Loading...
Loading...
Simply Ming is a television cooking show hosted by chef Ming Tsai, and is produced by WGBH Boston and Ming East-West LLC. The show is distributed by American Public Television.
Mole is a popular and versatile sauce used in Mexican cuisine that can be made of spices, chiles, and even raisins – and its main ingredient, chocolate, adds a rich depth and subtle sweetness. Ming’s Asian Mole blends dried cranberries for tang, and ginger for heat that makes his Grilled Rib-Eye with Corn Salad and Mole mouth-watering. To learn more about this sweet and spicy juxtaposition, Ming visits chef Erwin Ramos at his restaurant, Ole Mexican Grille in Cambridge, MA for a primer on the essentials of a traditional mole. Back in the studio, star of Bravo’s Queer Eye, guest chef Ted Allen, creates a dish inspired by Ming’s mole.
Some of Ming’s favorite recipes are ones that combine delicious ingredients that aren’t normally imagined together. This time, Ming borrows a classic fall staple—cranberries—and complements them with mango to make a light and tangy vinaigrette used to top his Panko Crusted Turkey Scallopini. Then, Ming makes a trip to Boston’s North End, where Marc Orfaly, chef/owner of Marco, shows him the traditional technique of creating scallopini, where tender veal cutlets are pounded thin, coated with flour and then sautéed. Special guest chef Sara Moulton of the Food Network’s Sara’s Secrets joins Ming back in the studio for her own take on his master sauce, crafting delicious mini-souffles served with micro-greens and Ming’s Cranberry Mango Vinaigrette.
The perfect tapenade can make any cracker the star of the show. Usually rich and salty, this popular olive spread often accompanies Mediterranean cuisine. Ming’s Asian Tapenade turns the traditional recipe upside-down, blending jalapenos, red peppers, nicoise olives, and black beans. It’s used to make spicy Asian Mussel Pasta, and a magnificent, whole-roasted Tapenade Duck. Then, Ming pays a visit to Formaggio Kitchen, a gourmet food shop in Cambridge, MA, where storeowner Ishan Gurdal gives him a lesson in olive selection. Back in the studio, guest chef Mary Ann Esposito of PBS’s Ciao Italia creates Grilled Vegetable Panini using Ming’s master recipe- giving the Asian Tapenade her signature Italian twist.
Sushi is a Japanese specialty enjoyed all over the world, and is particularly popular here in America. Ming shares the basics of this simple and healthy specialty, and develops a Master Sushi Roll: this includes three different varieties of Nigiri made with Tuna, Striped Bass, and Beef steak, and two handrolls made with Tea-Smoked Salmon and Avocado and Grilled Shrimp Salad. Ming also creates two Maki Sushi made with Grilled Vegetables, Tea-Smoked Salmon and Cucumber. A Hot Sushi Cake with Spicy Tuna Poke completes the tasting platter. Ming heads over to Oishii restaurant in Boston, MA, to learn different tricks of this century-old practice. Back in the studio, guest chef Beau MacMillan of Elements Restaurant in Arizona uses Ming’s master recipe to create Seared Scallops with Maitake Ginger Garlic Cream and Rice.
Ming’s master recipe for Wasabi Oil is a simple way to help a dish explode with energy and flavor. made with a variety of ingredients including sweet-tasting mirin, or rice wine, ming’s Wasabi Oil adds flavor to his comforting Focaccia Ahi Tuna sandwich. Off in Beijing, ming visits an open-air fish market to see how Chinese restaurateurs pick the best catch, which helps when cooking his Crispy sushi Rice-Crusted scallops with Wasabi Oil back in the studio. Tender steak Frites with Wasabi Oil complete the day’s menu.While in the studio,special guest chef Robert Mcgrath of the Roaring Fork uses ming’s master recipe to create a crisp Celery, Apple, snap pea, and Orange salad.
Mint is no longer a mere partner to overcooked lamb; Ming’s Citrus-Mint Syrup is perfect for meat as well as seafood. Ming’s master recipe is used for Seafood Lumpias (a lumpia is similar to a spring roll), Pan-Seared Pepper Lamb Satays, and Blackened Scallops with Carrot Salad. The celebration of mint continues as Ming visits bar chef Candace Smith of Excelsior in Boston to break down the task of muddling mint for drinks and an intense dollop of fresh flavor. Special guest chef Geoffrey Zakarian visits the studio to honor Ming’s master recipe with his Sea Scallop Cru with Rosemary Honey Essence and Sea Bean Salad.
Ming Tsai kicks off his brand-new series with a trip to Boston's Chinatown to demystify fermented black bean and garlic sauce — a favorite of Chinese cooking. Back in the studio, Ming will prepare Wok-stirred Clams and Black Beans, Wok-stirred Beef with Eggplant and Black Beans, Black Bean Pork and Tofu, and a Black Bean Aioli. Guest chef Iris Tsai — Ming's mom! — joins him to make Sizzling Fried Red Snapper with this versatile and simple master sauce.
Ming's version of this Indonesian sweet soy sauce, accented with a hint of kaffir lime, is a favorite at his restaurant, Blue Ginger. Ming demonstrates how this syrup can be glazed over Salmon with Lemon Sushi Rice and used to enhance Chicken Breasts with Asian Slaw. Ming then visits with celebrated guest chef Martin Yan as he makes Steamed Cod with Gingered Swiss Chard.
SIMPLY MING introduces a twist on a classic this week with Ming's Master Chicken Broth, infused with star anise, ginger and soy sauce. Ming cleverly enhances the Western staple with Chinese flavors to create unique dishes such as Ginger-Poached Chicken Breast, Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup, and Lemongrass-Coconut Chicken Soup. Well-known chef Michael Lomonaco arrives as Ming's guest, and together they stir up Shrimp and Vegetable Risotto.
The fresh taste of parsley pops alongside Chinese wonton wrappers in this week’s helping of SIMPLY MING. To kick off the season, Ming’s mother Iris Tsai rules the kitchen, helping him prepare three tasty dishes. First up, Ming and his mother prepare the perfect appetizer, flavorful Shrimp and Parsley Wontons with a Soy-Vinegar Dipping Sauce that will wow your guests. Then, for a spin on a classic dish, they put together a Crispy Wonton and Salmon Napoleon with Parsley-Roasted Garlic Puree. In a nod to Ming's French training, Ming and his mother cook up Asian Pistou Dumplings Simmered in Lime Broth, a hearty, comforting dish that can be prepared all in one pot. Finally, Iris takes over and shows Ming how to make Pork, Shiitake and Parsley Shumai, dumplings bursting with flavor. RECIPES Crispy Wonton and Salmon Napoleon with Parsley-Roasted Garlic Puree Shrimp and Parsley Wontons with Soy-Vinegar Sauce Iris Tsai's Pork, Shiitake and Parsley Shumai Asian Pistou Dumplings in Lime Broth COOKING TIPS Shrimp Basics Sharpening Knives
This week on SIMPLY MING we have two ingredients that are sure to please even the pickiest eater: from the East, Ponzu sauce, a citrus-based sauce with a tangy, yet sweet, flavor and from the West, crispy, satisfying bacon. These sweet and salty ingredients meet in Ming’s first recipe, a Bacon-Pineapple Fried Rice, easy to prepare in one vessel and sure to satisfy every craving. Then, Ming shares his recipe for Best Ever Warm Bacon-Mushroom Salad, a delicious variation of the sophisticated French salad of frisée and lardons. Later, Ming combines seafood and bacon in a mouthwatering Ponzu-Glazed Bacon and Shrimp dish. Renowned chef, author and humanitarian Art Smith takes to the kitchen armed with a recipe for a savory Tomato and Ponzu Pie with Bacon Crust.
This week on SIMPLY MING, Chef Ming Tsai’s East-West dishes combine the acidity of lemons with Soju, a mild-flavored, slightly sweet version of vodka that is ideal for cocktails and cooking. Toast to good health with friends after you stir up two drinks that feature a delicate balance between tart and sweet – a Lemon-Soju Martini and a Soju-Citrus Collins. If your guests aren’t blown off their seats yet, they will be when they sample Shrimp Balls with a tangy Soju-Tomato dipping Sauce. For a dessert that will end the night on a high note, Buckwheat Crepes with Lemon-Banana Flambé are sure to make everyone’s taste buds sing. And later, celebrity chef Susur Lee stops by Ming’s studio kitchen, putting the East-West pair to work with his Soju and Lemon Roasted Crusted Wild Salmon
The sweetness of palm sugar paired with tart cranberries make up the East-West pair in this week’s serving of SIMPLY MING. First, Chef Ming Tsai prepares a delicious main course, Roasted Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breast on a Bed of Sweet Potato-Fennel Fricassee. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, Ming cooks up an all-in-one, Sweet and Sour Pork served over Fried Scallion-Orzo. For a dessert that has just the right balance of tangy, creamy and sweet, Ming serves up a Free Form Cranberry Orange Tart served with vanilla ice cream. Popular celebrity chef Michael Schlow takes the helm in Ming’s studio kitchen to create a refreshing spicy and sweet salad, Hamachi Crudo with Cranberry Compote, Jalapeno and Micro Cilantro.
