Craveable Recipes from an All-American Asian Chef | Ronnie Woo | Talks at Google

Talks at Google

Introduction & Background

Host: Boon Li (Google Books marketing lead, Asian & Pride ERG pillar lead)
Guest: Ronnie Woo (chef, TV personality, bestselling author)
Book: "Did You Eat Yet" - published weeks ago, already bestseller
Recent media appearances: Good Morning America, Rachel Ray Show, Drew Baymore Show

Started modeling at age 15 in Seattle
- Signed with local agency, then Wilhelmina in LA
- Moved to LA after 1 year at University of Washington
- Industry challenge: agencies typically had only one Asian model
Educational progression:
- Undergrad in Psychology at UCLA
- Two master's degrees: MFT (Marriage & Family Therapy) + MBA
- Self-taught cooking (6 months locked in kitchen)
Career influences on current work:
- Modeling: developed thick skin from industry criticism
- Therapy background: understanding human psychology, connecting with people
- Business education: strategic thinking

Father: doctor, very supportive of unconventional dreams
- Philosophy: wants son to experience full pursuit of dreams without regret
Mother: stereotypical Asian mom concerns about non-traditional career paths
Youngest of three children, always had "head in the clouds"
Philosophy: "no better time to try something than today"

Title origin: Chinese phrase "nǐ chī le ma" (have you eaten yet)
- Nod to mom and grandmother
- Universal term of endearment across cultures
Food as love language and acts of service
Cooking style inspiration:
- American upbringing + Asian heritage + world travels
- Makes what he personally loves eating
- Asian food preference if choosing one cuisine

Sexy Sauces: building blocks of meals, 5-7 day fridge life
Breakfast All Day: quick, easy, tasty options for weekdays/weekends
- Includes Boba recipes, chashu bacon, crispy fried eggs
Noodles: variety including udon (underappreciated), wontons
- Mama's wontons, almond pesto udon combinations

Challenges of being Asian American and gay
Mental health priority: therapy as sign of strength, not weakness
Community expectations from both Asian and gay communities
Two-part process for building confidence:
1. Build own definition of Asian-American identity
2. Create support system of people who understand intersecting identities
Daily question: "Am I a good person and trying my best?"

Success beyond traditional metrics (money, status, career achievements)
Two-sided coin approach:
1. Accomplishments
2. Overcoming failures, perseverance, self-growth
Process more enjoyable than end results
Celebrate small milestones throughout journey
Happiness creates more happy people

Cheat meal: buttermilk fried chicken sandwich
Most fun to cook: kimchi and Italian sausage fried rice (smooth 10-minute recipe)
First date: garlic butter ribeye with crunchy ginger rice (steak shows technique/skill)
Netflix and chill: California Roll sushi bake (make-ahead, assemble while eating)
Mom's favorite: pan-seared scallops with corn coconut broth
Husband's favorite: honey sesame chicken ramen with cucumbers
Celebration: flourless chocolate cake (signature recipe revealed for first time) or salted upside-down banana cake

Most challenging: recipe testing phase, messy kitchen for 6 months, narrowing down recipes
Most rewarding: seeing final product, creating something immortal/lasting legacy
Entire book shot by Ronnie and husband together
OCD about clean kitchen made testing period difficult

Try for free