Sam the Cooking Guy

March 21, 2022
In this pleasing follow-up to Recipes with Intentional Leftovers, YouTube chef Zien does away with utensils to offer an assemblage of literally handy recipes. Tacos filled with Nashville hot chicken or Korean short ribs prove that if it fits in a tortilla, then it’s a taco (or at least “not not a taco”). Burgers come thick, thin, or stuffed; ground from beef, poultry, or seafood; and plated as bite-size sliders or two-handed whoppers such as the Luther burger—whose buns are replaced by a halved glazed doughnut. Sandwiches run the international and gastronomic gamut from a grilled PB&J with potato chips for extra crunch, to a Japanese chicken katsu on white bread, and a traditional grilled Cubano. A brief lesson on the art of tortilla folding precedes a selection of nine burritos, plus a fish stick burrito that Zien admits is probably the “dumbest recipe in this book,” but is redeemed by way of a tasty salsa fresca and chipotle lime sour cream. Wiener fans will lunge for the souped up hot dogs that come smothered in mozzarella and mini pepperoni, or Cheese Whiz and chili, or bacon and mayo. Meanwhile, a sampling of sides, sauces, and frickles (fried pickles) round things out with flavorful flair. It all adds up to a finger-licking, family-friendly affair.

February 4, 2008
Zien, creator and host of the television show Sam the Cooking Guy
, is very clear from the onset that he is not a chef; he also believes that certain things, like measuring ingredients (unless baking), are a “waste of time” and that 350 degrees is the “universal temperature” at which to cook everything. A self-proclaimed “regular guy,” Zien thinks that people have “been wrecked by cooking shows with their millions of complicated steps and crazy ass ingredients.” His recipes are for people who want to cook, but want to spend as little time and effort in the kitchen as possible. Two of his favorite ingredients, which show up frequently, are prebaked pizza crust (used in his pesto pizza recipe, which also calls for ready-made pesto) and “ready bacon,” which simply needs to be microwaved. Other dishes include a Tomato and Potato Chip Sandwich and Stir Fry Noodles made with Styrofoam cup instant ramen. Some dishes, though lacking originality, call for fresh ingredients and explain simple techniques, like the Adobo Chicken or Ginger Scallops. Foodies won't be impressed, and even those with mild interest in putting together their own meals might want to be challenged a bit more.

April 12, 2010
The television host known as "Sam the Cooking Guy" returns with another compilation of simple recipes useful for getting a meal on the table in no time. Employing just a handful of key ingredients, Zien (Just a Bunch of Recipes) shows readers how to whip up Piña Colada Pancakes, Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Bacon, Thai Curry Noodle Soup, or Shepherd's Pie without spending all day in the kitchen. Gourmands and sticklers will likely be incensed at many of his methods for standards like tomato soup (throw chopped onion and fresh basil in a blender, add a can of roasted tomatoes with garlic, then puree), as well as his reliance on canned and prepared products, but anyone unsure in the kitchen (or who views cooking as a chore) will find a wealth of ideas. Multiple suggestions for repurposing leftovers like meat loaf, mashed potatoes and store-bought rotisserie chicken will help readers avoid palate fatigue while saving money. Even those who already know how to boil eggs (yes, Zien includes a recipe for "the more-often-than-not screwed up" Hard-Boiled Egg) will likely find a few guilty pleasures here, along with some new time and money-saving tricks.