In a sweet twist, this week’s helping of SIMPLY MING starts with dessert, a delicious Ginger-Thyme Cake with Ginger Cream that highlights the East-West ingredient pairing. Next, Chef Ming Tsai cooks up Seared Scallops with Ginger-Thyme Pan Sauce, a recipe bursting with flavor. To enhance these dishes, Ming prepares a Ginger-Thyme Soju Martini. Joshua Viertel, president of Slow Food USA, joins Ming in the kitchen to put his spin on the East-West ingredients with a Thyme and Ginger Roast Chicken
This week on SIMPLY MING, Chef Ming Tsai’s East-West dishes combine the smooth, creaminess of butter with the rich, nutty flavor of sesame seeds. These ingredients are first merged in Ming’s Sesame Butter Brittle, a delicious treat that gives Ming something to snack on while sharing his tasty recipe for Sesame-Chive Butterfish with Buttered Edamames and Spinach. To finish off the meal, Ming prepares a decadent Sesame Tuile Napoleon with Gingered Apple Flambé that he serves with Vanilla Hemp Ice Cream. Later, renowned chef Charles Draghi visits the kitchen studio to create elegant Piemontese-style Veal Chops with Sesame and Sage Butter.
In this week’s serving of SIMPLY MING, sweet, smooth coconut milk from the East is paired with tart cranberries from the West. To begin, Chef Ming Tsai prepares a Coconut-Cranberry Chicken Curry that introduces India to Cape Cod through its sweet, tart and spicy flavors. Then, Ming uses a brined pork loin to make succulent Peppered Pork Tenderloin with Sweet and Sour Cranberry-Coconut Sauce. To complete the meal, Ming demonstrates the tricks to preparing the perfect poundcake with his delicious recipe for Coconut-Cranberry Poundcake with Coconut Glaze. And later, Annie Copps, Senior Editor for food at Yankee Magazine puts a fun spin on the ingredient pairing with her Coconut and Banana Freeze Pops with Dried Cranberries.
This week on SIMPLY MING, Chef Ming Tsai introduces tamari, the original soy sauce of Japan, to olive oil, which the ancient Greeks considered to be liquid gold. Using a wheat-free, organic tamari, Ming first prepares a Tamari Marinated Tofu-Cucumber Salad, a perfectly refreshing and safe dish for people with a wheat allergy. Then, putting a spin on a traditionally French recipe, Ming cooks up Asian Ratatouille with Couscous. Later, he prepares a New Style Salmon Sashimi, an understated appetizer sure to wow your guests. Finally, Ming is joined by his parents, Iris and Stephen Tsai, who put the East-West ingredients to work with Tamari Pork and Bell Pepper on Olive Oil-Noodle Cake.
This week’s serving of SIMPLY MING introduces two world travelers, Japan’s versatile Panko flakes from the East and Dijon Mustard from the West. To start, Chef Ming Tsai puts a sophisticated spin on chips and dip with his Panko Crusted Eggplant Chips with Dijon-Sour Cream Dip. Rather than making traditional beef meat loaf, Ming uses ground turkey and pork for a mouthwatering Dijon Meat Loaf. Later, Ming plays up the subtle flavor of trout in a Panko and Dijon Crusted Trout on Cucumber-Quinoa Salad. Greg Zaff, creator of the nonprofit SquashBusters – an organization that challenges and nurtures urban youth through the game of squash – puts on his game face while working with SquashBusters student Rodney to cook up Panko and Mustard Chicken Tenders with Vegetables and Honey-Dijon-Yogurt Sauce.
For this week’s East-West pairing on SIMPLY MING, Chef Ming Tsai introduces Organic Soy Sauce to the laidback citrus flavor of Preserved Lemons. First, Ming prepares Preserved Lemon-Edamame Tapenade served with Whole Wheat Pita Chips, a nutrient-rich appetizer that will impress your guests. Then, Ming enhances the East-West pair with the intense flavors of chile and garlic in his Lemon Broccolini-Shiitake Sautee with Garlic Chips. Later, Ming reels you in with an enticing Pan Roasted Line Caught Halibut with Soy-Lemon Sauce. Finally, guest celebrity chef Ken Oringer puts the East-West duo to work in his sumptuous Lacquered Pork Belly with Preserved Lemons and Soy Sake Glaze.
Organic Teriyaki and Cream are the East-West stars in this week’s SIMPLY MING, and they’re not just for grilling and coffee. After first preparing more traditional Grilled Teriyaki Tempeh Satays with Garlic Creamed Spinach, Chef Ming Tsai creates a unique flavor pairing with his unconventional Teriyaki Shrimp Alfredo. Later, Ming prepares a robust All-in-One Teriyaki Chicken Stew with potatoes, which he serves over brown rice. And joining Ming in the kitchen is Melina Shannon-DiPietro, Executive Director of the Yale Sustainable Food Project, who creates a fresh, healthy Summer Lettuce Salad with Teriyaki-Red Wine Vinaigrette.
In this week’s helping of SIMPLY MING, Chef Ming Tsai introduces Japan’s “dancing mushroom,” Maitake, to the popular fermented condiment, Worcestershire Sauce. First, Ming prepares a new take on an Asian classic with a Maitake-Chicken Hot and Sour Soup. Then, Ming mixes things up with Angry and Killer Shrimp and Maitakes on Grits. While preparing a delicious Maitake Brown Rice Risotto, Ming shares his restaurant method for getting risotto ready for a dinner party or guests. And later, Tony Maws, chef/proprietor of Craigie on Main, stops by Ming’s studio kitchen, where he puts the East-West pair to work in his impressive Braised Oxtails with Maitake, Caramelized Shallots and Orange.
This week’s helping of SIMPLY MING merges the heat found in Sriracha with rich, smooth Greek Yogurt. For a dish that has the perfect balance of flavor, Chef Ming Tsai pairs his East and West ingredients to prepare Chile Grilled Shrimp Satays with Ginger-Yogurt Fennel Salad. Ming also offers up a delicious vegetarian option – Panko Eggplant with Chile-Yogurt Salsa. Later, Ming gives tacos a Greek twist with his Best Ever Lamb Tacos with Chile-Tzatziki. Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, pays a visit to Ming’s kitchen studio where he impresses everyone with his Open-faced Grilled Naan Sandwich topped with Grilled Chicken Tikka Masala, Grilled Zucchini, Summer Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Sriracha Hippy-Shake.
In Chinese cuisine, meat and fruit are a classic combination. Pineapple with pork is just one example, and, the best part is, the pairing has proved popular with adults and picky children alike – especially sweet and sour sauce! To prove his love for all things sweet and savory, Ming creates a master recipe of Cranberry-Lemongrass Sauce, made with shallots, garlic, and finished with butter. With it, he cooks a Coriander-Crusted Venison Carpaccio with Cranberry-Lemongrass Frisee Salad, as well as a Double-Thick Glazed Pork Chop. After preparing a Seared Duck with Yam Ravioli, Ming takes a trip to Beijing’s Da Dong restaurant to see owner Da Dong making Peking duck. Guest chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin Restaurant appears in the studio to create a Hamachi Tandoori with Pickled Cucumber Salad.
When fresh, ginger can transform any drink or meal into a refreshing and unique dining experience. Using the popular root, Ming develops a master recipe for delicious and versatile Ginger Syrup. According to Ming, Ginger Syrup can substitute for the more common corn variety adding a special zing wherever it’s used. Ming creates a new twist on a standby favorite, beef and broccoli, with his Ginger Beef and Leeks, and serves up a Blue Ginger Gimlet, by far the most popular drink at his restaurant. Best-Ever Ginger-Limeade and comforting Glazed Chicken Thighs and Carrots completes the menu. Guest chef Michael Schlow of Boston’s Radius and Via Matta uses the master recipe to create Chilled Shrimp and Cucumber Salad with Sweet and Spicy Ginger Vinaigrette.
