Trending Recipes From TikTok You Should and Shouldn't Try

By Nam Woon Kim (he/him)

I use 'trending' generously here as some of these you’ve no doubt seen as early as last year. But, if people are still producing content about it then it’s fair game! Time flows differently on the internet where there’s something new trending every day while also beating the same dead horse for months. For your enjoyment, I set aside a Sunday afternoon and whipped some egg whites to put these viral recipes to the test.

(You won’t find any recipes here because there’s a gazillion available online but I did include some tips.)

Ranking scales from F (that’s bad) to S (that’s *chef kiss*).

Frozen honey

With my sweet tooth renewed this year, I couldn’t not try this food hack. It tastes like what it says on the tin so for my money, honey is better used elsewhere. A salad dressing. Toast. Ginger honey lemon tea. Not particularly life changing this one.

Hot tip: As tempting as it may be, please don’t binge this.

Ease: S, Cost: D, Yum: B

Mayo ramen

Although I no longer regularly snack on this childhood staple of mine, I’m pleased to announce this dish is worth it, kind of. On paper, adding mayonnaise to a packet of instant noodles sounds like the most struggle of struggle meals. Hats off, though, to this marriage of two humble student-kitchen staples: kewpie mayo and your choice of ramen. The mayo is there mostly for texture and as far as ramen twists go, this one is worth having up your sleeve.

Hot tip: Don’t use the full packet of ramen seasoning, go for like ⅔ or half.

Ease: A, Cost: B, Yum: B

Cloud bread

Much like whatever Netflix show is trending at the moment, no amount of token colour can save this snack. At least, according to the recipes you’ll find on Tiktok – there’s a version out there somewhere that probably salvages this dish. It’s literally just baked eggs.

Hot tip: Don’t make it.

Ease: C, Cost: B, Yum: F

Smashed Brussels sprouts

As something of a vegetable enjoyer myself, I wanted to try something that’s not just carbs or sugar. Brussels sprouts have a terrible reputation and rest assured for the five Brussels sprouts fans in the room (that includes Alana), I was neutral going in. One try of oven-baked Brussels sprouts later, I’m still just as neutral on them. Easy to make but I regret not adding cheese.

Hot tip: Eat your vegetables! I know you’ve been slacking. Frozen is fine too. In fact, studies have shown that sometimes there’s no difference in nutrients; it comes down to how you cook it.

Ease: B, Cost: B, Yum: B

Whipped lemonade

It’s never too early to perfect that drink you’re planning on having stocked in your fridge all summer so I snatched some lemons out of life’s hands and made some whipped lemonade. Maybe it was the so-so hit rate on the previous recipes that made me sceptical but how wrong can you go with sweetened condensed milk? It tastes delicious and as my dad said, it’d be perfect with a shot of your favourite spirit too. (Maybe soju?)

Hot tip: Instead of only adding a pathetic, performative lemon slice to garnish like most suggest, chuck in some lemon rind (that’s chopped or grated lemon peel) to boost the flavour before blending. Then, use it to decorate as well.

Sparkling or tonic water is essential too, and don’t forget your ice.

Ease: B, Cost: C, Yum: S

Pasta chips

I may not own an airfryer but the consensus was that you could chuck these in the oven and still get a fun, crunchy snack. Maybe Debate readers with an airfryer can chime in because this was not it. I made two batches: one with parmesan, and one with buffalo sauce. Both were thoroughly underwhelming but also strangely addicting?

Hot tip: Skip the baking part of the recipe and you’ve got yourself some delicious penne, rigatoni, etc.

Ease: C, Cost: B, Yum: C

Pesto fried eggs

If you had to only try one thing from this lineup, I’d make it this one. Grab your pesto, heat up a pan, and enjoy some eggs sunny side-up or scrambled. I’ve been having pesto eggs every morning since making it for the first time. Partially so I can finish the pesto within a week like the label recommends.

Hot tip: Add some chill flakes, maybe even some sriracha.

Ease: B, Cost: B, Yum: S

Concluding thoughts

I have no doubt that your average TikTok foodinfluencers are competent cooks, but clearly there’s not enough gatekeeping going on.

For once, I recommend that you do read the comments.