Jenny Martinez, the TikTok sensation known for her mouthwatering Mexican recipes, recently sat down for an exclusive interview, providing a glimpse into her inspiring journey from Mexico to the United States and her unexpected rise to fame on social media.
Born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at the age of four, Jenny’s culinary expertise is a vibrant celebration of her Mexican heritage. From the enchanting aroma of her mother’s birria to the lasting impact of her father’s culinary and entrepreneurial skills, Jenny’s culinary narrative pays homage to the generations that paved the way. “I look back at my dad, and I think that I am exactly like him. We’re always happy, we’re always loud, and we want to serve people,” she reflects. Originally intending to return to Mexico, fate intervened, guiding her family to settle in Garden City, and Jenny has called Los Angeles home ever since. Celebrating 32 years of marriage, Jenny and her husband, along with their four children, actively support her culinary ventures.
The TikTok phenomenon began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Jenny’s daughter suggested she share her cooking videos on the platform. The initial video featuring the traditional mexican dish birria quickly went viral, amassing over a million views overnight. “I ran to my daughter in the morning and I said, ‘Is it real?’ We started jumping up and down.” she recalls. The unexpected success prompted Jenny to continue sharing her recipes, leading to numerous brand deals and widespread recognition within months.
Reflecting on her rapid rise, Jenny emphasizes the heartwarming connections she’s made with followers who find comfort and inspiration in her cooking. “The feeling is just so wholesome to hear people say, ‘Jenny, you cook like my grandma, you cook like my mom.'” For Jenny, these words echo the essence of her culinary mission — a heartfelt tribute to the traditional recipes passed down through generations.
With her new cookbook My Mexican Mesa, Y Listo! set to release in spring, Jenny delves into the inspiration behind her recipes. Rooted in family traditions passed down through generations, the cookbook aims to simplify seemingly complex dishes, such as birria, and make them accessible to a wider audience.” I think that birria is one of my favorites because, besides having so many ingredients, at the end, it’s so worth it. It’s just so worth it. I dedicate it to my mom because if anything, she’s the one that should be getting the credit.”
Discussing her future plans, Jenny expresses her eagerness to collaborate with other chefs and influencers from various cultural backgrounds. Believing that food transcends language and cultural barriers, she envisions creating unique fusion recipes that celebrate diversity.
“I feel that food is the language for everyone. There’s no culture, there’s no color. You don’t even need to speak the same language. But as soon as you bite it, you get that smile. I just feel like food brings people together.”
Jenny’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative potential of embracing unexpected opportunities. Her insights extend beyond the kitchen as she urges others to grasp every chance that comes their way. In her own words, “Never be afraid to ask. Instead of saying ‘it’s never gonna happen’ or ‘nobody’s gonna give you that opportunity,’ you just never know if they’re gonna say yes. You just never know.”
To reserve a copy of her bookbook, click here.
To see Jenny’s collaboration with JCPenney and her new home collection, Mesa Mia, click here.
Article by Pollyana Ramos Tucker