Ming Tsai kicks off the second season of SIMPLY MING with a once-in-a-lifetime culinary expedition to South Africa with lifestyle guru Colin Cowie. First, Ming is in the studio to create his Curry Tea Rub — an exotic mix of fruity blackberry-tea and curry powder that will add the taste of India to everyday cooking. Just rub it on and cook — what could be simpler? Ming demonstrates this easy technique by preparing Curry Tea-Rubbed Butterfish with Dried Mango Couscous. Then, Ming and Colin are off to South Africa to explore the famous spice markets of Durban and discover how 11 ingredients come together to create a wonderful house curry. This edible masterpiece is immediately put to work with the help of local chef Rachel Buchner who prepares BBQ Curry Tea-Rubbed Ostrich with Grilled Sweet Potatoes and Fruit Salsa. Back in the studio, Colin whips up the mouthwatering dish of Spiced Cod with Tomato Sauce.
Ming Tsai shares a childhood favorite, Shrimp Mousse, which still ranks high on his list of culinary cravings. One of the first things he learned to make in his Mom's kitchen, it got even better when he applied French techniques learned while in Paris. This airy mousse features four simple ingredients — shrimp, eggs, butter, and truffle oil — and can be used for instant, easy hors d'oeuvres of Shrimp Toast, a light first course of Steamed Shumai with Edamames and Lemon Broth, and an entrée of Shrimp Crusted Halibut with Spicy Asparagus Salad. Who better to consult about finding the freshest seafood than the authorities of Boston-based Legal Seafoods? CEO Roger Berkowitz offers up suggestions of what to look for when selecting the perfect shrimp. Later, legendary chef Jacques Pepin joins Ming in the kitchen and uses the Shrimp Mousse in true French fashion, encasing whole shrimp with the mousse, terrine-style, and serving up a Shrimp Cushion on a simple but delicious watercress salad.
Tea smoking — a classic technique of Chinese cooking — brings a wonderful smoky flavor to a myriad of dishes. With Ming's signature Citrus Herbal Tea Rub, green tea is perfectly complemented by the citrus taste of lemon, lime, and orange zest while mint and ginger add an invigorating flavor to the irresistible mix. Using this master base to elevate the flavor of a few light and healthy dinners, Ming whips up Seared Tea-Rubbed Chicken Breasts with Celery Sauté and Rubbed Halibut with Orange-Fennel Salad. Then it's off to uncover the art of tea smoking at Blue Ginger, demonstrated by sous chef Isaac Bancaco, who uses a mixture of uncooked rice, raw sugar, and tea, heated at the base of a wok, to slowly smoke and flavor a variety of dishes. Back in the studio, guest chef Martin Yan creates a savory Tea-Rubbed Scampi with the citrus herbal mixture.
With the help of a personal favorite — Spicy Black Bean Aioli — Ming reinvents some favorite casual eats. This master base marries the pungent salty taste of the Chinese black beans with garlic, ginger, and spicy sambal to create a flavorful aioli. This tasty condiment adds a punch of flavor to Panko-Crusted Cod Fish Cakes, Skillet Chicken BLT Sandwich, and a Grilled Mahi-Mahi Sandwich with Spicy Black Bean Slaw. Ming heads over to Blue Ginger to check out the innovative ways the light and flaky Panko crumbs are incorporated in a variety of the restaurant's signature dishes. Guest chef and seafood master Jasper White offers up the perfect hors d'oeuvres of Chilled Mussels with Spicy Black Bean Aioli.
Ming makes the most delicious of sweets — caramel — even more heavenly. His Jasmine Caramel Sauce combines smooth caramel with a hint of floral jasmine tea, proving that even perfect tastes can be improved upon. This smooth concoction added to even the simplest of desserts can take them to a whole new level. Ming whips up a few desserts to satisfy his sweet tooth — from a delicate Toasted Almond Tea Cake, to the perfect combination of hot and cold that is his Jasmine Banana Caramel Sauce Ice Cream Sundae, and finally a Toasted Sesame Nougat Bark that is just as delicious left plain or dipped in a decadent dark chocolate. Ming visits Tiny Trapeze Confections in the Boston neighborhood of Hyde Park and discovers that natural and organic ingredients create the richest caramel. Back in the studio, world-class pastry chef Gale Gand prepares her interpretation of the classic French dessert — a wonderful Pear Tarte Tatin.
Having grown up in a culinary household, Ming reminisces that the warm aroma of a simmering Red Roast is one of his most vivid memories. His Red Roasting Braising Liquid perfectly mixes sugary rock candy, spicy ginger, hot chilies, and wine, and is, all at once, sweet, salty, and spicy. Ming takes this dynamic sauce and creates three very unique dishes with it — Red Roast Duck Legs with Sweet Potatoes and Daikon, and an incredibly tasty Lightly Braised Butterfish with Snow Cabbage. For the third dish, Ming grills up what he deems to be the most flavorful cut of beef, Rib Eye Steak, and serves it with a hearty Red Roast Carrot Soup. Then Ming is off to T.F. Kinnealey in the South End of Boston, one of the premier suppliers of meats in the country to discuss shank and rib eye with the experts. Guest chef Iris Tsai, Ming's Mom, offers up Red Roast Shank Sandwiches made of meltingly tender beef shank that have been infused with all the rich flavors of the braising liquid — a favorite dish from Ming's childhood.
The tangy burst of fresh cranberries is often a flavor associated with the fall. Ming proves that the options for this petite fruit are virtually limitless when combined with a traditional teriyaki sauce. The result is a Cranberry-Teriyaki Glaze that adds flavor to dishes across a variety of culinary traditions. The glaze gives an incomparable flavor to Cranberry-Teriyaki Chicken on a bed of Garlic Bok Choy and Cranberry-Teriyaki Lamb Rack with Couscous Salad, while also keeping the meat wonderfully moist. For the vegetarian option of Cranberry-Teriyaki Sweet Potatoes Satays, Ming glazes spears of sweet potato with the savory sauce and gives them a finish of chives and sesame seeds. Then Ming travels to Oishii Sushi in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts to see how versatile teriyaki is in the Japanese kitchen. Lidia Bastianich, the matriarch of Italian-American cuisine, creates the perfect fall dish of Oven-Braised Pork Chops with Red Onions, Pears and Cranberry-Teriyaki Sauce or Costolette Di Maiale Brasate Al Forno Con Pere — that captures all the wonderful flavor of the teriyaki with a traditional Italian dish.
Lychees, a perfumed exotic fruit that are delivered up as simple desserts after many Chinese meals, are reinvented here as a delicious purée. Lychees are known for their sweetness, but as Ming demonstrates with the Lychee-Mango Purée, they are also fantastic in savory dishes when paired with mango and spicy jalapeno pepper. It's a sauce that adds an incomparable fresh and tropical sweet heat to a variety of familiar dishes — the sweet, slightly acidic mango perfectly complements the rich lobster meat in Ming's Lychee-Mango Lobster salad. The traditional hors d'oeuvres of scallops wrapped in bacon are given a new spin in the Scallop and Bacon Fried Orzo with Lychee-Mango Syrup, and a Mid-West favorite — the 'Chicago Dog' — is given a shot of flavor with Lychee-Mango Corn Relish. Ming then heads down to the Legal Seafoods processing plant on Boston's storied waterfront to speak with CEO Roger Berkowitz and check out how lobsters are sorted. Back in the studio, celebrity chef extraordinaire Todd English joins Ming to create a Brochette of Duck with Lychee, Mango and Fennel Slaw.
Salsas have surpassed ketchup as America's favorite condiment and there's a very good reason for that: versatility. They're the perfect way to add flavor to any dish. Ming's Tomato-Kaffir Lime Salsa brings both sides of the world together with lime — a key ingredient in western salsas and eastern curry pastes. For his version, Ming uses incredibly fragrant kaffir lime leaves. This classical Thai ingredient gives the salsa a bright citrus flavor. This master recipe adds a new twist to three favorite grab and go dishes: Asian Lamb "Gyros" with Tomato-Kaffir Lime Tzatziki, a Salmon Burger with Tomato-Kaffir Lime Salsa, and a Tofu-Mushroom Quesadilla that features the satisfying texture of cheese without the calories. Chefs know that the best salsas are the result of using the freshest ingredients, so Ming heads to Marino Lookout Farm in Natick, Massachusetts to discover what types of tomatoes work best for certain recipes. Back in the studio, Ming proves that salsa's versatility doesn't have to end in the kitchen. The king of cocktails, Dale Degroff, joins Ming to make an Oyster Cocktail using the Tomato-Kaffir Lime mixture.
