Martin Yan's motto has always been, "If Yan can, you can, too!" Yan's mission is to teach his television viewers and cookbook readers that cooking can be fun, quick, and easy. "You don't have to be an expert to make delicious food," he says.
Martin Yan grew up in Guangzhou, China, amid the aromas and tastes of his parents' restaurant and grocery. He went to Hong Kong at age 13 to apprentice in a restaurant, and later studied nutrition at the University of California at Davis. While helping a friend in Canada launch a restaurant, Yan was invited to be a guest on a television morning show, which led to an offer to host his own cooking show. He first appeared on PBS in 1978 as the host of Yan Can Cook. He was nominated for the 2004 James Beard Award for Best National Television Cooking Show.
Q&A with Martin Yan:
Who shaped the way you think about food?
Mostly my mom, when I was growing up in China. She is a true frugal gourmet who can turn simple, limited ingredients into wonderful meals.
With whom would you like to cook?
All the TV cooking show hosts at the same time for a spectacular fund-raising event.
Whom would you like to have cook for you?
Jacques Pepin. He is fun and a true craftsman.
What do you wish your kitchen had?
Basically, I have everything I need in my kitchen. But I would like to have a professional wok countertop.
What's your most indispensable tool, cookbook, or piece of equipment?
My trusted Chinese chef's knife.
What's in your fridge right now?
I always keep a variety of traditional Chinese ingredients in the fridge, such as Szechuan pickle, dried shrimp, and tofu.
What are your top three pantry staples?
Soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce.
What is your favorite dish?
Simple steamed fish with ginger and green onions.
What are your healthy eating strategies?
Forget about crash diets; just eat a well-balanced diet, and eat in moderation.
What's your favorite indulgence?
Chocolate of any kind, in any form.
What's your favorite restaurant?
Japanese sushi bars.
What food or food trend do you think is overrated?
The Asian fusion craze.
What do you want to eat when you're sick?
Simply a bowl of jook (a rich rice porridge).
Having tried it once, what will you happily never eat again?
Gigantic bat from mountain caves.
