Martin Yan

🇨🇳 China · Chinese cuisine · b. 1948

The Hong Kong–born chef whose 'Yan Can Cook' brought Chinese home cooking to two generations of American TV viewers.

Biography

Martin Yan is a Hong Kong-born Chinese-American chef whose PBS series 'Yan Can Cook' ran from 1982 until the 2010s and remains one of the longest-running cookery programmes in American television history. With his catchphrase 'If Yan can cook, so can you!' he taught millions of American viewers Cantonese stir-fries, dim sum, dumplings and regional Chinese dishes with patience, humour and astonishing knife skills.

Trained in Hong Kong under master chefs and credentialed by the Hospitality Industry Training Authority, Yan brought academic rigour to TV cooking — many episodes included historical context and culinary technique most Western chefs of the era didn't know.

He has written 30+ cookbooks and remains an active educator and ambassador for Chinese cuisine, with later series like 'Martin Yan's China' and 'Spice Kingdom' covering regional Chinese cooking from Sichuan to the Silk Road.

Cooking Philosophy

Demystify Chinese cooking. Yan argues that Chinese home cooking is fundamentally accessible — most family dishes use a handful of pantry staples (soy sauce, ginger, garlic, scallions) and basic techniques (stir-fry, steam, braise) that any home cook can learn in an afternoon.

Restaurants

M.Y. China
San Francisco (closed)
Yan's San Francisco fine-dining Chinese restaurant in the Westfield Centre.

Awards & Recognition

2 Daytime Emmys
James Beard Award
Order of British Columbia (Canada)

Iconic Dishes

Cantonese stir-friesDim sumLive dumpling demosCleaver knife skills

Cookbooks

Martin Yan's Chinatown Cooking
Chinese Cooking for Dummies
Martin Yan's China

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Signature Recipes Inspired by Martin

Original recipes we created as homages to Martin's cooking style and signature dishes. Not direct reproductions of any copyrighted material — these are our interpretations of the traditionsMartin has worked with throughout their career.

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Cantonese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry — Martin Yan-Inspired

Velvet-marinated beef and crisp broccoli in a glossy oyster-soy sauce — Cantonese stir-fry mastered in 10 minutes flat.

20m prep · 8m cook · ⭐ 4.8

Recipes in Martin's Style

These recipes from our database reflect the chinese cooking tradition that Martin works in. They are not direct reproductions of Martin's copyrighted recipes, but traditional dishes inspired by the same culinary heritage.

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Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles – Spicy Sesame Noodles with Pork and Chilli Oil

15 prep · 15 cook · ⭐ 4.8

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Char Siu Pork

20 prep · 40 cook · ⭐ 4.7

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Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)

20 prep · 15 cook · ⭐ 4.8

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Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

10 prep · 20 cook · ⭐ 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions about Martin Yan

How long did 'Yan Can Cook' run?

'Yan Can Cook' ran from 1982 to roughly 2014 across multiple incarnations, making it one of the longest-running cookery programmes in American TV history. It aired in over 70 countries at its peak and won two Daytime Emmys.

Is Martin Yan still cooking?

Yes — Yan continues to host travel-cooking series for PBS and Asian broadcasters, including later seasons focused on regional Chinese cuisines and Asian street food.