@@RyanHarris77 Yeah he sadly passed away March this year. The official anouncement was because of a lung disease. Couldn't believe it myself. Kenichi still had a small presence occasionally doing guest spots at Jp shows every now and then. Kinda ironic that the 2 youngest Iron Chefs were the first to pass away.. we lost Masahiko Kobe a few years back.
I am sorry to hear that Chef Chen has passed. He was my favorite Iron Chef. Seeing him here I was reminded of his friendliness and humor, as well as skill, when on the show. Here he projects even more of his patience and really engages me. Find peace and joy in the hereafter Sir, you will be missed.
I was lucky enough to eat at his restaurant in Nagoya, Japan 16 years ago and had this exact dish. It was one of the best dining experience of my life. RIP Chen.
@HachikoThePoochInugami Iron Chef Kobe died from being hit in the head trying to get stuff down from a high shelf in his restaurant. Chen died from interstitial lung disease a type of lung cancer.
Chef Chen is in my humble opinion, the BEST iron chef, nigh unbeatable in his ability to improvise, create, and deliver amazing flavors EVERY time he cooks. 5/5 so happy this video exists, he's so knowledgeable/passionate! I hope I can make this for myself one day! Looks amazing!!!
He really was the best of all the Iron Chefs. I have tried to make his Mapo Tofu, which was one of Chairman Kaga's 20 best dishes from the entire show, but I have had only a small degree of success, because I didn't have access to the video till now. I think I may be able to do a better job now! Thanks a million, Chen-san.
Mapo tofu is my favorite Chinese food. I’ve made that about 3 or 4 times. I can’t wait to make it again using Iron Chef Chen’s recipe from his cookbook
I watched this majestic man on Iron Chef for years, probably overall my favorite of the iron chefs, as I was watching the one that came to the US dubbed, I have never really heard his voice... it's so... chipper? He just seems so happy to talk about what seems to be one of his favorite foods, all of the steps, from which ingredient to use and how/why to use it, just a pleasant tone of someone who still loves cooking, I was unaware he passed and the world is a bit crappier for his passing, but I will always have him flipping that gigantic pancake that required him to bring the wok all the way to the stadium floor for him to catch it, perfectly... because of course he did.
RIP Chef Chen. Thanks for all the iron chef memories & great recipes. We will continue to cook your food in your honour. Arigato! I'm just so sad though... He is one of the best of the best.
Watching this video and subscribing is totally worth it. I've seen a lot of mapo tofu video recipes but this is the first time I've seen the thing about trying the pork until you get clear oil. Also, the method with cutting scallions is priceless. And that was two out of about six things I learned. Great video and channel!
Such passion and dedication to his methods. He truly was a great master at his craft. Showing the visual telegraphing of the tofu blew my mind; what a subtle detail to check for.
Iron Chef Chen set me off on what has become a lifelong love of the cuisines of Asia. China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, I could keep going on for days. Rest well Chef, your legacy will last a century if not longer.
I have made Mapo Tofu several times. However I am humbled to learn the proper technique from the master, Chef Chen Kenichi. Thank you Chef for your years of service. We miss you!
RIP Chef Chen...Thank you for your recipe. (BTW. I am English speaking Japanese. He says he recommends softer (Kinu) Tofu for his Mapo tofu in this video, for the record. Yes, Generally Momen Tofu is used.)
Like what other commenters say, I learn so many valuable skills from this chef. Everything from making sure the oil from the pork is clear to pinching the starch to how to prep the scallions (no garlic leaf here, so must use garlic cloves) to boiling the tofu until it jumps to how to regulate the heat to how to use the ladle. Thank you, Chef!
I've learned more from this video about cooking than years of watching TH-cam videos. He has so many little tricks and tips!!! It doesn't seem like much but I guarantee all those add up at the end to make something impossibly fantastic! RIP. you were my favorite iron chef.
after watching dozens of videos on the udonsoba channel where they profile chinese restaurants in japan this is exactly how all of them make mapo tofu. cant wait to try this one!! no way that is only 1 tbsp of doubanjiang, looks more like 3-4. this video is making my mouth water.
