In the age of social media, food trends spread faster than ever before.
From TikTok to Instagram, viral recipes have captivated home cooks and food enthusiasts alike, inspiring millions to try their hand at creating these sensational dishes.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 viral recipes that have taken the internet by storm, examining what made them so popular and providing you with easy-to-follow instructions to recreate these culinary sensations in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, these recipes are sure to impress your friends and family while satisfying your taste buds.
Top 10 Viral Recipes
1. Dalgona Coffee
The first viral recipe on our list is the infamous Dalgona Coffee, which took the world by storm during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This South Korean coffee treat became an instant hit on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, as people sought creative ways to enjoy their caffeine fix while stuck at home.
What made it go viral:
– Visual appeal: The striking contrast between the creamy whipped coffee topping and the milk base made for highly Instagram-worthy photos.
– Easy to make: With just four simple ingredients, anyone could recreate this trendy drink at home.
– Customizable: People enjoyed experimenting with different flavors and variations, from matcha to strawberry.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons instant coffee
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons hot water
– 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
2. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes thick and creamy, forming stiff peaks. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Fill a glass with ice and your choice of milk.
4. Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
5. Stir before drinking to combine the layers and enjoy your homemade Dalgona Coffee!
The Dalgona Coffee trend showcased how a simple recipe could capture the imagination of millions, providing a moment of joy and creativity during challenging times.
Its popularity also highlighted the power of social media in spreading food trends globally, as people from different cultures and backgrounds united over their shared love for this frothy beverage.
2. Feta Pasta Bake
Next on our list is the Feta Pasta Bake, also known as the “TikTok Pasta” or “Baked Feta Pasta.” This simple yet delicious dish took the internet by storm in early 2021, causing a feta cheese shortage in some countries due to its immense popularity.
What made it go viral:
– Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
– Visual appeal: The transformation of the ingredients during baking created a satisfying and visually pleasing result.
– Versatility: Many users shared their own variations, adding different vegetables or proteins to customize the dish.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 pints cherry tomatoes
– 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and golden.
5. While the cheese and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork, creating a creamy sauce.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir to combine with the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
The Feta Pasta Bake’s viral success demonstrated how a simple combination of flavors and textures could capture the attention of home cooks worldwide. Its popularity also showcased the impact of social media on consumer behavior, as the demand for feta cheese skyrocketed in response to the trend.
3. Cloud Bread
Cloud Bread, a fluffy and colorful creation, took social media by storm in 2020. This low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional bread captivated viewers with its pillow-like texture and vibrant hues.
What made it go viral:
– Visual appeal: The pastel colors and cloud-like appearance made for eye-catching content.
– Dietary friendly: Being low-carb and gluten-free, it appealed to those with specific dietary needs.
– Customizable: People enjoyed experimenting with different flavors and colors.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 3 egg whites
– 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold in the cornstarch.
5. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and gently fold to create a marbled effect.
6. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a cloud-like form.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the outside is crispy but the inside remains soft.
8. Allow to cool before serving.
Cloud Bread’s popularity highlighted the growing interest in visually striking, health-conscious recipes that could be easily shared on social media platforms.
4. Nature’s Cereal
“Nature’s Cereal,” a fresh and healthy breakfast trend, gained massive popularity on TikTok in early 2021, even catching the attention of celebrities like Lizzo.
What made it go viral:
– Health factor: It was perceived as a nutritious alternative to conventional cereals.
– Simplicity: The recipe required no cooking and used readily available ingredients.
– Refreshing taste: The combination of fruits and coconut water created a light, revitalizing meal.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1 cup coconut water
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the mixed berries and pomegranate seeds.
2. Add a handful of ice cubes to the fruit mixture.
3. Pour coconut water over the fruits and ice.
4. Enjoy immediately with a spoon.
Nature’s Cereal demonstrated how a simple combination of wholesome ingredients could capture the imagination of health-conscious social media users, promoting a fresh approach to breakfast.
5. Baked Oats
Baked Oats became a TikTok sensation in 2021, offering a cake-like twist on traditional oatmeal that appealed to both health enthusiasts and dessert lovers.
What made it go viral:
– Texture transformation: The blending process created a cake-like consistency, surprising viewers.
– Nutritious indulgence: It offered a healthier alternative to traditional cakes and pastries.
– Customizable: The base recipe could be adapted with various flavors and add-ins.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, berries, nuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender, combine all ingredients except for any add-ins.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish.
5. If using, gently stir in any additional add-ins.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Baked Oats showcased how a creative twist on a familiar dish could capture the attention of social media users, offering a novel way to enjoy a classic breakfast staple.
These viral recipes demonstrate the power of social media in shaping food trends and inspiring home cooks to try new dishes. Each recipe offers a unique combination of visual appeal, simplicity, and flavor that contributed to its widespread popularity.
6. Tortilla Wrap Hack
The Tortilla Wrap Hack took social media by storm in early 2021, offering a new way to enjoy wraps and quesadillas with a perfect distribution of fillings in every bite.
What made it go viral:
– Innovative technique: The folding method was novel and satisfying to watch.
– Customizable: It could be adapted for various cuisines and dietary preferences.
