In this episode of Second Act Scratch, Doreen and Tony chat with the unforgettable Andrew Tarrow, the Netflix Best Leftovers Ever! champion known to friends as "Big Gay Andrew." Andrew’s love affair with food began in his teenage years, setting the stage for a whirlwind TV cooking journey. After reaching the top 500 in MasterChef Season 9 auditions, Andrew faced a quiet pause—only to return in a big way, winning his Best Leftovers Ever! episode in a head-to-head culinary showdown. From near-misses on Top Chef Amateurs to an invitation for MasterChef Season 13, Andrew’s resilience and commitment to his passion shine through every twist and turn. This hilarious, heartfelt conversation dives into his journey of finding his brand, staying true to himself, and spreading joy through food. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a dash of inspiration!
RECIPE
Ingredients
Cold rice (day old, makes it easier to separate the grains)
Kalbi Pork Chop (small, bite-sized dice)
Aloha Shoyu Da Yaki Sauce or Spicy Da Yaki Sauce
Ketchup (in a separate bowl, you can combine the Da Yaki Sauce and Ketchup to create your favorite flavor profile)
Cooking oil (vegetable or canola - I do not recommend olive oil or any heavy flavored oils)
Black pepper to taste
Garlic powder (or granulated)
Onion powder (or granulated) optional
Green onions, finely chopped
Egg (cooked over easy or to your desired doneness)
Instructions
There are no measurements since who knows the quantities in leftovers and it doesn't have to be exact! Make what you have!
There is no wrong way to do this. Add it in the order you feel comfortable with...rice or meat first into the oil, then the remaining ingredients as instructed below.
Depending on the amount of food you will be making, get the appropriate sized pan to fit it properly.
Heat oil in pan. Add diced meat, stir fry quickly until slightly heated up. Add the cold rice, stir fry, heating it up with the meat. Once this is heated up, add the Da Yaki / Ketchup mixture. Mix thoroughly into the rice and meat. Taste it, if you feel it needs more sauce, add as needed to your desired flavor profile. Add garlic powder/granulated to your taste. Onion powder/granulated. Add black pepper, to your taste.
Once the fried rice is to your flavor profile, add lots of green onions and mix thoroughly. Reserve a little for garnish if you'd like.
Set aside. Make your fried egg, to your desired doneness.
Plate up your fried rice, top it off with your fried egg and garnish with green onions. Enjoy!
I love a bit of acidity when I'm eating foods that are a little on the rich side, so I served this with a side of pickled red onions. Kimchi would also be great with this! Any pickled, vinegary side would be excellent!
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