This recipe is from the king of American Chinese cooking, Martin Yan. I was lucky enough to have him personally provide a quote and endorsement for my cookbook, The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook. Enjoy this recipe!
Back in 2008, I met Chef Martin Yan for the first time. I was so girly-giddy that I breathlessly told him that he was my “culinary superhero.”
And if that didn’t scream, “freaky-fan-stalker!” then maybe he got a clue when I got a little too close trying to videotape Yan carving a chicken in 18 seconds that I almost got my bangs thwacked off. But nope, because that same evening, when I mentioned I was writing a cookbook, he actually said, “Send me a copy to review, I’ll write a quote for the back of the book.”
There was a chance that Chef Yan was just sayin’ that to be nice. I mean, he’s a celebrity chef who meets hundreds of people every day, he couldn’t possibly have remembered what he said to whom? So, two months ago, when my book was complete, I prayed that he really, really meant what he said and sent him a copy of the book galley with a kind note.
He remembered. And Martin graciously penned, “Jaden delivers beautiful, simple and delicious food that will bring family and friends to your table. She is the real deal who learned from the best, her mom. – Martin Yan.”
My publisher slapped that endorsement on the back cover of the book…and then I nearly fainted.
If Yan Can…
carve a chicken in 18 seconds… SO CAN YOU!
This is the second time I’ve seen him do this – just simply amazing. Hear that camera-clicking? That’s me, multi-tasking. Camcorder in left hand, heavy camera in right hand. Hold still…. don’t get too close to that cleaver!
Thai Basil Chicken with Cashew Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN MARINADE:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or white pepper
- 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1/2-inch cubes
FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
FOR THE STIR-FRY
- 2 tablespoons neutral flavored cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil (not olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 ounces asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 fresh chili pepper of your choice thinly sliced into rings (optional)
- 1/4 cup lightly packed Thai basil or sweet basil leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place a wok or wide saute pan over high heat until hot. Add the oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the chicken, asparagus, bell pepper and cook, stirring constantly until the chicken is no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Add the sauce, stir and bring to a simmer. Cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat and stir in chili, basil leaves and cashews.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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Can i use heineken as beer?
Sure 🙂
It is very similar to beer.
Looking at the picture, I feel like some ingredients are missing?
Do I see red and green bell pepper strips? Also perhaps yellow ones too?
Yes you are right! I had copied the recipe from his book that is a little different from what he made at the class. I’ve fixed the recipe to include bell peppers.
Love the video demo!! happy cooking 🙂
I really like the addition of beer but I felt it needed a few things:
– Juice of one lime.
– One red bell pepper (in the picture but not the recipe).
– Chili pepper is crucial! Make sure it’s a spicy one.
– Make sure beer is not at all bitter.
Otherwise, tasty.
Thanks for recommending Mr. Yan’s recipe. I decided to try it tonight since I had most of the ingredients on hand already. I used whatever beer was in the fridge (Sapporo) and left out the cashews. I also decided to go with spicier peppers (Serrano) and now my fingers are burning under the nail from digging out the seeds. Next time I’ll be sure to have every ingredient and try it as written. However, dinner was great and didn’t take long too cook.. I’ll def. be making this again. Thanks again!
Was so great to see Martin Yan here. As I am also “Yan” ^ ^ His cooking show is the first cooking show that I first came across during my childhood always like the way he interact with the audience and how fun he turn cooking into~
Your story about meeting Martin Yan and him remembering you and keeping his word got me a little choked up. How beautiful! Congratulations on your book. I know you posted this some time ago, but what an accomplishment!
I’m growing thai basil and google searched for a recipe that would compliment it. This looks perfect, as I also have been wanting to incorporate cashews into a dish. Thanks so much for sharing.
I just wanted to comment on the recipe. It was delicious – simple, flavorful, and just spicy enough. I forgot I had Thai basil in the freezer so I used fresh sweet basil. The beer in the marinade and the sauce adds a nice earthy note to the dish, and everyone in my family loved it, even my picky husband. Thanks, Martin and Jaden!
I was lucky enough to see Martin Yan in Grass Valley this past summer, and I was even luckier to have been invited to assist him up on stage!!! He is such an awesome chef and a wonderful person! That was one of the best days of my life!!!
I would love to have Martin’s cookbook, and the relish the attitude with which he cooks! I can’t imagine anyone any happier to be in the kitchen with, so please enter me for the cookbook.
I can’t write more… I gotta go look around your incredibly fun blog!
I don’t know who is more adorable in the video clip, you or Martin Yan. Well done!
Jaden,
I am a Tribune subscriber and enjoy reading your columns. I would love to win a cookbook and would donate it to be used as an auction item towards my organization’s upcoming Signature Chefs Auction event. The Signature Chefs Auction is a food/wine event and fundraiser for the March of Dimes and features local chefs presenting a signature dish for guests.
Deborah
Martin Yan was the first TV chef that I remember watching, and loved watching. How cool are you for that endorsement?
Looking forward to the book.
Oh my goodness, when my brother and I were little (we’re in college now), we always used to watch Yan Can Cook on PBS on Saturdays, and we LOVED it. I will never forget one time when he was making some kind of beef, and he said, “This beef is so buttery…It melt in yo mout’h!” in his adorable accent. My brother and I didn’t stop repeating it for MONTHS every time we ate something delicious (especially beef). Now that I have remembered this, I will have to remind my brother. I would love to have a book, so that my brother and I can actually cook one of the recipes and relive our childhood Saturdays!!
