In an inspiring tale of redemption and transformation, Chef Jon Watts has turned his life around from a young offender to a celebrated culinary star, captivating the hearts of food lovers across the globe.
At the age of 18, Jon Watts found himself sentenced to six-and-a-half years in a young offenders institute. It was a pivotal moment that could have led him down a path of despair, but instead, it became the starting point of an extraordinary journey. During his time in the institute, Watts enrolled in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, where he learned to cook.
“Learning to cook in prison meant that I had a skill that could be used in the outside world. It gave me a sense of purpose, and most importantly a belief in myself,” Watts, now 35, reflects. “Imagine being lost and confused at a set of crossroads, and someone just giving you a gentle nudge towards the right road. That’s how gaining that qualification felt.”
Watts’ newfound passion for cooking opened up unforeseen opportunities. While on day release, he started working in one of Jamie Oliver’s restaurants. “That’s where I fell in love with cooking,” he recalls. “By the time I was actually released, I had been working there for 10 months, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else by that point. I loved the adrenaline-fuelled environment and the passion of the people around me. I also loved how every day I was learning something new, and always getting better than I was the day before.”
His dedication and passion paid off, as Watts went on to work in Oliver’s restaurants for five years. This experience not only honed his culinary skills but also instilled in him the drive to create something of his own.
After his tenure with Jamie Oliver, Watts ventured into the food industry with his own food truck. His unique flair for cooking and engaging personality quickly gained him a following. This success led to more opportunities, including guest appearances on ITV’s This Morning, where he showcased his cooking talents to a broader audience.
In an era where social media plays a crucial role in personal branding, Watts has excelled remarkably. With 840,000 followers on Instagram and 672,500 on TikTok, he shares his culinary creations, cooking tips, and inspirational journey with a vast and engaged audience.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Watts has just released his latest cookbook, “Speedy Weeknight Meals.” The book is a testament to his ability to create quick, delicious, and accessible recipes for busy individuals and families. It has already garnered significant attention and praise from both food enthusiasts and critics alike.
Jon Watts’ Signature Dish: Thai-Style Chicken Satay
“Cooking brings me the greatest joy,” he says simply – and if Watts was to name one signature dish, it would have to be his recipe for Thai-style chicken satay.
Thai-Style Chicken Satay Recipe
Serves: 4
* Ingredients:
– 300g smooth peanut butter
– 200g Thai red curry paste
– 4 tbsp soy sauce
– 400ml can of coconut milk
– 1kg skinless boneless chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
– 25g coriander, chopped (optional)
– Salt and black pepper
*Steps:
1. Put the peanut butter in a bowl with the curry paste, soy sauce, and 50ml of the coconut milk. Beat until smooth.
2. Transfer two-thirds of the peanut butter mixture to a saucepan, add the remaining coconut milk, and mix well.
3. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, add it to the bowl of the remaining peanut mix, and stir until it’s completely coated. Thread the chicken onto eight skewers that will fit in a large frying pan.
4. Heat the oil in the large frying pan and cook the chicken over medium heat until golden brown all over and cooked through. (If you cut into a larger piece of chicken, the juices should run clear. If not, continue to cook for another couple of minutes, then test again.) You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan.
5. Heat up the sauce in the saucepan, taste for seasoning and adjust if needed, then add the chopped coriander, if you like, and stir well.
Looking Ahead
Jon Watts’ journey from a young offender to a beloved chef and social media sensation is a story of redemption, passion, and relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. His story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and the right opportunities, it’s possible to turn one’s life around and achieve greatness.
For those looking for inspiration, a taste of culinary excellence, or simply a heartwarming story, Jon Watts is a name to follow. His journey is far from over, and with his unwavering passion and dedication, the culinary world can expect many more delicious creations and inspiring moments from this remarkable chef.