
The Recipe with Kenji and Deb
Hi, we’re Deb Perelman (Smitten Kitchen) and J. Kenji López-Alt (Serious Eats, The Food Lab, The Wok). We’re professional home cooks, which means we can - and will - make the same meal 57 times in a row on the quest for the perfect recipe. Is it crazy? For us, no, because we do this for a living. But for you? Yes, probably. Which is why you should listen to The Recipe with Kenji and Deb. You'll hear us talk about what goes into writing our recipes — the techniques we test, the ingredients we taste — so that you can be on your way to creating your own perfect recipe. Whether you're cooking meatloaf, pancakes, or chicken soup in all its forms, we got you, and you've got this.The Recipe with Kenji and Deb is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX, a network of independent and listener-supported podcasts. Discover audio with vision at radiotopia.fm.
Latest episodes

18 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 44min
Caesar Salad
Discover the surprising origins of Caesar salad, invented for American drinkers during Prohibition in Mexico. The hosts share a fun take on the experience of enjoying salad fingers-first, emphasizing the social aspects. Learn about the essential ingredients and creative twists on the beloved recipe, including alternatives like miso and unexpected hacks for quick dressings. The light-hearted banter reveals the joy of experimenting with flavors while honoring the nostalgic tales surrounding this iconic dish.

Sep 9, 2024 • 46min
BLT
Join Kenji, a bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich expert with 11 groundbreaking rules, and Deb, a sandwich scientist known for her seasonal BLT theories. They explore what makes the perfect BLT, from the importance of fresh tomatoes to the debate on whether lettuce is essential. Their passionate banter includes tips on mayonnaise selection, ideal bacon crispness, and the perfect lettuce choices. With humor and nostalgia, they even reveal the secret 'hunch' technique for eating a messy but delicious BLT!

Aug 26, 2024 • 1min
Back for Seconds
The hosts share exciting news about the return of their podcast with fresh content beginning September 9th. They express heartfelt appreciation for listener feedback and support. A fascinating discussion unfolds about the evolution of their podcast concept, highlighting personal memories and inspirations drawn from other talented recipe developers. Get ready for a delightful blend of nostalgia and culinary creativity!

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 8min
Live from Seattle: Deb in conversation with Kenji
Kenji, the director of the Community Curated Series for Seattle Arts & Lectures, and Deb, a recipe development expert, engage in a lively discussion filled with culinary insights. They uncover the nuances of recipe writing, tackle the issue of plagiarism in content creation, and share personal anecdotes about family meals and quick recipes. The duo dives into the art of mastering small kitchen spaces and humorously debates the complexities of making bagels versus croissants. Their dynamic conversation celebrates food, creativity, and the joy of cooking.

Jul 15, 2024 • 36min
Kenji and Deb and Ed
Food bloggers Deb and Kenji, along with Ed Levine, discuss the early days of food blogging and the backstory of The Recipe. They share insights on recipe development, compare mac and cheese recipes, analyze the impact of pot size on cooking pasta, and emphasize the importance of storytelling in recipe writing.

Jul 1, 2024 • 28min
Mailbag Part 2
Avoid cooking burnout with tips from Deb and Kenji. Learn how to make perfect biscuits and enhance cheese dishes with sodium citrate. Dive into troubleshooting pancake making and scaling down recipes for 1-2 people.

Jun 17, 2024 • 31min
Mailbag Part 1
Kenji and Deb tackle various intriguing topics in their mailbag episode, from debunking the 30-minute recipe myth to discussing the tiers of butter quality. They explore innovative ways to enjoy tomato soup and pancakes, savor the art of eating soup dumplings, and even conduct a blind taste test with Kerrygold butter. The conversation also touches on efficient meal planning, repurposing leftovers, and the importance of olive oil quality in cooking.

Jun 3, 2024 • 41min
Asparagus
Discover the culinary wonders of asparagus with Kenji and Deb as they share recipes, debate the best part of asparagus, and explore the cultural significance of white asparagus in Germany and Austria. From trimming techniques to preparation methods, this episode showcases the versatility and creativity of cooking with this beloved vegetable.

May 20, 2024 • 37min
Grilled Chicken
Kenji and Deb share tips on grilling chicken, including using marinades, brines, and a meat thermometer. They discuss grill pans, vinaigrettes as marinades, and a new condiment base Deb loves. Recipes mentioned include Mayo-Marinated Chicken and Piri Piri Chicken.

5 snips
May 6, 2024 • 41min
Iceberg Salad
Iceberg lettuce steals the spotlight as the hosts celebrate its versatility and charm. They share creative twists on wedge salads, from homemade ranch to unexpected pickled versions. With anecdotes about cooking mishaps, they dive into crispy shallots and culinary travels that influence their recipes. Discover innovative ways to stack salads for better toppings and learn how this humble lettuce can shine in sandwiches and stir-fries. It's a crunchy journey that redefines the iceberg's place in modern cuisine!