P.S. Jaden, lucky you that you have his quote on the back of your cookbook!!!
I used to watch Martin cook on TV with my mom. He was entertaining, and his food looked so yummy on TV.
Since moving from Florida to New England, I miss my mom. I also miss Publix.
I am also aTribune reader.Do you have any quick recipes using boneless chicken thighs that are hot and spicy?
I am inspired by your recipes to cook healthier meals.I am looking forward to your book,but I’ll still clip your recipes for my notebook.
Mr. Yan,
I grew up watching your show, and I’m convinced that you played a big role in fueling my passion for cooking. I still cannot carve a chicken in 19 seconds…but I’ll keep working on it. 🙂 I can’t wait to get my hands on your cookbook (whether won or purchased)!
Best, Julie
Mr. Yan:
You got some mad knife skills. I have one of your cookbooks that’s fallilng apart but I can’t part with it because I still refer to it when I’m at a loss what to cook.
Keep cooking!
Jeff
I have been a loyal Tampa Tribune subscriber for many years! LOVE your column, Jaden!
kimberly
Mr. Yan,
My mother’s family is originally from China but emigrated all over the world several generations ago. We have loved watching your fun shows over the years and have learned so much about Chinese culture. We especially love your Chinatown series. we alway enjoy your cookbooks, and we’re looking forward to reading Jaden’s as well.
Thanks for years of great memories!!
kimberly
I love watching Mr. Yan on PBS. He makes Chinese food accessible and easy…especially when I’m missing mom’s food!
Mr. Yan,
I am a realatively new fan! I have seen your book in stores and flipped through, thinking how many things looked absolutely divine — but never had the chance to purchase it before. However, I am a HUGE fan of any dish that combines cashews and chicken, so I just had to make the Thai basil recipe last night for dinner. It was sooo good! Even a realative novice like me can cook it, and my husband and picky children were fans of the meal. I will definitely be cooking this again, and I will have to pick up a book so I can try out some more of your recipes. Thanks for giving me one more recipe to add to my personal repertoire!
Dana King
I am also a Tampa Tribune subscriber of many years.
Richard
Jaden, Loved you column and was intrigued by Martin’s recipe. I was going to make a paella out on my grill Sunday afternoon, but opted to make this recipe. It was fabulous. I also enjoy two of your recipes, the Korean style pulled pork and the thai chicken lettuce cups. Can’t wait for you cook book to hit the stores.
Richard
I’m a Tribune subscriber.
Scott L. Peeler, Jr.
I enjoy cooking and like to see other men give it a try also. It is nice to have had a few recipes published over the years. Mr. Yan, keep up the good work in showing us all some interesting recipes.
Scott L. Peeler, Jr.
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.
Isn’t everybody? 😉
George
Lakeland FL
On thing that keeps me from trying new recipes is the large number of exotic ingredients and the many cooking steps.
I read through the Thai Basil Chicken recipe and realized that I had almost all the ingredients, and the rest were easy to obtain. Plus there are basically just two steps: combine, cook.
I can do that! Thanks for keeping it easy.
George
Lakeland FL
I’M A TAMPA TRIBUNE READER, AND BIG FAN OF MARTIN YAN AND JADEN HAIR!
Thank you again for giving me an opportunity to comment on your article regarding Martin Yan (see previously posted comments on July 27 @ 2:58 pm).
Ken
Martin Yan I loved Yan can cook what a great character, funny & beautiful food.
julia
Jaden,
Thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to comment on your article about Martin Yan.
I grew up watching Martin Yan and other chefs on television. However, he more than anyone else captivated my interest which has led to my life-long hobby of cooking. This rubbed off on our son who is now a chef with Hyatt Hotels.
I, too, have fond memories of meeting Martin Yan. I first met him sometime in the early 1990’s at a department store in the Westshore Mall where he gave a demonstration in their kitchen department. I had planned on buying his book after the demonstration, but they sold out before I could purchase one. He graciously gave me a business card and told me who to contact for his book. He even promised that he would sign it for me. Imagine my surprise when my book arrived and I discovered that he had autographed it personally to me! I was shocked as I never thought that he would remember me.
I met him again at Apron’s in north Tampa about a year ago. I took that opportunity to thank him for remembering me that day many years ago.
You’re right, Martin Yan is the “real deal!” He continues to feed my interest in cooking.
Dear Mr. Yan,
Thank you for being a culinary legend! You are always fun to watch and your knife skills are beyond amazing! Cheers and keep it coming!
PS I am a Tampa Tribune reader who loves Jaden’s column and cooking!
Jacqueline
Dear Mr. Yan,
What a generous soul you must be (and a happy one). Chinese food has been enjoyed by my family since I was a little girl and we would go to Chinatown (NY) to spend the day and eat out. One of my best friends is Chinese and she taught me to make wonton soup and eggrolls. I hope I get to know you better through your Chinatown cookbook. This would be the very first signed edition cookbook I’d own! Maybe Jaden’s will oneday be my second…
Thank you for your entertaining and mouth-watering show!
Jacqueline
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.
Mr. Yan, You are incredible. Is your fast-chopping ability something you were born with or did it take a while to learn? I am amazed and wish I could prepare food so quickly. Always enjoyed your show, and hope to see you at Publix the next time you’re here. And thanks for being so nice to Tampa’s Jaden.