The legendary iron chef Chinese. Looks like his version of this mapo tofu has gone thru the evolution of time with so many spices added now. And simply put, looks amazing now. I'm sure, being from the legendary chef that he is, the taste would be amazing too
Love It. Did not know Kenichi Ken had passed. Many fond memories of the original Iron Chef show. They were the best, much more entertaining than the adaptations that came later. The recipie looks amazing, I love spicy foods but I fear that much sechuan pepper would have me numb from top to bottom!
I'm going to make mapo tofu and follow maybe half these steps right and it will be the most amazing thing I've ever cooked. I wish I could taste the real one.
Probably a little different from traditional Chinese mapo tofu, but it looks like highly refined japanese version of the original. Also i love the personality and the energy the chef has. It's unfortunate he had passed away.
Mapo tofu is my absolute favorite dish of all time. Esp when I have a cold. RIP Chef Chen, you were always the best of the Iron Chefs. Humble, but super talented. Saw a vlog where they went to your son's restaurant in Singapore. It looked 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have a recipe I love, but the techniques shown here really helped me take it to the next level and were transferable to many other recipes, improving those too. What a great lesson. RIP Chen!
I am devastated to learn this way that this amazing Chef has passed away. Thank you for this amazing demonstration of how to cook one of my favorite and most treasured dishes. Rest in peace
That trick with the pork oil ? Life changing! I never even thought of it like that. Very cool. Anyone know if there are any Hiuyoki Sakai vids like this out there?
Chef Chen ichibanme! I spent many years studying you and the other iron chefs on the show. You are such an inspiration to me. Great to see you and great to learn some more of your iron chef techniques!!! Gumbodi ChenSan👍
This great chef had made everything a science, the order of adding ingredients, how you can tell if the tofu is perfectly cooked when the fire should be high r off, how to cut the vegetables, even how to use the ladle, and at what points to add spice. This is the best video out of the 3 I have seen on how to make ma po. My appreciation to this great chef.
The parts I learned was to boil the tofu before stir frying it which releases the moisture first so the sauce can be better absorbed. Second was adding in the corn starch mix gradually so that the sauce has thickened consistency.
I was in Japan last week and this restaurant was well within my hotel. Wow, I wish I had gone. It feels that a lot of places that serve mapo tofu in Japan lack heat and don't use the numbing szechuan perppercorns, which feels disappointing as I really enjoy this dish. This looked super good and made me wanna try again making mapo tofu at home.
I watched quite a lot of Iron Chef when I was young, and I just realized I've never really heard them actually talk since there were dubs overlayed on their voice.
I am such an idiot. Been making this dish for years and never looked to see if there was a recipe on TH-cam from the master himself. Usually, I play recipes at 1.5 to 1.75x speed but not this man, could watch and listen to him for hours
![[ENG SUB] How to Make the Ultimate Mapo Tofu | The Iron Chef Chen Kenichi](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VbZxN0sKuVg/mqdefault.jpg)
RIP Chen, thank you for all the Iron Chef battles and teaching us how to make your signature Mapo Tofu
He’s dead?! He was my second or third favorite Iron Chef.
@@RyanHarris77 Yeah, passed away in May this year I think.
@@RyanHarris77 Yeah he sadly passed away March this year. The official anouncement was because of a lung disease. Couldn't believe it myself. Kenichi still had a small presence occasionally doing guest spots at Jp shows every now and then.
Kinda ironic that the 2 youngest Iron Chefs were the first to pass away.. we lost Masahiko Kobe a few years back.
@@RocKM001 Yep, we've lost Chen and Kobe but Sakai, Ishinabe, and Michiba are still alive and kicking.
@@shadowtheimpureyo what!!! Michiba is still around?? Man was ancient in the 90s lol good for him
I always loved Chef Chen the most out of all the Iron Chefs. He had such a sparkling personality. I'm so glad his son is continuing the legacy.
R.I.P Chen Kenichi. You are one of the most impressive chef in iron chef.