Hot Water Dough, one of the essentials in Chinese cuisine, is just as useful in the American kitchen. Ming is joined by the authority on Hot Water Dough — his mother Iris Tsai — and uses this versatile dough as the inspiration to create four very different hors d'oeuvres (ranging from classic pot stickers to a savory fried dough). Ming's version of one of the most popular appetizers in Chinese restaurants, Pork and Shrimp Pot Stickers, features a mouth-watering combination of diced shrimp, soy, scallion, ginger and pork in a Hot Water Dough wrapper. He then updates the traditional Italian dish of fried raviolis with his Crispy Lemon-Crab version. In this dish, the flavors of freshly picked crabmeat meld perfectly with scallions, honey, and jicama and the dish is served up a crispy golden brown with a lemony vinaigrette. For a simple but delicious treat, Fried Dough with Garlic — the savory version of the familiar sweet dough — becomes slightly caramelized when folded with scallions and a touch of sugar. Out of the fryer, the dough is immediately sprinkled with salt and rubbed with fresh garlic. Guest chef Iris Tsai serves her Xien Bing, delectable dumplings filled with a mixture of ground chicken, mushrooms, garlic and ginger.
One of the earliest convenience foods, Thai Curry Paste was created centuries ago to provide lots of flavor in a ready-to-use form. This master recipe can be easily combined with everyday ingredients — elevating your favorite meats, vegetables, fish, and pasta into instant and delicious curry dishes. In Thailand, the color of the paste often indicates the ingredients that dominate it, and a Green Curry Paste like Ming's is packed with aromatic green herbs such as basil and cilantro, plus mint for a bit of sweetness. With its transforming herb and curry flavor, Ming whips up Green Curry Chicken Noodles, a simple one-wok stir-fry that features the mellow flavor of rice noodles with the spicy green chile of the curry. Ming then heads to Noodle Alcove in Boston's Chinatown to check out what goes into the art of hand pulling fresh noodles. Back in the studio, the paste serves as a dynamic marinade for Grilled Green Curry-Marinated Salmon and Eggplant Steaks. The paste also provides an added boost to the simple flavor of ground chicken meat in Ming's Green Curry Chicken Burger. Lastly, Ming provides a wonderful, hearty dish for the cold winter months: Spicy Green Curry Rock Shrimp Gumbo. But it's not just a flavor for Indian food lovers, as Latin chef extraordinaire, Aaron Sanchez, proves when he joins Ming in the studio to create his "Mole Meets Curry" dish.
Sweet and sour, a classic flavor contrast in Chinese cuisine, is usually achieved by using vinegar and sugar. Growing up at his family's restaurant, Mandarin Kitchen, the traditional mixture would be sweetened with pineapple, but Ming favors cranberries for their sweet tart flavor and brilliant color. Ming's Sweet & Sour Cranberry Chutney is a world tour of flavor including Japanese rice wine vinegar, Southeast Asian lemongrass, and the very American cranberry. This chutney enhances a spectrum of dishes: in Ming's Peppercorn Duck Breast, the classic French pairing of duck and fruit is updated with a dollop of the chutney and served on a bed of potato discs. Showing how to make two take-out favorites even better at home, Ming prepares Sweet and Sour Pork Fried Rice and Cranberry-Crab Rangoon by mixing the flavors that you crave with the freshest ingredients and the tart-sweet chutney. Ming visits a cranberry bog with farmer Gary Garretson to see the process of wet harvesting. Back in the studio, renowned New England chef, Melissa Kelly, proves that the chutney works just as well with her own inspired dish — a Crisp Maine Lobster-Potato Cake with a Petite Herb Salad, Pixie Mandarin Sauce and Sweet and Sour Cranberry Chutney. Say that three times fast!
Ming's easy Garlic-Ginger-Scallion Stir Fry Sauce features three tried and true flavors of Chinese cooking: ginger, garlic, and scallion. Adding this sauce to chicken, seafood, beef, or veggies creates a quick, healthy dinner that surpasses even your favorite Chinese takeout. First, Ming uses this superlative garlic-ginger sauce on Bok Choy, and then prepares Prince Edward Island Mussels with Sweet Chinese Sausage. To see just how to choose the freshest mussels, Ming heads to Legal Seafood's quality assurance lab in Boston, Massachusetts to discuss the process with their CEO Roger Berkowitz and lab head Stephen Martinello. Back in the studio, Ming prepares a mouthwatering dish of Chicken and Maitake Mushroom Stir-Fry. Then, chef Michael Lomonaco joins Ming, preparing a Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breast with Garlic-Ginger-Scallion Vegetable Stir Fry.
With his Miso-Shallot Vinaigrette — Ming takes two savory flavors and combines them, bringing together the mild, garlic-like flavor of shallots with salty-smoky miso. First, Ming uses the vinaigrette to create Seared Sesame-Crusted Rare Salmon with Mizuna Salad — the combination of salmon and miso is truly a match made in heaven. Then he uses the master recipe as a marinade for the Marinated Lamb with Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes and Carrots — a dish inspired by the classic Mediterranean pairing of lamb and garlic. The potatoes and carrots are cooked along with the meat to absorb the wonderful flavors, making this an easy one-dish meal that will be in high demand during the winter months. Finally, Ming makes the ultimate meal-on-the-go: a lighter option of Marinated Grilled Vegetable Hand-Rolls — his East-West version of the wrap sandwich. Ming then heads to his restaurant Blue Ginger to discuss the various types of miso and how it is used in interesting ways with sous chef Tom Woods. Guest chef, Michael Schlow visits Ming back at the studio and proves that even the most talented chef can still have fun with basic ingredients. He creates Potato-Crusted Halibut with Wild Mushrooms and Miso-Shallot Vinaigrette, surprising Ming with his "secret" ingredient of dehydrated potato flakes (a.k.a instant mashed potatoes!)
Lychee-Cranberry Salsa combines two fruits that you don't normally see on the same continent, never mind in the same bowl — Far East lychees and New England cranberries. Ming uses this Lychee-Cranberry Salsa to make four delicious desserts — from a warm compote to popsicles. Confections include: Vanilla Ice Cream with Warm Lychee-Cranberry-Raspberry Compote, Lychee-Cranberry-Rasberry Granita, Popsicles and Ice Cubes, and a Lychee-Cranberry Shortcake. Then Ming pays a visit to cranberry farmer Gary Garretson of Slocum Gibbs Cranberry Company to see the techniques involved in both wet and dry harvesting. Back in the studio, pastry chef and dessert guru Gale Gand works her own magic using the Lychee-Cranberry Salsa to create a Frozen Passion Fruit Parfait.
As many cooks know, dashi is a fundamental Japanese cooking stock. Made easily from a few simple ingredients, it's the basis for miso soup. The addition of ginger in Ming's Master Dashi Broth results in a dashi that is remarkably smoky without being overpowering. Rock Shrimp with Miso Risotto and Spinach is Ming's reworking of the classic Italian risotto using Japanese ingredients. In his Miso Soup with Tofu and Nori, traditional miso soup is enhanced with a hint of ginger for spiciness and garnished with crisp nori seaweed — the perfect warm broth for a cold winter afternoon. Ming then prepares one of the most familiar Japanese meals, Beef and Onion "Sukiyaki" — Dashi flavored stir-fried beef with vegetables (and sometimes noodles). To learn the endless uses Dashi has in the Japanese kitchen, Ming visits Chef Ting Yen of Oiishi Sushi in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Latin chef Aaron Sanchez then joins Ming in the studio to demonstrate the cultural versatility of Ming's master recipes by making Caldo de Pescado con Dashi y Jalapeno Amor — a wonderful fish stew.
The addition of dried shiitakes to a traditional vegetarian base, adds the depth that meat and bones usually give a stock. The flavor power behind the mushroom advances the taste of the vegetable broth and Ming offers up some delicious interpretations of classic European fare — including Three Onion Soup and a Shiitake Spinach Risotto. Ming then heads out of the kitchen and, giving an all-new meaning to the term "fresh produce," meets up with master forager, Russ Cohen in Lexington, Massachusetts to hunt for wild mushrooms. Back in the studio, Ming reinterprets another French favorite, Legumes Aux Vin, his riff on the traditional Coq au Vin. Jacques Pepin then joins him and prepares Red Snapper a la Nage. In this dish, the red snapper is combined with the delicate flavors of white wine, julienned leeks, mushrooms, and the Master Vegetarian broth.
