The BEST episodes of James May: Oh Cook!
Every episode of James May: Oh Cook! ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of James May: Oh Cook!!
James May is not a chef. But that’s the whole point: you don’t need to be a brilliant cook to make delicious food. Transporting us to the Far East, the Med, and the local pub – all from the comfort of a home economist’s kitchen – he’ll knock up delicious recipes that you can actually make yourself, with ingredients you can actually buy. And all without the usual television cooking format trickery.
#1 - Roast
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/13/2020
James concludes his culinary journey with the oft weekend nemesis, the Sunday roast. Disavowing the usual television skulduggery and having promised he’ll make the crew lunch, the race is on to get everything ready at the same time. Expect spuds, sprouts, and musings on a mid-life crisis.
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#3 - Pub Classics
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/13/2020
In preparation for this episode James has selflessly undertaken nearly forty years of meticulous fieldwork. With a pint in hand, he fries the perfect steak, puts a metropolitan liberal elite spin on humble pie, and tops it all off with something the Brits do rather well: vandalism.
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#4 - Breakfast
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 11/13/2020
Regularly described as the most important meal of the day before elevenses, James is living proof that eating a regular, hearty breakfast can make you fitter and healthier. In this episode he succeeds with a Middle Eastern classic but makes a right hash of a specialty closer to home. Then it’s time to channel his inner hipster with some avocado soldiers.
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#6 - Japanese
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/24/2023
James puts his culinary skills to the test as he tackles the exquisite and delicate world of Japanese cooking. Katsu curry, vegetable tempura, and Temaki rolls are all on the menu, but whilst James is surprisingly adept with a sharp knife, it turns out he's less graceful with a rolling pin.
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#7 - Asian Fusion
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/13/2020
James kicks off his culinary adventure with a uniquely British spin on food from across the Asian continent. There’s (con)fusion aplenty as he experiments with some rather unexpected ingredients, all under the watchful gaze of the pantry-residing home economist Nikki.
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#8 - 70's Dinner Party
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/24/2023
It's party time, 1970s style, and James grooves his way through the classics of the age. Vol-au-vents, Stroganoffs and flaming Crepe Suzettes make the party go with a swing, all before the Babycham has even had a chance to go warm.
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#12 - Curry
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/13/2020
Asian icon, British favourite. James attempts to tear up the takeaway menus and cook an Indian inspired feast featuring lamb keema, dal, chapatis, and a speedy raita. Can our have-a-Goa kitchen hero impress home economist Nikki with a Delhi-cate balance of spices?
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#13 - Pasta
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/13/2020
The Mediterranean calls and James dives headfirst into the world of pasta. With home economist Nikki at his side (when she’s not in her cupboard), he whips up an array of Italian classics – some more tradizionale than others. From antique kitchen gadgets to carbonara conundrums, James washes down his Apennine adventures with a glass (bottle) of Chianti.
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#14 - Pudding
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/13/2020
James sets out to prove that the proof really is in the pudding, as cakes, custards and crumbles are all on the menu today. With a bit of help from Nikki his Victoria Sponge turns out a triumph, while revisiting a simple youthful pleasure results in a Spotted Dick.
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