is.
4 From ancient times to the present, many politicians like to quote this sentence to remind those in power. It can also be understood that governing a big country is like frying a small fish. The oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and other seasonings must be put in just right, no more, no less.
Reference materials
Yang Guoqing. Pinwu Laozi. Beijing: China Chang'an Publishing House, 2012