I recently hooked on to cable tv once again and watch a lot of food network. I wish Martin still had a show on. Used to watch him all the time
I grew up on Yan Can Cook, and even though I was really young and didn’t had a chance to cook then, watching Chef Yan in action ignited an interest in food and cooking which lasted till now (and it’s been more than a decade!)
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.
I am sure Mr. Yan had fun with you at Publix, Jaden! Mr. Yan, I am sorry I missed you but I travel a great deal. I have taken a cooking class with Jaden (wontons and such) and had a graeat time. With chef’s like you both, cooking is a pleasure and a fun hobby to have.
I remember seeing Martin on the food network cooking with Emeril. Having met Emeril and seeing them together I can only imagine the out takes and the fun times they had during the breaks!!!
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.
Martin is very down to eatrh on any program I’ve seen him on and enjoy watching his knife skills!!!
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.
Martin Yan; thank you for pleasing my tastebuds with your sensational recipes.
You have awakened a true passion for cooking within me.
Thank you.
Your reaction to Martin Yan is the way I felt about working with you. Can’t wait to try this week recipe!!!
I used to watch Yan Can Cook and always enjoyed trying his recipes! I love your China Town cookbook!!! I have worked with Chef Jaden at a local store doing cooking classes, she talked about the cookbook and can’t wait to get a copy!!
I’m a Tribunes reader!
I also met Martin Yan about 18 years ago at a show. He was so kind and very personable. It’s amazing how being a chef and cooking have come into vogue, but Mr. Yan plowed the way for so many. He’s been true to his profession all of these years.
Congratulations on your cookbook. I truly hope it’s a big hit for you.
I too love to cook and have attended over a dozen Apron’s cooking school classes. Thanks for a great article.
Martin Yan is fun, energetic and makes cooking fun! I especially love when he adds the cultural aspect to the segment and goes on location!
Thank you!
I’m a Tampa Tribune Reader!
P.S.
I am a Tampa Tribune reader. Can’t wait to read the Chef Yan’s book about China Towns and look forward to seeing Jaden’s new cookbook when it comes on the market.
Peace,
Mary
Dear Chef Yan:
I love the recipes in your Quick & Easy cookbook! One of my favorites is the Refreshing Beer Drink using Tsingtao beer.
Peace,
Mary
Dear Chef Martin Yan,
May I respectfully mention another chef, Thomas Keller? I will explain momentarily.
I am yet another huge fan of yours, dating back to the PBS chefs – Nathalie, Jacques, Julia, and of course, Martin!!
When your show came on back then, my husband FINALLY joined me in our living room, and we loved watching your knife skills coupled with your humor, which made my belly ache so much with laughter. You are the best!
What a joy to know you truly love life as much as you appear on your show!!
I have always loved reading Jaden’s column, but this one about you,
Chef, was particularly inspirational.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the Steamy Kitchen cookbook.
Back to Chef Keller – his Bouchon book is the ONLY signed cookbook I own. I am so utterly in awe of you, Chef Martin (YEARS of admiration). If I am one of the 2 lucky winners to receive your signed copy of Steamy Kitchen, you will make me the happiest amateur cook in the Bay area!
Mr. Keller – watch out, you have Big Time competition!!!
Love you, Chef Martin, thank you for visiting Tampa, and supporting our food writers (even the freaky fan-stalker types) We truly do love you!
Linda
Mr. Yan
I love all kinds of food and one more cook book to conquer would be fab. Let me practice and see if I can carve a chicken in 17 seconds….
Kasia Frawley
Enjoyed your column about Martin Yan. Several years ago I had the pleasure of seeing him at a dinner given by the Organization of Chinese Americans in the Washington DC area. My daughter and I were guests of one of the members. After his presentation, including cutting up a chicken in 18 seconds, he joined us at our table. The conversation was delightful as was the food, served family style. Not the usual Asian restaurant food. I am a Tribune subscriber.
Marilyn Signer
Lakeland, FL
Martin,
And by the way, I’m a Tampa Tribune reader and I read how incredibly nice and generous you were! That makes you even MORE awesome!
Melissa
Martin,
I have been a fan of yours for so long, way before the days of easy access food shows like Food Network! Thanks so much for wonderful shows and delicious recipes!
Melissa Krinos
Mr. Yan, my grandmother taught me to cut up a chicken 45 years ago, but she was not nearly as fast accurate,or handsome It has served me well, I taught my husband and 3 daughters. Thanks for the wonderful demo. A YanFan.
“I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.”
I used to watch Martin Yan on his TV show many years ago. It is because of him that I bought my first wok and whole chickens. You really do save money that way. May you wok forever Martin.
I love Martin Yan! I used to watch him all the time as a kid and giggle about how to make all my favorite dishes. Yan can cook! 🙂
Dear Chef Yan, your show was such an education for me, growing up in a meat-and-potatoes American home where the kitchen was off-limits to the kids. You introduced me to new ideas, food history, techniques and most of all, attitude in the kitchen. You taught me that cooking was not only interesting but fun, as well. Just reading your name always makes me smile. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and I hope you continue to do so in good health for a long, long time.
Since ‘Yan Can Cook’, I decided I can, too, when I was little. And here I am… still loving every moment!
I’ve yet to learn to chop and mince like he does though!
Yan Can Cook and Julia Child on PBS was the highlight of my week as a homebound Mom while her husband was out to sea! I feel like we have grown older together and wiser too ~ thanks to Martin!
Jaden,
What a lucky person to have met such a loving person. I to met Mr. Yan at publix. I know you are a very proud of your cook book and of him penning your book.I will look for your book in oct. and i wiil try to be at your book signing.I to am going to write a cook book soon. And when i do i would be honered to have you pen my book.