Hot sauces are popular all around the world and at the top of Ming's list is peri peri a recent favorite. It's a very, very hot chile paste that Ming discovered while on a culinary expedition to South Africa with native and lifestyle guru Colin Cowie. The paste was so addictive that it inspired Ming to create this Kaffir Lime-Shallot Sambal. In the sambal, the aromatic citrus of the kaffir lime is spiked with heat, giving dishes from marinated grilled pork to rock lobsters a spicy and sunny flavor that captures the true essence of Thai cuisine. The sambal is used to make Marinated Grilled Pork Porterhouse with Fragrant Rice; Sizzling Whole Marinated Farmed Bass; and Rock Lobster Smothered in Kaffir Lime-Shallot Butter with Toasted Coconut Rice and Tomato Salad. Rock lobsters are a specialty in South Africa but New England lobsters are an equally delicious substitute. Lastly, in keeping with his amazing reputation for entertaining with style, Colin prepares a Flash-Seared Shrimp with Kaffir Lime-Shallot Raita — a dish that looks fabulous and tastes even better.
Savory Thai Basil is combined with smooth, creamy butter for the premiere episode of SIMPLY MING's sixth season. Chef Ming Tsai creates this East-West pairing for three recipes that take Italian food much farther East. First, Ming simplifies dinner with an all-in-one recipe - Sweet Potato Ravioli with Basil-Brown Butter, an easy dish that uses wonton skins for the ravioli shells. Later, Ming travels to Miami, where renowned Chef Michelle Bernstein puts her East-West spin on the key ingredients, cooking up Thai Basil and Butter Prawns. Back in his studio kitchen, Ming dishes out a Creamy Thai Basil Polenta. For dessert, a sweet and savory Thai Basil-Blueberry Crumble combines the East-West duo.
he robust sweet flavor of molasses, a versatile, yet underused, western ingredient, is paired with rich coconut milk for this week's serving of SIMPLY MING. Chef Ming Tsai demonstrates an East-West dish with a hint of sweet and sour from molasses and lime juice - Coconut Braised Chicken with Carrots. In his travels to Chicago, Ming visits Chef Rick Bayless in the test kitchen at Frontera Grill. There, Rick takes the two ingredients and combines them in his dish of Sea Scallops with Roasted Tomato Coconut Cream. Back in the studio kitchen, it's time to cook up some sweets. Ming makes a luscious Coconut Cake with Molasses Frosting and a rich, comforting Molasses-Tapioca Pudding.
he tangy flavors of ponzu from the East and cranberries from the West pack a big punch in this week's SIMPLY MING recipes. In the studio kitchen, Chef Ming Tsai makes a Cranberry Shrimp Ceviche, an easy appetizer that balances citrus with the sweetness of jicama and coconut. Ming combines the ingredient duo in one pot to stir up Fried Duck Tossed in Ponzu-Cranberry Sauce. Then, Ming takes everyone's favorite baby back ribs to a whole new level with his ginger, ponzu and cranberry glazed Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs. Later, Ming is joined by Tom Colicchio, who demonstrates his Top Chef skills with a Cranberry-Ponzu Poached Salmon.
Chef Ming Tsai introduces a dynamic East-West duo - the spicy-sweet flavor of ginger combined with the zest of lemons. In the SIMPLY MING studio kitchen, Ginger Lemon Chicken with Ginger Wild Rice proves to be a simplified supper that can be made from start-to-finish in one roasting pan. Next up, an elegant, healthy dish that is sure to please - Steamed Ginger Dover Sole with Lemon-Cucumber Carpaccio. Later, Ming is off to Miami where professional golfer Annika Sorenstam puts the East-West ingredients to work in her Gravlax and Lemon-Fennel Salad. Back in the studio kitchen, Ming cooks up a sweet Ginger-Lemon Semolina cake, a tort so tasty kids will want it as their birthday cake.
The simplicity of hot water dough combined with the French ingredient, shallots, makes a delicious combination of East-West flavors for this week's SIMPLY MING dishes. Chef Ming Tsai whips up Shallot Pancakes, his version of the Chinese classic scallion pancakes. For an all-in-one dish, Ming prepares a Bacon Cheeseburger and Shallot Bing that's hard to resist! Putting a spin on one of his favorite childhood foods, Ming uses the East-West flavors to create another all-in-one meal, Shiitake and Shallot Bing Very special guest chef (and Ming's Mom!) Iris Tsai visits the studio kitchen to make her tasty Pork Stir-Fried Bing.
The sweet tropical fruit lychee is paired with bubbly champagne in three recipes for this week's serving of SIMPLY MING. Putting a spin on the perfect cocktail, Chef Ming Tsai makes Best Ever Kir Royal with Champagne-Honey Granita. Then Ming combines the ingredient duo in one pot to create Seared Scallops in Lychee Champagne Butter Sauce that tastes just as impressive as it sounds! Ming pairs the meal with a Warm Chicken Spinach Salad with Champagne-Honey Vinaigrette, a great all-in-one dish that is loaded with flavor but low in calories In his travels to Chicago, Ming visits one of America's top pastry chefs, Gale Gand, to watch her combine the East-West pair into a simple and elegant dessert, Moscato Sorbetto with Lychees and Lime.
The mellow flavor of tamari soy sauce and fiery hot pepper sauce are the dynamic East-West duo in this week's SIMPLY MING recipes. Adding a twist to Buffalo New York's famed wings, Chef Ming Tsai creates Hot and Spicy Wings with the East-West pair. Then, Ming makes the Best Bloody Mary Ever by kicking up the flavor with a knockout recipe. Later, Ming is off to Miami to cook at sea with groundbreaking Florida chef, Norman Van Aken, who uses the East-West combination to make Snapper Escabeche Tacos.
Star Anise and cranberries make a savory and sweet East-West pair in this week's helping of SIMPLY MING. Chef Ming Tsai prepares an all-in-one Cranberry Red Roast Braised Pork Shoulder, a twist on the classic Chinese red roast preparation. Proving no meal is complete without dessert, Ming creates a Hot Apple-Cranberry Sundae that will make you forget about the traditional chocolate sauce! Then Ming shares a recipe that can double as a breakfast pastry or dessert when he makes a Cranberry-Asian Pear Star Anise Cake.
Madras Curry and Olives may seem like an unlikely pair, but this East-West duo works well together in this week's SIMPLY MING dishes. In the studio kitchen, Chef Ming Tsai makes an all-in-one Eggplant-Olive Tapenade with Pita Chips, an easy appetizer that you will want to make every time you entertain! Ming combines the ingredient pair in one pot to create a deeply-flavored Roasted Curry Chicken with Olive Orzo Stuffing. In his travels to Chicago, Ming visits Rick Tramonto of Cenitare Restaurants LLC, who puts his spin on the East-West ingredients, cooking up Madras Curry Chicken Paillard with a Green Olive and Preserved Eggplant Panzanella. Back in the studio, Ming prepares Seared Curried Butterfish with Warm Olive Chutney, a version of one of Blue Ginger's most popular entrees.
The buttery flavor of edamame pairs wonderfully with olive oil for the delicious East-West recipes featured in this Jose and Mingweek's helping of SIMPLY MING. Chef Ming Tsai prepares Steamed Edamames tossed with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Sea Salt - a snack that will keep you coming back for more! For an all-in-one dish, Ming uses the ingredient duo to make Chicken Fusilli with Edamames and Shiitakes. Later, Ming demonstrates another variation of the East-West pair when he prepares Olive Oil Poached Salmon with Edamames in one dish. Guest chef and host of PBS's Made in Spain, José Andrés, visits the studio kitchen and uses the ingredients to prepare Gazpacho with Edamame, Jamón and Sherry Vinegar.
Sweet potatoes and chile oil make for a sweet and spicy East-West duo in this week's SIMPLY MING recipes. Chef Ming Ming and Michael SchwartzTsai makes an all-in-one Chile Chicken with Sweet Potato Tamale. Then, Ming's off to Miami to cook with one of Florida's favorite chefs, Michael Schwartz, who uses the East-West combination to make Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Celery Salad, Toasted Walnuts and Chile Oil Vinaigrette. Back in the studio kitchen, Ming makes Sweet Potato Fries with Chile Aioli, his all-in-one version of fries that will make you forget about traditional French fries! Later, Ming shares a recipe that is perfect for a brunch buffet, a Spicy Sweet Potato and Sausage Frittata prepared in one skillet.