I love how he explains the rationale for all the steps while not being pushy or demeaning. He's as great a teacher as he is a chef.
That's the difference between cooking a recipe and a master chef's demonstration. This is a master class in cooking techniques.
I am sorry to hear that Chef Chen has passed. He was my favorite Iron Chef.
Seeing him here I was reminded of his friendliness and humor, as well as skill, when on the show. Here he projects even more of his patience and really engages me.
Find peace and joy in the hereafter Sir, you will be missed.
I just find that out today in this vid too 😢 he was my favourite Iron Chef!
Iron Chef Kenichi never aged!!!
RIP Chef. A true legend. One of the all time greats.
I was lucky enough to eat at his restaurant in Nagoya, Japan 16 years ago and had this exact dish. It was one of the best dining experience of my life. RIP Chen.
It brings joy to see him comfortable and well. Rest in peace to a legend, the last Iron Chef.
All Iron Chefs Japanese and French are still alive. How ironic that those younger Iron Chefs died first 😭
@@LuciferLizardo RIP Kobe-san... ;-;
@HachikoThePoochInugami Iron Chef Kobe died from being hit in the head trying to get stuff down from a high shelf in his restaurant. Chen died from interstitial lung disease a type of lung cancer.
RIP to the greatest Chinese chef ever. Thank you Chen for years of pleasure.
Chef Chen is in my humble opinion, the BEST iron chef, nigh unbeatable in his ability to improvise, create, and deliver amazing flavors EVERY time he cooks. 5/5 so happy this video exists, he's so knowledgeable/passionate! I hope I can make this for myself one day! Looks amazing!!!
He really was the best of all the Iron Chefs. I have tried to make his Mapo Tofu, which was one of Chairman Kaga's 20 best dishes from the entire show, but I have had only a small degree of success, because I didn't have access to the video till now. I think I may be able to do a better job now! Thanks a million, Chen-san.
It's good to see him. Legendary Iron Chef Chen
He had passed away on 11 March 2023 😭😭
I loved the edm when he was talking about the tofu dancing, very funny
I love Chen. Rest in peace. This video shows how a great teacher he was.
We'll miss you and your wonderful cooking, Chen-san! 😭🍜
Singularly amazing chef, but seemingly an even better teacher
Mapo tofu is my favorite Chinese food. I’ve made that about 3 or 4 times. I can’t wait to make it again using Iron Chef Chen’s recipe from his cookbook
RIP Chef. Your Mapo Tofu is the best. I go visit his restaurant every now and then. 10/10
I watched this majestic man on Iron Chef for years, probably overall my favorite of the iron chefs, as I was watching the one that came to the US dubbed, I have never really heard his voice... it's so... chipper? He just seems so happy to talk about what seems to be one of his favorite foods, all of the steps, from which ingredient to use and how/why to use it, just a pleasant tone of someone who still loves cooking, I was unaware he passed and the world is a bit crappier for his passing, but I will always have him flipping that gigantic pancake that required him to bring the wok all the way to the stadium floor for him to catch it, perfectly... because of course he did.
RIP Chef Chen. Thanks for all the iron chef memories & great recipes. We will continue to cook your food in your honour. Arigato! I'm just so sad though... He is one of the best of the best.
Watching this video and subscribing is totally worth it. I've seen a lot of mapo tofu video recipes but this is the first time I've seen the thing about trying the pork until you get clear oil. Also, the method with cutting scallions is priceless. And that was two out of about six things I learned. Great video and channel!
That's basically how Chinese will stir-fry any type of minced meat. I cry when I see a wet äss wypipo "stir-fry" LOL
Yep the clear oil caught me off guard too and I've learned something new today. One the iron chef that he is
This man is an international treasure. He clearly loves and lives to cook.
Watch the master in action. Tastes Marvelous, this dish is one of his master pieces.
Such passion and dedication to his methods. He truly was a great master at his craft. Showing the visual telegraphing of the tofu blew my mind; what a subtle detail to check for.
Been watching Mapo Tofu videos... This one is by far the best.