( will you remember me).
CRAZYCOOK
I AM A TAMPA TRIBUNE READER
Jaden,
I am so happy that Mr. Yan penned your new cook book, i got a chance to meet Mr. Yan at publix cooking school 2 yrs. ago. What nice person he is. I’m sure that he penned in your book, are his true feelings. Because of Mr. Yan i now buy whole chickens, and still have all my fingers (NOT IN 18 SECS.).GOOD LUCK
CRAZYCOOK
Can’t wait to try Martin Yan’s Thai Basil Chicken Recipe that was published in the Tampa Tribune’s Sunday edition. My husband and I enjoy cooking and experimenting with Thai recipes at home – he loves Tsingtao Beer and I always have Thai basil growing in a pot or in my herb garden.
My family loves the Thai Basil chicken with cashews recipe. I had some friends over for dinner and made the chicken dish and it was a great success. Both families wanted the recipe and even the kids (6 kids under the age of 7) loved it and wanted seconds. One of the family’s told me that she purchased Martin Yan’s newest cookbook because the recipe was so yummy. Thanks for putting the recipe in the Tampa Tribune, my internet copy was splattered with recipe ingrediants!
I am a Tampa Tribune reader.
Thanks
Martin Yan was one of the two chefs who inspired me to start cooking and stop eating out Chinese so much. I received the Yan Can Cook Book in 1989. This was because I watched the two chefs on Bay Area TV back then. Top-class cooking and he had fun in the kitchen. I still have the book, of course.
Look forward to your column every week. You’ve become another great resource for the Chef’s I work with every week.I’ve borrowed many ideas from you since moving here. Kogi’s was a smash!!
I’m a Tampa Tribune reader.Glad to find out that Mr.Yan is genuinely real and caring, not just famous. And he is right on in his endorsement of you.
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN IMPRESSED BY AND LIKED MARTIN YAN WHEN I’VE SEEN HIM ON TV,AFTER READING YOUR ARTICLE I AM GLAD TO FIND THAT HE REALLY IS AS NICE AS I SUSPECTED1
Dear Jaden,
I always read your food and recipe column in the Tampa Tribune and love your flair for writing and your information about food. Chef Martin Yan’s recipe today for Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews along with the photograph excited my food cells which are now calling for me to try making the dish. Chef Yan is such fun and has an excellent philosophy about life to cope with the many challenges life brings.
Keep writing and Best Wishes with the sale of your new book. Regards, Bonnie
Martin Yan always made cooking fun, my husband and kids enjoyed watching his shows as much as I did and they certainly enjoyed the food! (I’m a Tampa Tribune reader).
I am famous in my family for my fajitas and the recipe is actually an adaptation from on of Martin Yan’s cookbooks from over 15 years ago! I’ve been a fan for a long, long time!
ALWAYS FUN TO SEE MARTIN YAN IN THE KITCHEN. HE MAKES COOKING FUN AND ALWAYS IS INFORMATIVE, MUCH LIKE YOUR ARTICLES IN THE TRIBUNE.
I remember my mom walking in on me in the kitchen one afternoon, just in time to see me chop a nice piece of fingernail into the onion I was attempting to dice with some of Martin’s skill and flair. She took my knife away. I went back to watching Yan Can Cook. Martin Yan is da bomb with a knife. I’m more like a dud firecracker 😀
Martin Yan is awesome! I’ve never seen anyone carve a chicken so quickly!
I’ve always drooled over the delicious dishes Chef Yan cooked on his PBS show. His humor and enthusiasm were an added bonus! I’m so envious of his amazing knife skills!
I’ve always loved watching Yan Can Cook! on PBS with my mom. We’re Chinese, too, and he was always so entertaining and funny (not to mention the food was always stellar)!
I grew up watching Chef Yan on TV and had always admired him for his culinary skills – fantastic chef who happens to also have a great sense of humour! 🙂
I love Martin Yan! Yan Can Cook was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid. My parents (we’re Chinese) heartily approved.
Martin Yan is my kitchen hero! I love him so much i even named my blog ‘Zen Can Cook’. I wanted to be born as a talented Chinese chef but i got lost in the innerstate and took the wrong exit… France. Oh well, nobody’s perfect. Next life maybe!
You are amazing Martin!
My mom, who I think is the greatest cook in the world, always said Yan was phenomenal and said his knife skills were out-of-this-world.
Wow! Martin Yan takes me back to my childhood. Almost every Saturday afternoon my Dad and I would watch Yan Can Cook on PBS! I always thought he was so funny!
How wonderful! Martin Yan was one of the first chefs I watched on PBS years ago – his recipes are delicious!
Martin Yan is the reason I started cooking. My mother couldn’t cook, so I watched Mr. Yan, and practiced whatever he did.
Oh I love this man! I, like many other here, watched his shows as a child on PBS. He helped inspire me to learn how to cook, and I still look to him for recipes and cooking guidance.
When I was a child I loved watching Yan Can Cook on PBS. I used to play ‘cooking show’ with my brother and sister.
I used to love to watch the cooking shows like the Frugal Gourmet and Yan Can Cook when growing up and Martin was one of my favorites. I remember watching him make noodles by hand and being amazed.
Martin Yan is similarly my hero. I felt a little emotional for you, Jaden, when I read the quote he wrote for your book. Chef Yan, you made me want to learn to cook Chinese food! Thanks for bringing me back to my own people!