Japanese soba noodles are paired with flavorful Italian pancetta in three recipes for this week's serving of SIMPLY MING. Putting a spin on the Italian classic, Chef Ming Tsai makes a deeply-flavored Soba Noodle Carbonara. Then, Ming creates all-in-one Soba Noodle-Shrimp Pancakes, a delicious meal that is sure to please! Sharing his version of a traditional Japanese soup, Ming uses one pot to cook up Soba Noodle Soup. Guest chef Michel Richard, chef/owner of Citronelle in DC visits the studio and uses the East-West flavors to make Beet Soba Bolognese.
Sushi rice is paired with white wine in four all-in-one East-West recipes for this week’s serving of SIMPLY MING. Chef Ming Tsai makes Shiitake Sushi Rice Risotto, a dish that can work as a hearty appetizer or entree. Then, Ming makes Lemongrass Mussel Paella, a meal inspired by the classic national dish of Spain. Later, Ming demonstrates another variation of the East-West pair with a Turkey Sausage Pilaf. Guest chef Laurent Tourondel, of BLT Restaurants, visits the studio kitchen and uses the East-West duo to make Curry Short Rib, “Indian-style.” RECIPES Shiitake Sushi Rice Risotto Turkey Sausage Pilaf Lemongrass Mussels Paella Laurent Tourondel's Curry Short Rib "Indian Style" COOKING TIPS Wine Basics Prepping Mushrooms
The Chinese dipping sauce hoisin is combined with popular tomatoes for the delicious East-West recipes in this week’s SIMPLY MING dishes. Chef Ming Tsai makes Turkey-Tomato Loaf, a flavorful and healthy version of meatloaf that will please the kids. For a great appetizer, Ming creates Asian BBQ Chicken Wings. Next, Ming makes Eggplant and Tomato Tempura Satays with Hoisin-Lime Dipping Sauce, a delicious veggie version of meat satay. Guest chef Michela Larson, co-owner of Rocca Kitchen and Bar in Boston, visits the studio kitchen and uses the East-West pair to create Hoisin Glazed Salmon with Heirloom Tomato Salad. RECIPES Asian BBQ Chicken Wings Turkey-Tomato Loaf Eggplant and Tomato Tempura Satays with Hoisin-Lime Dipping Sauce Turkey-Tomato Loaf Michela Larson's Hoisin-Glazed Salmon with Heirloom Tomato Salad COOKING TIPS Sharpening Knives Chopping Herbs
2010
You can’t beat today’s SIMPLY MING intersection of East and West —Tamari and Chipotle Chiles. With its big dose of umami, that elusive flavor, Ming works wonders from both sides of the globe with his Broiled Chipotle-Tamari Chicken Wings with Zucchini Sticks, Tamari Slow Braised Chipotle Pork Stew, and his Seared Scallops with Chipotle-Soy Syrup and Sweet Potato-Onion Homefries. Finally, from deep in the heart of New Orleans, Chef John Besh takes Ming’s master pair down south to make Tamari-Chipotle Glazed Alaskan Kin Salmon with a Chipotle Vinaigrette Salad.
During a recent trip to Spain, Ming fell in love with ham- and not just any ham, but the most luscious, silky ham he ever tasted—jamon iberico de Fermin. On today’s SIMPLY MING, Ming takes his new love and pairs it with an old favorite in his pantry- ponzu. That tangy citrus condiment from Japan heads to Europe to start today’s meal with Ming’s Fennel Salad on Jamon ‘Carpaccio’. A never fail dish that can work as both an appetizer or a side is next on the menu as Ming shows us his Jamon Wrapped Asparagus with Ponzu Syrup. Then, Ming takes his master duo on holiday to France with his Seared Jamon Wrapped Chicken Breast with Ponzu Glazed Melon de Cavaillion Finally, fellow fan of today’s master pair, Chef Marco Canora of Hearth Restaurant joins Ming’s dynamic duo in his Linguini with Ponzu Steamed Clams and Crispy Jamon.
Both the East and the West have versatile ingredients that really deserve to be given the opportunity to spread their wings. For example, spring roll wrappers can do much more than contain fillings and pesto rates more partners than pasta. So today Ming will bring these two together with some “out of the box” recipes including Pesto Chicken and Spinach Spring rolls, Tomato and Cucumber Napoleon and then an easy delicious Italian Sausage and Reggiano "Pan Pizza". Finally, New York chef, Marc Forgione joins Ming and takes this pair to a whole new level with his Tomato Soup with Basil Marinated Cherry Tomatoes and Spicy Spring Roll "Crouton"
Ever since Ming’s Grandmother, made him hoisin and chicken pizza when he was a kid, he has adored the combination. And once he really got into cooking, he got loads of creative inspiration from hoisin and pizza dough. So today on SIMPLY MING, Ming shares some of the great results he has achieved with this great East West combo in his Hoisin Leeks and Pork "Pie", and Grilled Hoisin Chicken Sausage and Roasted Bell Pepper Pizza. Then, great friend and Top Chef Master, Chef Susur Lee joins Ming to take this master pair and creates Beijing Style Chicken and Shrimp, Green Onion hors d' oeuvres.
Ming’s menu showcases the East-West duo of Thai basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano on today’s SIMPLY MING. The versatility of these ingredients is shown when Ming makes Polenta Satays with Thai Basil Pesto and an “All-In-One” Thai Basil-Shrimp Orzo Risotto. Ming also pairs these dishes with a simple “All-In-One” Tomato-Thai Basil Panzanella Salad. Finally, Ming hits the road and joins chef/friend, Ken Oringer on the waters of Scituate, MA where he is cooking up his Thai Style Clams Casino.
You know a cooking technique is a true classic when it can be found around the world. Today you'll find it right here on SIMPLY MING. The French call it “paner a l’anglaise” Ming and his guest, the great man himself, Jacques Pepin, will be here to show you the technique. Watch as they cook on the fly together, using the paner technique and our mystery ingredients to launch two new dishes, just for you.
On the premiere episode of Simply Ming, it’s all about blanching - the secret to improving color, taste and texture in foods. In the studio Host Ming Tsai cooks on the fly with Nantucket chefs Seth & Angela Raynor. Using the blanching technique and secret ingredients they team up to create two new dishes: Grilled Lobster with Summer Herbed Butter Roasted Potatoes and Fried Pork & Couscous with Peach Sesame Compote.
Does your kid turn up his nose when certain green foods cross his sight line? Yes, vegetables can make some kids turn and run for the hills before they even give them a chance. Today on SIMPLY MING, Ming is bringing in a man who specializes in close encounters with icky foods to help make “weird” vegetables more appealing to kids. Yes, Andrew Zimmern, Mr. Bizzare Foods himself, joins Ming today to cook 2 new dishes your kids will love, on the fly! Andrew Zimmern is host of "Bizarre Foods" on the Travel Channel.
Ming is on the road and heading to Napa Valley. Today on Simply Ming learn how to make Sushi from a master. The man himself, Iron Chef Morimoto joins Ming at his downtown Napa Valley restaurant. Together the chefs take us through Sushi 101. With perfectly cooked and seasoned rice, fresh farm produce from Napa Valley and pristine fish.... they come up with Ming's Omushubi with Alaskan Crab Salad and Morimoto's Sashimi Salad. Chef Masaharu Morimoto is chef-owner of Morimoto restaurants.
f you ever thought you couldn’t bake because it requires precision, you are not alone. On today's SIMPLY MING, Ming will show you how grasping one small but important rule will allow you to bake countless desserts with just a few ingredients in quantities you can eyeball. Joining Ming, a fabulous Boston baker, Joanne Chang, will join to prove that, with this rule, you don’t need recipes to make amazing desserts on the fly. Joanne Chang is chef-owner of Flour Bakery and Myers + Chang.
Today on SIMPLY MING, we will show you one of the best ways to cook vegetables is to roast them, because it concentrates their flavor. And for today's guest, Jonathan Waxman, exalting great ingredients is what it’s all about. Yes, one of the Godfathers of New American Cuisine is in the house right now, and together with Ming they will be making it up as they go, with inspiration from mystery ingredients and the fantastic technique of oven roasting. Jonathan Waxman is chef-owner of Barbuto restaurant.
SIMPLY MING is in heart of Napa Valley, where some of the best grapes are grown-which of course produce some of the best wines around. Ming is joined in the kitchen by his mom, together they will be cooking on they fly showing how they master cooking whole birds on the grill. Where better to pair wines with their dishes than in Napa and today on SIMPLY MING the master himself, Chris Howell, who has been at Cain Vineyards for over 20 years is going to show how he blends and creates his magic to pair with today's recipes. Christopher Howell is the general manager/wine maker at Cain Vineyards.
