Simply Ming Season 15 Episode 14 Chris Hastings

Chef Ming Tsai welcomes James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Hastings to the kitchen in this episode of Simply Ming. Hastings is the executive chef and owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama, and is known for his innovative take on Southern cuisine.

The two chefs begin the episode with a friendly competition to make the best pork belly dish. Hastings opts for a smoked pork belly with a sweet and savory glaze, while Ming goes for a crispy pork belly with a tangy lime and garlic sauce. Both dishes impress, but only one can be declared the winner.

Next up, Hastings shares his recipe for shrimp gumbo. He starts by making a roux with flour and oil, then adds in vegetables, spices, and Andouille sausage. He finishes the dish with plump Gulf shrimp and serves it over steaming-hot rice.

Ming then puts his spin on the classic dish with a seafood gumbo featuring clams, mussels, and calamari. He starts by making a shellfish broth with shrimp shells, then adds in a roux and the rest of the ingredients. The resulting dish is a flavor-packed twist on a beloved Southern staple.

For their final dishes, the chefs collaborate on a surf-and-turf dish that showcases the best of both land and sea. Hastings prepares a steak with a tangy chimichurri sauce, while Ming serves up a grilled lobster tail with a garlic-cilantro butter. The two dishes come together beautifully, creating a show-stopping plate that highlights the chefs' creativity and skill.

Throughout the episode, Hastings and Ming share stories about their respective culinary journeys, discussing their inspirations and approaches to cooking. The two chefs also discuss the importance of using high-quality ingredients and supporting local farmers and producers.

Overall, this episode of Simply Ming is a celebration of Southern cuisine and the creativity and skill of both Chef Chris Hastings and Chef Ming Tsai. Viewers will be inspired to try their hand at classic Southern dishes with a twist, and to explore new ingredients and flavor combinations in their own cooking.