Iron Chef Chen set me off on what has become a lifelong love of the cuisines of Asia. China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, I could keep going on for days. Rest well Chef, your legacy will last a century if not longer.
I have made Mapo Tofu several times. However I am humbled to learn the proper technique from the master, Chef Chen Kenichi. Thank you Chef for your years of service. We miss you!
RIP Chef Chen. Thank you for teaching us to cook wonderful dishes. I wish I could have met you in person.
This is why he's the Iron Chef!
A true gentleman and source of information. Rest in peace good sir
RIP Chef Chen...Thank you for your recipe.
(BTW. I am English speaking Japanese. He says he recommends softer (Kinu) Tofu for his Mapo tofu in this video, for the record. Yes, Generally Momen Tofu is used.)
RIP, Chen-san. Thank you for the memories!
Like what other commenters say, I learn so many valuable skills from this chef. Everything from making sure the oil from the pork is clear to pinching the starch to how to prep the scallions (no garlic leaf here, so must use garlic cloves) to boiling the tofu until it jumps to how to regulate the heat to how to use the ladle.
Thank you, Chef!
Looks incredibly delicious! Such a natural teacher.
The man.
The myth.
The legend.
RIP Chen. You were THE Iron Chef.
RIP chen kenichi, one of the best chef and definitely the best teacher 🙏
I've learned more from this video about cooking than years of watching TH-cam videos.
He has so many little tricks and tips!!! It doesn't seem like much but I guarantee all those add up at the end to make something impossibly fantastic!
RIP. you were my favorite iron chef.
The level of detail and passion he uses in explaining every step. What a marvelous teacher this man was. RIP.
Finally detailed instructions and tricks from the master himself.
after watching dozens of videos on the udonsoba channel where they profile chinese restaurants in japan this is exactly how all of them make mapo tofu. cant wait to try this one!! no way that is only 1 tbsp of doubanjiang, looks more like 3-4. this video is making my mouth water.
Yay, It's Chef Chen! His Mapo Tofu looks absolutely incredible! I need to go to Shisen Hanten the next time that I'm in Tokyo!
So this is the first time I am hearing Chef Chen’s voice and not a dub.. quite moving. Rip Chen..thanks for being our iron chef
The legendary iron chef Chinese. Looks like his version of this mapo tofu has gone thru the evolution of time with so many spices added now. And simply put, looks amazing now. I'm sure, being from the legendary chef that he is, the taste would be amazing too
Phenomenal, the nuggets of wisdom and technique were amazing!
🙏🏽Chef Chen
Love It. Did not know Kenichi Ken had passed. Many fond memories of the original Iron Chef show. They were the best, much more entertaining than the adaptations that came later.
The recipie looks amazing, I love spicy foods but I fear that much sechuan pepper would have me numb from top to bottom!
RIP Chen Kenichi, we will miss you
Glad to have stumbled on this channel since I still watch the OG Iron Chef every now and then, but is also saddened that Chen Kenichi already left us.
First time watching him and i see why the comments are so positive ! I would try his recipe !
I'd literally give anything to eat Chef's mapo!!!
Watching this at 11pm and all I can think is now I want some Mapo Tofu... Good reminder to boil the tofu. I keep forgetting to do that when I make it.
I ate Chen mapo tofu in Singapore bouna vista. Yummy unique . Different from our local version more tomato style sauce savory
Authentic Sichuanese mapo tofu does NOT include tomatoes LOL
Tomato is a umami. Boiled in soup extra creates fascinating taste. I saw yesterday ramen broth add tomato
This will be a must watch. These guys were legends.
I'm going to make mapo tofu and follow maybe half these steps right and it will be the most amazing thing I've ever cooked. I wish I could taste the real one.
One of my favorite dish to eat! RIP Chen, you were an awesome Iron Chef I remember watching!
Very entertaining, his humor is perfect, as the dish. Mouth watering.
The best video filled with important, hard to find techniques.
A master at work. Such great technique and attention to detail
You can learn alot from him what a great teacher he was❤
RIP Chen Kenichi
Probably a little different from traditional Chinese mapo tofu, but it looks like highly refined japanese version of the original.