What a great recipe. I am growing my first thai basil in my apartment windowsill and this seems like the perfect first recipe to use it in. Martin, you are an inspiration. As a haole girl growing up in Hawaii surrounded by tons of Asian aunties and tutus (grandmas) who cooked amazing food, my fascination with cooking was very Asian focused. I remember the first time I saw you chop a cucumber with lightning speed and decided you were the ultimate ninja of chefs. Thank you for the joy you have brought to cooking for so many of us.
I remember watching him growing up and drooling over his food..
Where have I been? I’m not familiar with Martin Yan’s books, but from all the rave reviews, I need to take a look at them.
The first cooking show I followed was Yan Can Cook!
Just love Martin Yan—watched him on PBS with my German Mom, and she loved him too. I especially like his travel shows, back to China.
Hi! 🙂 I enjoy following your blog , and I also enjoy cooking Martin Yan’s recipes as well. I look forward to more great recipes in the future! Thank you for sharing your culinary experiences with me and other online readers.
I love Martin Yan! Whenever his TV show was on, I would yell, “Mom, Yan Can Cook!” and my little Chinese mother would come running so we could watch it together.
I have several Martin Yan books and look to these for wonderful new receipts. Yay Martin.
That. is. AWESOME. You got a great quote for your book from Martin Yan! He’s the ?? when it comes to Chinese cooking. Nicely done!
He is the Master of Chinese Cooking. The first ever cook show I seen by a Chinese when I was very young. It make us chinese proud seeing him, conquering a space in the western cyber cooking world. “Yan can cook”. That brings back memories. To attract a kid to watch cook shows is not that easy. That is how good, funny and amusing he is. I dun blame Jaden as a fan-stalker. If I were her, I will be watching with mouth open, saliva dropping 🙂
When other kids were watching cartoons on Saturday morning, I was watching cooking shows on PBS. Hands down my favorite show was “Yan Can Cook!!” His show was the first to really sparked my interest because I found it so entertaining to watch and the end product always looked so yummy. His catch phrase and voice still rings in my ears and I think about his delightful smile that brightened up the whole room through the television screen. I always love his enthusiasm and excitement for cooking. Every time someone compliments my cooking I tell them, “Everything I know about cooking I learned from my mom and watching cooking shows.”
Martin – I have always enjoyed watching you cook. You’re amazing and I can’t wait to see your new cookbook. I tried to do some knife tricks but nearly lost a finger. I’ll leave it to you!
I loved watching Martin Yan when I was a kid! He made cooking interesting, fun, and exciting… I yearned (and still yearn) for his crazy knife skills.
I LOVE Martin Yan. Jaden, if I was in your shoes, I probably would have acted just as “girly-giddy”, as you put it. That dish does look delicious too!
Martin, your food ALWAYS looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try some of the new recipes in your book!
You introduced my mother to Chinese cooking and forever saved me from the boredom of overdone roast beef.
I used to love watching Martin Yan on PBS. He had just the right mix of expertise and goofiness.
I’ve been a huge fan of Yan Can Cook for a long time now! As far as carving a chicken goes, if I can ever achieve his speed and precision, I think I’ll faint out of shock. Seriously. Wow.
Congrats on the cookbook!
I loved watching Martin Yan on PBS.
My favorite knife is a Martin Yan knife!
I’m super excited to see this recipe – this is the only Thai dish my dad will eat so I’ll be giving it a whirl next time I see him. Very exciting! Would be fantastic to win his book so I can try out a few other things on him as well 🙂
I would soooo love to win a copy of your cookbook, Mr. Yan! And Jaden, I can’t wait til the fall so I can buy *your* cookbook! 🙂
Back when we lived in CA, He had a little asian fast food type restaurant right by us. My parents were in town so I took them there for lunch one day and who was to show up while we were enjoying our food! The man himself – Martin Yan! He came to our table, briefly chatted, took pics and gave my son an autographed pic in his name. Too cool! I have an older cook book of his, so a signed new one would be fantastic!
I(heart)Martin Yan, and would love a book.
What a pleasant surprise to read about you and Martin Yan. Like so many, I watched him on PBS before there were too many cooking shows and I have one of his early cookbooks. Such a cute sense of humor he has!! Thanks for posting…and doesn’t he look great?!!!
I would LOVE a Martin Yan book!!!
I am Chinese and my mom and I used to snuggle up in her bed when I was little and watch Martin Yan’s cooking show on our local PBS station. I’d then watch my mom use her cleaver and was amazed by how Yan Can Cook! cooked exactly like my mom. Now as a grown woman when I see him on television or when I cooking one of the recipes I remember seeing as a little girl, I get that same comfy feeling…
I shit you not, Martin Yan was the sole reason I started cooking, and then got me on the culinary career path. Sadly (sort of, I have a better paying job and more free time to cook for pleasure) I can no longer cook professionally (personal injury) but would love an autographed copy of his book. I am also looking forward to your cookbook as well, as I have recently discovered your site and have really liked it, as well as the other affiliated sites (simply recipes, good bite, etc.), keep up the good work!
As great and entertaining as Martin Yan is, you always had the feeling that Hey, I could make that.
He made dishes that looked and were simple to make and delicious.
That’s the definition of a real pro – they make it look easy and are inspiration.
