Season 8

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.