RTÉ Media Centre

Series Synopsis

In Cook Like a Chef, award-winning chef Mark Moriarty invites viewers to rethink the way they cook at home. Forget the notion that great food demands endless ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With a handful of core ingredients, a well-stocked pantry, and a few pro tips, Mark shows how anyone can create restaurant-worthy meals in their own kitchen.

Each week, Mark selects a small but versatile set of ingredients and transforms them into three completely different dishes—clever, creative, and packed with flavour. Along the way, he shares the essential techniques, kitchen smarts, and time-saving hacks that chefs rely on every day.

From store cupboard staples to flavour-packed condiments and long-lasting veg, Mark’s pantry is the secret weapon that stretches simple shopping into multiple meals. With his help, you’ll learn how to cook smarter, waste less, and bring big flavour to every plate.

This is practical, inspiring home cooking—done the chef’s way.

So grab your ingredients, stock your pantry, and get ready to Cook Like a Chef.

Episode One

Weeknight Wonders

This week on Cook Like a Chef, Mark Moriarty is all about making weeknight cooking easy, exciting, and full of flavour. With just seven core ingredients, he whips up three bold and brilliant dishes that prove you don’t need a long shopping list to make something special.

First up, it’s a speedy Mongolian stir-fried beef mince served with steamed rice and a crispy fried egg—rich, savoury, and seriously satisfying. Then, he heads to South America with flaky Argentinian-style empanadas, packed with spiced beef and served with a punchy homemade chimichurri. Finally, Mark puts a twist on a French classic with a Tart pissaladière, layering savoury pastry with sweet caramelised onions, olives, and cheese.

Three totally different flavours. One smart shop. It’s all about cooking clever and turning everyday ingredients into Weeknight Wonders