Today on SIMPLY MING, Ming will show you one of the best ways to give yourself more options with meat and fish, pounding. Pounding tenderizes the meat, makes it thinner for faster cooking, and makes less go farther. Using this technique, and today’s mystery ingredients, Chef Jason Santos of Boston’s Blue Inc., will join Ming to cook on the fly and invent two completely new dishes. Stick around as we find out together what’s cooking next on Simply Ming. Jason Santo is chef-owner of Blue Inc. restaurant.
If you’re a home cook, you may think the culinary technique of butterflying is something better left to those in white jackets. Bull…oney! It’s a really straightforward technique that’s great for speeding up cooking time and offering many more options when you’re cooking on the fly. Ming, along with his pal, Chef Michael Schlow, will show you just how easy it is, creating delicious new dishes together on the fly on SIMPLY MING.
On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming Tsai is back in beautiful Napa Valley visiting his good friend, Iron Chef Morimoto who, of course, knows how to demonstrate how to work his magic with all things fish. Morimoto shows us how to first break down a fish and then cook it to maintain its pristine flavor. Chef Masaharu Morimoto is chef-owner of Morimoto restaurants.
Ming's on top of the world in Napa Valley, affectionately known as the Spring Mountain District where he’s joined by his parents, Steven & Iris Tsai. Together they show us the perfect culinary marriage of chicken, duck and wine when they create Coq au Vin and Red Roast Duck with Scallion Pancakes.
Pan roasting is a technique used all the time in restaurants—you start searing something on the stove, and finish it off in the oven. On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming shows you a favorite technique that all home chefs should add to their repertoire. It's easy, saves time in the kitchen, and guarantees great flavor. Joining Ming is Boston's own, Jody Adams. Together they cook on the fly whipping up Pan-Roasted Chicken on Orzo Sausage Risotto with Chinese Mushrooms and Pan Roasted Halibut with Eggplant Caponata. Jody Adams is James Beard award-winning chef/owner of Rialto and Trade.
On this special episode of Simply Ming, Ming Tsai tours the famous hawker stalls of Singapore and experiences the myriad of tastes that Singapore street food has to offer. After trying the best of the best, Ming and KF Seetoh make their own version of their favorite street food right in the middle of all the action...on the fly in Singapore. KF Seetoh is an Asian food expert.
Do you know what to do when your kid or a friend brings you a whole fish? Well, Ming is going to show you how to break down that tasty fresh filet the right way! And waiting in the wings joining Ming, is Houston’s Chef Bryan Caswell. Working together with the surprise catch of the day, and ingredients from Ming’s pantry, they create two delicious dishes on the fly: Tea-Smoked Trout with Thai Cucumber Tomato Salad and Crispy-Skin Snapper with Fennel & Swiss Chard Agro Dolce. Bryan Caswell is chef/owner of Reef.
We all love cooking with wine but how about using spirits? On this week’s episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming shows how as he cooks with tequila. He’ll be joined by longtime friend, Julio Bermejo, the tequila master at Tommy's in San Francisco. Looking for inspiration Julio and Ming explore amazing food stalls at the Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market before heading back to Tommy’s to cook on the fly.
On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming shows you one of his top techniques for a home cook to master, breaking down a chicken. “Buying a whole bird is so much cheaper than chicken parts”, says Ming! With the help of Boston Chef Jamie Bissonnette, a nose to tail specialist, Ming shows viewers how much more mileage you can get out of a whole bird. Together, these two master chefs come up with some creative ways to use chicken – like roast chicken breast with Kimchee braised wings. Jamie Bissonnette is chef at Toro and Coppa.
This episode of SIMPLY MING is simply like no other. Ming is granted privileged access to the home kitchen of Singapore Chef Damian D’Silva. Damian is a fixture on the Singapore culinary scene, where he is bringing back centuries old culinary traditions. Using surprise ingredients from a local open market, Ming and Damian cook up some traditional ethnic cuisine – on the fly – in Damian’s home kitchen.
Chefs from Asia to Italy agree the best way to infuse noodles with flavor is to sauté them. It’s a critical step many home cooks skip. On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming and his guests, The Pallotta Sisters, focus on that technique. The Pallotta sisters, who serve up countless platters of delicious pasta in Boston’s North End, work with Ming to create Stir Fry of Wonton Noodles with Scallops and Bacon with an Arugula, Radicchio Pine Nut Salad and Cioppino. Carla and Christine Pallotta are chef/owners of Nebo restaurant.
Sitting by the dock of the bay at San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, Ming shows viewers some of the city’s best street food. Gone are the days of hot dogs, pretzels and fried dough. In their place you’ll now find restaurant quality food in the form of Korean tacos, wood fired pizzas and Roti. Ming visits Dennis Lee, chef/owner of Namu at his Korean Street Food Cart to try some amazing Korean food. Back at Namu's restaurant kitchen Ming and Dennis try their hand at cooking on the fly when they come up with their own versions of modern day street fare.
Dessert before dinner? Absolutely! It’s all the rage at Singapore's 2am Dessert Bar. On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming and Chef Janice Wong, travel to the outskirts of the city to find inspiration at Oh Farms. With a bag-full of delicious edible flowers and greens, they head back to 2am Dessert Bar where they each whip up a delicious dessert that is not only a feast for the stomach but also the eyes.
Seasoning with salt. What could be simpler, right? Wrong! Think about how many meals you’ve had that were either too salty or under-seasoned! On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming is zeroing in on a technique that is critical to successful cooking if done with a gentle hand. Joining him is the perfect man for the job, the ultimate scrutinizer of cooking techniques, author and chef Michael Ruhlman.
On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming meets up with Chef Samson Chan, the mastermind behind one of Singapore’s favorite restaurants, Barnacles. Together they shop for some great living treasures from the South China Sea at Grand Atlantic Fishery. Bringing back the freshest seafood to Chef Samson’s restaurant for an afternoon of cooking on the fly, they’ll show us how easy it is too cook with the shell on!
The wok— there’s a reason why everyone from college students to Italian chefs have one of these in their kitchen. Stir-frying is a technique that can be your best friend when you need to cook on the fly, which is exactly what Ming is doing on this episode of SIMPLY MING. He’ll enlist the help of Charles Phan, the chef who put great Vietnamese food on the map in San Francisco. Together they'll create two new wok-stirred dishes on the spot, Sweet and Sour Clams with Plums and Cucumbers and a Classic Lemongrass Chicken.
We have all heard the saying " you eat with your eyes" - well on this episode of SIMPLY MING, Michelin Star Chef Andre Chiang of Singapore’s famous Restaurant Andre, shows us what this really means. Shopping at one of the city’s well-known wet markets, Ming and Andre find inspiration in pristine, fresh ingredients that they use to create two memorable culinary creations.
On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming takes us behind-the-scenes to meet his James Beard Award-Winning Blue Ginger Team. Putting his own chefs to the challenge with surprise ingredients and a visit to his studio pantry, Ming and company cook up three separate dishes fit for a king.
Ming explores Peranakan cooking in Singapore with chef and cookbook author Shermay Lee whose cooking is living proof that grandmothers know best. Sharing with Ming her grandmother’s decades old recipe for a traditional dish, Shermay takes us, and Ming, on a culinary adventure. From finding ingredients in an outdoor market to using her family’s timeworn mortar and pestle, this episode highlights the culinary history and the exotic flavors found only in Singapore.
Everyone loves garlic, but if you don’t handle it properly, it can take you to the culinary dark side—whether undercooked or overcooked. On this episode of SIMPLY MING, Ming zeros in on prepping garlic the right way. Joined by Boston chef Dante De Magistris, Ming uses garlic and some mystery ingredients to create two new dishes on the spot, Beef and Broccolini Stir Fry with Mango Purée and Basil Ricotta Gnocchi with Shrimp and Asparagus.
This week on Simply Ming, Host Ming Tsai is joined by pastry chef extraordinaire – Duff Goldman. Together they show us how to use Crème Anglaise – a key ingredient in every pastry chef’s arsenal, and create two delicious desserts: Old School Chocolate Soufflé with Crème Anglaise and Vanilla Frozen Custard with Flambéed Berries.
This week on Simply Ming – Caramelization - a technique that enhances both savory and sweet cooking. Done right it enhances a dish, and done wrong will turn it bitter. Joining Ming in the kitchen is Chef Jody Adams. Together they cook on the fly creating: Scallops with Curried Gooseberries and Loin Lamb Chops with Plums.