Also i love the personality and the energy the chef has. It's unfortunate he had passed away.
It is believed that when his father came to Japan, he arranged it for the Japanese
Chen Chef, you were a genius!
His version is layers of flavours. Wow. Thank you Chef Chen for sharing your techniques!
Mapo tofu is my absolute favorite dish of all time. Esp when I have a cold. RIP Chef Chen, you were always the best of the Iron Chefs. Humble, but super talented. Saw a vlog where they went to your son's restaurant in Singapore. It looked 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I have a recipe I love, but the techniques shown here really helped me take it to the next level and were transferable to many other recipes, improving those too. What a great lesson. RIP Chen!
I am devastated to learn this way that this amazing Chef has passed away. Thank you for this amazing demonstration of how to cook one of my favorite and most treasured dishes. Rest in peace
Whenever I go back to Japan, I'm definitely checking out one of his restaurants. Hopefully next spring 🤞
Please come to Japan!
That trick with the pork oil ? Life changing! I never even thought of it like that. Very cool. Anyone know if there are any Hiuyoki Sakai vids like this out there?
Chef Chen ichibanme! I spent many years studying you and the other iron chefs on the show. You are such an inspiration to me. Great to see you and great to learn some more of your iron chef techniques!!! Gumbodi ChenSan👍
Thank you for everything, Chef Chen!
I think this is the best mapo tofu i ever seen..
This great chef had made everything a science, the order of adding ingredients, how you can tell if the tofu is perfectly cooked when the fire should be high r off, how to cut the vegetables, even how to use the ladle, and at what points to add spice. This is the best video out of the 3 I have seen on how to make ma po. My appreciation to this great chef.
Just made this dish, it was the tastiest food I've had in a while. Amazing!
fantastic. I should go back to learning Nihongo. I got about 70% of that.
Will he demonstrate his famous Prawns in Chili Sauce soon? Or is that a closely-guarded secret?
The man is dead
RIP, chef. You are a legend.
The parts I learned was to boil the tofu before stir frying it which releases the moisture first so the sauce can be better absorbed. Second was adding in the corn starch mix gradually so that the sauce has thickened consistency.
Wonderful recepie and what a lovely chef with full respect for the ingrediences, I will try this tomorrow :)
I was in Japan last week and this restaurant was well within my hotel. Wow, I wish I had gone.
It feels that a lot of places that serve mapo tofu in Japan lack heat and don't use the numbing szechuan perppercorns, which feels disappointing as I really enjoy this dish.
This looked super good and made me wanna try again making mapo tofu at home.
So many interesting and different mapo tofu recipes. Always something new to learn from all of them. This one is excellent.
Legend
Its such a delicious Mapo toufu !Iam a Chinese so I can tell. But maybe it not easy for the beginners.
Can’t wait for the binders! Awesome cards👌
the mightiest iron chef
May he rest in peace....you will never be forgotten by your fans in the 🇺🇸... So sad to hear of your passing 🙏🙏🙏
I watched quite a lot of Iron Chef when I was young, and I just realized I've never really heard them actually talk since there were dubs overlayed on their voice.
Awesome. Such loving care.
This is sheer art!
I'd love to learn about the stew you made when you battled Kobayashi's son!
He and Morimoto is the hardest working chef, always get challenged
still cant believe he's gone. I bet Sakai was in tears when he heard the news. Not to mention, he was my favorite iron chefs.
The son of god of szechuan iron chef chen
I don't forget him because i have job Chinese food in Thailand with his menu thanks evening 😢😢😢😢😢😢
RIP Chef Chen Kenichi!! ❤❤❤
R.I.P Chen Kenichi.
Perfection.
I am such an idiot. Been making this dish for years and never looked to see if there was a recipe on TH-cam from the master himself. Usually, I play recipes at 1.5 to 1.75x speed but not this man, could watch and listen to him for hours
Rest in peace 😢🙏
You're my inspiration in me becoming a chef. Rest in Peace
Спасибо за видео шеф