I grew up watching Yan can Cook, and his skill with a cleaver was downright amazing! Up to now my knife of choice in the kitchen is a cleaver, and due to his influence it is a multi-tasker in my kitchen. He was one of the pioneers of chinese cooking on television, and he was always a pleasure to watch as he demystified chinese cuisine. I already have several of his cookbooks, but I wouldn’t mind having one more!
I’ve always loved Martin Yan’s “shtick” when he’d be a guest on a TV show. My favorite was when he’d brag about how he could slice up one mushroom to feed the entire audience.
Just happened upon your awesome blog and stopped in my tracks when I recognized Martin Yan. I LOVED watching Yan Can Cook when I was young, especially since he was one of the very few (like three)Asian personalities on TV at the time. IMO, Martin Yan deserves the 99.9% of the credit for bringing Asian cooking into mainstream America. He should have statue somewhere 🙂
I remember watching him when I first got married (years ago). He always seemed like someone that you would want to be friends with. I loved to watch him chop!!!
I absolutely love Martin Yan! I have been a freaky fan for years and used to watch Yan Can Cook religiously! My old college boyfriend’s sister once worked with him. That is the closest association I ever got to him. I would be so excited to win his cookbook!
I think Martin Yan is SO entertaining and I would love to have one of his cook books.
I’m new to food blogs and cooking, but have really enjoyed my (now quite frequent) visits to steamykitchen and taking a turn trying new recipes on my own). Martin Yan has always amazed me by his incredible kitchen kung-fu, but more importantly what stands out is his charm and thoughtfulness as well as his fun loving personality that seems ever present. He really does live life well. I’m glad you were able to meet him and it would be lovely to own one of his cookbooks. I’m looking forward to purchasing yours in the fall! Best.
Oh yes, Yan Can Cook… LOVE that show! Back before there was food network, I was a weekend PBS addict – Martin Yan, America’s Test Kitchen, Lidia Bastianich, and of course, Julia Child. Mr. Yan’s knifework is absolutely amazing, I never tire of watching the incredible things he does with that cleaver. Thanks so much for the book giveaway!
Congratulations on your book! Martin Yan rocks.
I watched Yan Can Cook on PBS all the time! Love it!
It doesn’t matter how many times I see him carve a chicken in 19 seconds, it never fails to amaze me! I assure you, if I tried that, I’d end up with significantly fewer fingers than I have now!
I HEART Martin Yan! I remember watching his PBS shows when I was in jr high, staying home from school because I was sick, and I’d never seen anyone with such mad knife skillz. Phenomenal. And he seems like such a jolly guy, so happy, a real role model. I always loved how, after doing some crazy chive chopping thing, he’d beam a grin out to the audience, and you couldn’t help but crack a grin right back at him.
I love the way he makes me feel I really can make Asian dishes! I watch him on PBS when I can. His positive attitude is so inspirational.
Thank you, Mr. Yan!
Like many, I grew up watching Martin Yan as he introduced us to foreign sauces, meat cleavers, and woks. I remember thinking wow that guy is just tossing things in a pan and making it look so effortless. He inspires the inner asian in all of us in such a comical way.
I grew up watching Martin Yan and Julia Child on PBS as a kid. PBS was the only tv station we were allowed to watch, and I loved watching him. Martin Yan, you were a huge part of my childhood!
Wow! I’m so jealous of your fan-stalker payoff, Jaden!
Martin Yan and Julia Child were the two TV chefs I watched with my mom on public TV on the weekends when I was a child. I credit those shows with teaching me a lifelong love of food and cooking, as well as valuable techniques. Stir-frying has served me well as a busy grad student and new wife!
It’s OK, Jaden. I’ll be *your* freaky fan stalker! LOL. Congrats and well-done!!!
I remember watching Martin Yan’s show as a little kid and my brothers and I would try to imitate the things he did on the show (minus the sharp cleaver of course). Not only is he an amazing chef, but he has SUCH a nice way about him and such a positive energy. I don’t blame you for being his freaky fan stalker. 🙂
On another note, I pre-ordered your book yesterday and I’m super excited to get it… even though I’m going to have to wait until October … like… two months… which is basically forever.
I remembered watching Martin Yan as a child – in walk with Yan. That is one awesome chopping chicken kung-fu!
I remember watching Martin Yan when I was younger…I was saw in awe! And when he started making new shows in recent years I was so excited! I would love a copy of his book! 🙂
i’m a freaky-fan-stalker of YOU, Jaden.
What can I say…. up until yesterday I had never heard of Martin Yan… I live in this tiny “famous chef’s deprived” country called the Netherlands and we know Gordon and Jamie and that’s about it… But after having watched both movies I can understand why you would be a ‘freaky-fan-stalker’. I mean… wow, can that man dissect a chicken! Plus I think he’s incredibly funny..
So to Martin Yan I can say; even if I do not win your book (which – to be honest – I expect not to) I will certainly go in search of it on the internet. I certainly don’t expect it to be available in any bookstore here! Looking forward to trying the recipes!
My mom has always loved Martin Yan. I have a lot of respect and admiration towards him.
Mr. Yan is so nice! Love the smile and his awesome technique in cutting the chicken. He makes it look so easy and effortless so that everyone can do it!
Great photos in this post, especially the photo of the chicken and you with Mr. Yan :).
I’m so smitten with Martin Yan! If I don’t win a book I think I’ll go buy one. I added this recipe to my to-do list, it looks delish, Jaden! Congrats on his endorsement for your book… what a well-deserved honor.