In this episode of Simply Ming – the key to making sauces – thickening. Ming demonstrates how to make a reduction and a roux. And joining him in the kitchen is Top Chef Masters culinary sensation, Susur Lee. Together Ming and Susur will cook on the fly, using mystery ingredients and the technique of thickening to serve up two tasty dishes: Chinese-Style Paella and Seared Chicken Breast Orzo Risotto with Endive Caper Salad.
Buying local and buying fresh are key to great cooking. This week on Simply Ming, Chef Ming Tsai and longtime friend Boston Chef, Michael Schlow, go to Boston City Hall Plaza Farmer’s Market for a little inspiration and then head back to Chef Schlow’s restaurant, Tico, where they cook up two mouth-watering dishes: Red Tape Steak and a Double Lamb Chop with Pea Shoot-Beet Salad.
On this episode of Simply Ming — how to grind your own meat and make your own sausage with the help of a man who can teach most butchers a thing or two, Chef Chris Cosentino. Ming and Chris cook on the fly together creating two very different dishes: San Francisco Sausage and Peppers and Chicken Mushroom Sausage Patties with Orange Snow Pea Salad.
Cooking on the fly with Ming in this week’s episode of Simply Ming is Chef Ellie Krieger. Ellie, hailed as an expert on all things healthy, teams up with Ming showing how Rice Pilaf, along with some surprise ingredients and special spices from Ming’s pantry are brought together to create: Toasted Garlic Quinoa and Coriander Crusted Chicken and Spicy Shrimp over Preserved Lemon Pilaf.
This week on Simply Ming – tenderizing – a culinary technique that helps meat, chicken and fish absorb all the wonderful flavors of your favorite marinades. Joining Ming in the kitchen is Chopped Champion – Chef Jamie Bissonnette. Together Ming and Jamie cook on the fly using mystery ingredients and zesty spices to come up with two tender recipes: a Tellegio Kimchee Steak Bomb and a Trio of Halibut New Style Sashimi.
The secret to making the perfect omelet – that’s what’s up on this week’s episode of Simply Ming. Host Ming Tsai teams up with friend and celebrity chef, Todd English who share techniques from their French culinary training and create two delectable dishes: a Shitake Omelet with Crab Salad and Arugula Sauce and a Vidalia Onion Omelet with Lox Orecciette Pasta and Avocado-Cucumber Salsa.
On this week’s episode of Simply Ming, learn the art of making ganache, the simple mixture of chocolate and cream that’s the heart of so many great desserts. Ming is joined by the James Beard nominated chef, Joanne Chang who shows how ganache can be whipped up into two mouth watering desserts: Chocolate Mousse Napoleon and Flourless Rum Nut Chocolate Cake.
This week Simply Ming is on the road traveling to the exotic Azores. Ming will visit with Chef Pedro Oliviera to learn how to make one of the region’s most famous dishes – Cozido – a one-pot meal that’s literally cooked underground by the Earth’s volcanic heat. Rising to the challenge, Ming also serves us his own take on this national dish.
Front and center on this week’s episode of Simply Ming are Pan Sauces – an easy way to use what’s right in your pan to create great flavor. Joining Ming in the kitchen to demonstrate this indispensable culinary technique is Chef Norman Van Aken. Together they cook on the fly using surprise ingredients and Ming’s East-West pantry to create: Pan Seared Steak, Beet Salad and Hash Browns and Pork Chop, Kimchee-Kale Pan Sauce and Sweet Potato Cake.
Steeped in tradition, the islands that make up the Azores are rich with culinary traditions that will be shared as Simply Ming goes “on the road”. Ming shops in a local market where he discovers the vast array of local fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. He joins Hugo Ferreira, a celebrated chef from the cooking school on the island of Sao Miguel, and together the two cook on the fly using their market ingredients to come up with dishes that reflect Azorean culinary traditions but with a modern day twist.
where he’s never gone before as he heads south to Chattanooga, Tennessee to cook with renowned local chef, Daniel Lindley of St. John’s Restaurant. Together they shop for inspiration at local Chattanooga markets to come up with two distinct dishes that call upon the region’s heritage and culinary uniqueness.
Ming heads to the Lone Star State on today’s episode of Simply Ming. Joining him is his long time friend Chef John Besh. At Chef Besh’s critically acclaimed San Antonio restaurant – Luke. Ming and John will get inspired by fresh ingredients just picked from an area farm and will use them to create two delicious dishes, on the fly, that reflect the spirit and spiciness of San Antonio.
Drying foods to keep them preserved is a technique that dates back hundreds of years. On this episode of Simply Ming, host Ming Tsai and special guest, Gordon Hamersley, show how the technique of reconstituting - bringing a dried ingredient back to life by simply adding liquid – can be used to cook up two unique dishes: Poached Salt Cod with Porcini Broth, Pancetta & English Peas and Bird's Nest Black Bean Chicken and Wasabi Cream.
Ming heads for the islands on this very special episode of Simply Ming. Traveling to the Azorean island of Terceira, Ming cooks with celebrated local chef Eduardo Reis and learns the history of the very popular dish called Alcatra. Alcatra is baked in a traditional Azorean wood oven. Influenced by the Portuguese discoverers in the 15th century, this dish is made with fish or beef cooked slowly in a clay pot with bacon, onion, and local spices.
San Antonio is home to one of the country’s leading culinary schools – the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) where Ming teams up with the CIA’s own Chef Elizabeth Kossick. Working in their unique Latin Kitchen, Ming and Elizabeth use ingredients fresh from Elizabeth’s extensive pepper garden. The focus of the dishes will be Peruvian with Ming adding his own personal twist.
On this Southern-inspired episode of Simply Ming, Chef Ming Tsai takes us to Chattanooga, Tennessee to learn some of the region’s culinary secrets. An up and coming culinary hotspot, Chattanooga has a lot to offer the adventuresome palate. Ming and his guest Chef Eric Neil will explore the local markets and come up with two dishes, Chile-Cornmeal Trout with Shrimp Chocrute and Roast Pork CHop with Curry Squash Pancake, that are sure to make your mouth water.
Grilling is as American as Apple Pie and on this week’s episode of Simply Ming, Chef Ming Tsai joins forces with the ultimate master of grilling, author and Boston-based chef - Andy Husbands. Ming and Andy will share their secrets for grilling as they cook on the fly using mystery ingredients and some zesty spices from Ming’s pantry. Together they will grill up: a Thai Buffalo Salad and Grilled Mussels and Clams with tomatoes and a Polenta Cake.
Ming travels “south of the border” when he visits the hacienda of Johnny Hernandez – one of San Antonio’s most popular chefs – on this special episode of Simply Ming. Together Johnny and Ming shop at a local Latin market where they look for inspiration and fresh ingredients. Back home at Johnny’s, Ming and Johnny chop, dice, and grill two fabulous Latin-inspired dishes.
This week on Simply Ming it’s all about Poaching – a technique that is often forgotten in today’s kitchens. To help bring poaching back into favor, Ming teams up with friend and celebrated chef, Jasper White. Together they demonstrate how poaching preserves moisture and texture while adding flavor and no fat. Ming and Jasper also serve up two tasty dishes: Striped Bass Poached in Saffron Broth with Fennel and Potatoes and a Salad Lyonaise with Red Wine Poached Eggs.
Seafood and the Azores go hand in hand, and on today’s episode of Simply Ming, Ming gets right into the thick of things when he travels to the beautiful area of Caldeira do Santo Cristo. Here with the help of local vintner Fortunad Garcia, Ming will help create four unique tapas-style dishes using classic Azorean ingredients.
Simply Ming heads to Texas on this special episode based in San Antonio. Ming joins Chef Diana Barrios Trevino and her family at their famous restaurant, Los Barrios, and learns how to make simple, delicious, flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine right along side Diana and her brother. After “shopping” in the Trevino’s family kitchen, Ming comes up with his own take on Tex-Mex cuisine.
Soup is on the menu in this episode of Simply Ming that goes on the road to the Azores. Stopping off at the Island of Pico – Ming learns the secret behind a famous national soup from Manuel Cardoso, a local fisherman and restaurateur, that is centuries old and treasured by those who live on all nine of the Azorean islands. Ming also goes fishing for some select local seafood and uses it to create his own twist on this savory dish.
Our 10th Anniversary season closes with a very unique episode of Simply Ming. Ming ventures into the heart of Boston’s sophisticated street food scene when he visits four different vendor trucks and tries his own hand at creating the latest sensation in culinary creations. With the help of the vendor chefs, Ming will create a delicious BBQ marinade, his own take on grilled cheese, a unique East-West Vietnamese sandwich and he’ll top it all off with a tasting adventure on the cupcake truck!
Ming Tsai