When I was young, we got this free VCD from a supermarket (ParknShop) and it starred Martin Yan, making 9 dishes with the main ingredient being one of the ‘nine staples in a Chinese kitchen’. Me and my sister used to watch it over, over and over again because he made cooking look so easy, and the way he said things were funny
How can not be happy when Yan cooks and carves with sense of humor?!!!
Jaden, you can stalk him all you want so long as you bring back videos of Martin Yan to share with us.
🙂
Yan Can Cook was the first asian chef I saw on TV as a child. It always amazed me his ability to simplify a recipe. It’s pretty impressive you got to meet him Jaden; I would have been a freaky-fan as well. Imagine if both Ming (Tsai) and Martin were in the same room…hahaha…
Mr. Yan rocks! Since I’m pretty sure “I want to kiss your toes” is not only inappropriate but disgusting Id have to stick with letti thin know how amazing and inspiring he is.
Loved “Yan Can Cook” when I was growing up! Martin Yan is a great chef with amazing knife skills and a wonderful sense of humor!
Most unforgettable event (shown on TV) was when he was demonstrating pizza making he flip and throw the dough, it landed on one of the audience face.
omg! I even own his Cleaver and 3 of his books. May the food gods look down on me?
I am in awe of Martin’s cleaver skills, have been for years!
Since I don’t have cable, I get my food channel fix from public TV. Yan Can Cook is the drug of my choice. Mr. Yan has so much fun cooking on his show, and he makes it easy and fun! I just adore him.
Martin Yan rocks!! I too used to watch his show Yan Can Cook when I was a kid and loved watching his amazing knife skills. It looked like magic (and it still does)!
I use to be a butcher for a small time grocery store (now I am an Occupational Therapist) and I strive to carve a chicken in 15 seconds… damn. Martin Yan is amazing! My best friend and I use to watch his show all the time when we were kids! If Yan Can Cook, so can you!!!
Oh wow, I’m so jealous! I grew up watching his show as a little kid and have always been a big fan. I loved how he gave Asian people a face on TV that was fun and friendly and talented.
I love Martin Yan! And I’d love to have a signed book of his! And my husband loves Tsingtao beer! We’re all winners!!!
Martin was one of the first celebrity chefs who made cooking look easy – thanks to him I actually cook my own stir fry!
Martin Yan Can… and I can’t. That’s why I need his book! BTW, how do I pre-order a signed copy of your book Jaden?
Best,
Ed
Absolutely amazing skills, and his quote is very beautifully crafted.
I have a copy of The Joy of Wokking and The Yan Can Cook. I enjoy collecting cookbooks and would like to add an autographed copy to my collection. I wish I could cut up a chicken in 18 seconds. Thanks for all of the great recipes you have shared. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Martin, you are one of the first chefs I watched, and from you I learned that it really IS easy, and that anyone CAN do it. Thanks for making it seem simple, for showing how to prepare the dishes easily and expanding my knowledge of Asian cuisine.
Jaden, congratulations on your upcoming publication and thanks for this contest!
Martin Yan is the original… the best… la creme de la creme. He’ll always be the first television celebrity chef: A true entertainer and a timeless culinary talent.
Wow! You met Chef Martin! That’s totally awesome! I used to watch his cooking when I was a little girl 🙂
What a timely post. I not only loved watching Yan Can Cook but I just pulled A Wok for All Seasons by Martin Yan off of my bookshelf and was looking through it for recipe ideas.
I’m new to your site and have really enjoyed your posts and recipes. I can’t wait until your cookbook comes out.
My kids, now grown, and I all like “Yan-can” food — I’d love to win a cookbook.
Thanks for the fun of the contest!
Martin Yan is amazing. I learned many things watching “Yan Can Cook,” the most important being how to peel and chop ginger.
What a great post! Yan Can Cook was one of the very first cooking shows I watched regularly. I was just about to get married and PBS was starting the DIY type shows and it was Yan Can Cook and This Old House on the weekends. I lived for those shows. Martin Yan is the real deal — a wonderful chef and an entertainer!
I have found myself up until 2:30 am more then once because I notice his show on (it’s not on at normal times where I live of course). I blame him for my stir-frying skills and lack of sleep.
Jaden,
I love Martin Yan. He stoked my interest in chinese cooking, and today chinese/asian is my passion. What awesome props to have his endorsement to your wonderful collection of recipes.
Wow! Wonderful post Jaden. Your mom must be really proud of you! Since she’s learning how to use the computer, you should get her to write a blog post on here.
Chef Yan, that is some quote! You are one of my favorite chefs when it comes to cooking Asian cuisine. Since I have been living on the edge (when it comes to cooking) I am learning to try to cook more and more South East Asian cuisine. You and Jaden have helped me learn a lot and have soothed my fear of trying to cook Asian cuisine (it’s actually pretty easy!).
Believe it or not, you have taught me a lot from watching you on television and Jaden has also taught me just as much from just reading her blog. Just yesterday, she taught me a trick when it comes to cooking pot stickers- a trick that I will always use for not on (thanks Jaden!).
Hi Martin!
I first saw you on Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and I must say the way you carve up a chicken is AMAZING! I’m surprised you still have all of your fingers!
Speaking of the fan stalker thingy, are you going to give us wonderful readers of yours the opportunity to buy SIGNED copies:) ?
Martin Yan was my inspriation for cooking as well. When I was a child I would watch him on PBS. His positive attitude towards cooking really made me feel as though I could really cook too!
Thanks for the vitamin tip, Martin!
Martin Yan was the first cooking show I ever watched – and loved! He always made me laugh. And the cleaver still scares me.
I recently posted about my trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown.
http://mignardise.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-i-did-on-my-summer-vacation-part-3.html
Until I watched his shows, I always considered Chinese food to be complicated and something you ate out at a restaurant. His way of teaching made Chinese food approachable and possible to make at home! His shows are always fun and engaging!
Thanks for being an inspiration in so many ways. Not only do you create amazing food, but you’ve broken down the stereotypes of Asians in the media (as either martial artists or bad guys).
I watched Martin way back when…it must have been when Food Tv started. He really inspired me to push past my culinary exposure of cream of mushroom soup, cheese slices, and instant potatoes. Besides the fact that he is an amazing super chef, he is just really cool to watch!
Thank you, as watching hours upon hours of “Yan Can Cook” gave me the confidence to make many Asian recipes and even experiment a little. It’s so sweet that you gave that blurb for Jaden! I would be honored to have a cookbook autographed by you.
Lordy! Is this the same Martin Yan that used to have a TV show on BCTV named “Wok with Yan”, and the same Martin Yan that used to have a restaurant on North Road in Coquitlam by the same name?!?!?!?
What a great giveaway! I would love to try all of Martin Yan’s delicious recipes.
I grew up watching non-cable television. Hard to believe I know, but that’s where I first discovered cooking shows. And it was Martin Yan who made cooking fun. Fast knives, yelling at me or the audience, and the counting. The Counting!!!
I’m not a professional cook, but a savvy amateur, and I owe it to television chef’s like Chef Yan for inspiring me every night at dinner!
I always enjoyed Yan Can Cook, he made Chinese cooking look so easy and delicious……….
I remember watching Yan Can Cook on the local PBS station when I was ten years old. He not only made cooking look fun to me, but as a finicky eater, he made me look at food in a different way. That it wasn’t all about how food looks, althought that is VERY important, but also how it smells and the textures and the sounds that your food makes as it cooks. He taught me that cooking was a TOTAL package. And he made me laugh. It was a real blast from the past to see my old friend and first cooking coach again.
Thanks Jaden!!
I loved watching Martin on TV when I was little! He’s incredibly passionate and witty and just a joy to watch.
I grew up watching Yan Can Cook. I consider him my culinary superhero too!
I too grew up watching Mr. Yan on TV. I remember being 7 or 8 and asking my Mom for a wok for Christmas!
Absolutely magical…I thought I was fast…Chef Yan is lightning fast. Would love to win his book. Thank you for bringing us heavenly dishes that satisfy our ever curious palettes.
I remember watching Yan Can Cook and even as a kid, really wanting one of those fabulous cleavers! I was sure that if I only had that knife, I could do everything he could! He was an inspiration for me. Sadly however, even though I have a great cleaver, I can’t cut up a chicken in 19 seconds (at least not retaining all my fingers).
Thanks Jaden and Martin for inspiring us all to beautiful, easy and tasty Asian cuisine!
Wowsers! While I resent titles like “Chinese for Dummies”, he has done quite a lot for the cuisine. And he can slay a dead chix in 18 seconds. Impressive!
If yan can, I can! A great show. A great guy.
Martin is great! He went to my undergrad school, UC Davis, and he also spoke at my commencement ceremony in 2004 🙂
Oops! Yan Can Cook not Wok with Yan. I always confuse the two. Embarrassed.
Jaden!
How exciting for you to not only have met your “culinary superhero” Martin Yen, but to have him say “Jaden Hair delivers beautiful, simple and delicious food that will bring family and friends to your table. She is the real deal who learned from the best, her mom. – Martin Yan.”
An endorsement from Martin Yen combined with your amazing recipes and photographs will have your cookbook flying off the shelves!
Continued success as your star continues to rise!
Sandi
Just moved to the U.S., so I’m not familiar with Mr. Yan’s work, but this looks amazing!!!!
Hi Martin Yan! I still remember watching “Wok with Yan” when I was a little girl. You were the first tv chef I knew and I beam with excitement whenever I see you on tv again.
Chinese for Dummies (and you) have been my inspiration for a while now. Thanks for making Chinese cuisine available to chefs of all levels 🙂
Wow, the Thai Basil Chicken looks delicious! Ive recently started attempting to cook everything on my own without using the season packets found in the supermarket. They are convenient and easy, but I want authentic. I love how simple this recipe is.
Martin Yan is amazing. Even before I ever considered cooking a thing when I was a kid I would watch his show. I love watching people enjoy themselves and he always seems to be having fun no matter what he’s doing!
Martin Yan is one of the original great TV chefs, without he and many of the other PBS originals, there would be no Food Network or Top Chef or many of the other cooking programming we have to easily accessible. Thanks Martin!
Hi Martin, longtime fan – nice job on that chicken!
I totally grew up watching Martin Yan cook on tv! To me, he is the original Top Chef/Food Network Star/Emeril. Not only does he have an entertaining cooking style, he actually cooks tasty food! I also love the way he slices and whacks pieces of meat for his stir fry.
I have been watching Martin Yan cook for years. “If Yan can cook, so can you”!
As I am new to gluten free cooking, I would love to have one of Mr. Yan’s cookbooks…full of meat and veggie combinations that I CAN eat.
WOW!
I attribute my love for cooking to my mom pestering me out of the kitchen (creating even more allure)and to the PBS shows hosted by Martin Yan, Jacques Pepin, and Julia Childs. They all contributed to the foundation for my love of preparing and serving food.