– Portable: The resulting wrap was neat and easy to eat on-the-go.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 large flour tortilla
– 4 different fillings of your choice (e.g., scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, avocado for a breakfast wrap)
Instructions:
1. Lay the tortilla flat and make a single cut from the center to the edge.
2. Mentally divide the tortilla into four quadrants.
3. Place a different filling in each quadrant.
4. Starting from the cut edge, fold the tortilla up, quadrant by quadrant, to create a layered triangle.
5. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the wrap for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
The Tortilla Wrap Hack demonstrated how a simple change in technique could breathe new life into a familiar food item, inspiring countless variations and adaptations.
7. Salmon Rice Bowl
The Salmon Rice Bowl, popularized by Emily Mariko on TikTok, became a viral sensation in 2021, offering a delicious way to repurpose leftover salmon and rice.
What made it go viral:
– ASMR quality: The video’s satisfying sounds of food preparation appealed to viewers.
– Clever hack: Using an ice cube to steam the rice in the microwave was innovative.
– Healthy and tasty: The combination of ingredients was both nutritious and flavorful.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 piece leftover cooked salmon
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayonnaise
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– Nori sheets, cut into strips
Instructions:
1. Place the cooked rice on a plate and top with the leftover salmon.
2. Place an ice cube in the center of the rice (this will create steam in the microwave).
3. Cover the plate with a sheet of parchment paper and microwave for 1 minute.
4. Remove from microwave and discard the ice cube.
5. Flake the salmon and mix it with the rice.
6. Drizzle with soy sauce, Sriracha, and Kewpie mayonnaise.
7. Top with sliced avocado and nori strips.
8. Mix everything together before eating.
This trend highlighted how social media can breathe new life into leftovers, inspiring creative and delicious meal ideas.
8. Pesto Eggs
Pesto Eggs emerged as a popular breakfast trend on TikTok in 2021, offering a flavorful twist on traditional fried eggs.
What made it go viral:
– Simple yet innovative: It was an easy way to elevate a basic breakfast.
– Visually appealing: The vibrant green pesto contrasted beautifully with the golden egg yolks.
– Versatile: The basic idea could be adapted to various tastes and dietary needs.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: toast, cheese, cherry tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread the pesto in an even layer where you would normally add oil or butter.
3. Crack the eggs directly onto the pesto.
4. Cook the eggs to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over-easy, etc.).
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve on toast if desired, optionally adding cheese or cherry tomatoes.
Pesto Eggs showcased how a simple ingredient swap could transform a everyday dish into something special, inspiring home cooks to think creatively about familiar recipes.
These viral recipes continue to demonstrate the power of social media in shaping food trends. They each offer a unique combination of novelty, simplicity, and flavor that contributed to their widespread popularity.
9. Whipped Lemonade
Whipped Lemonade became a refreshing TikTok sensation in the summer of 2021, offering a creamy and indulgent twist on the classic summer beverage.
What made it go viral:
– Creamy texture: The whipped consistency was novel for a lemonade drink.
– Visual appeal: The frothy, pastel appearance was highly Instagram-worthy.
– Summer refreshment: It offered a new way to cool down during hot weather.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups ice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 3 tablespoons powdered lemonade mix
– 1 cup cold water
– Lemon slices and mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice, heavy cream, lemonade mix, and cold water.
2. Blend until smooth and frothy.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy whipped lemonade.
This trend highlighted how a creative twist on a classic beverage could capture the imagination of social media users, offering a novel sensory experience.
10. Baked Feta Pasta Chips
Building on the success of the Baked Feta Pasta, TikTok users created another viral sensation with Baked Feta Pasta Chips in 2021, combining two popular trends into one addictive snack.
What made it go viral:
– Fusion of trends: It cleverly combined elements from the feta pasta and homemade chips trends.
– Texture contrast: The crunchy chips paired well with the creamy feta dip.
– Easy to share: It made for a perfect party snack or appetizer.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the chips:
– 2 cups cooked pasta (any short shape)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the dip:
– 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread pasta on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
5. While the pasta chips bake, prepare the dip. In a baking dish, combine feta, olive oil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
6. Bake the dip for 15-20 minutes until the feta is soft and tomatoes are blistered.
7. Mash the baked feta mixture into a creamy dip.
8. Serve the crispy pasta chips with the warm feta dip.
This creative snack demonstrated how combining elements from different viral trends could result in an entirely new sensation, inspiring further culinary experimentation.
Conclusion
The viral recipes we’ve explored in this blog post showcase the incredible impact of social media on culinary trends and home cooking. From the comforting Dalgona Coffee that brightened the early days of the pandemic to the innovative Baked Feta Pasta Chips that combined multiple trends, these recipes captivated millions of people worldwide.
Several common themes emerge from these viral sensations:
1. Visual appeal: Many of these recipes gained popularity due to their Instagram-worthy appearance, highlighting the importance of aesthetics in food content.
2. Simplicity: Most viral recipes feature easy-to-follow instructions and readily available ingredients, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
3. Innovation: Whether it’s a new technique like the Tortilla Wrap Hack or a creative twist on a classic like Pesto Eggs, these recipes offer novel approaches to familiar foods.
4. Adaptability: Many of these trends encourage customization, allowing users to put their own spin on the basic recipe.
5. Health consciousness: Several viral recipes cater to dietary preferences or offer healthier alternatives to traditional dishes.
The power of these viral food trends extends beyond mere entertainment. They inspire creativity in the kitchen, bring people together through shared culinary experiences, and sometimes even impact the food industry, as seen with the feta cheese shortages caused by the Baked Feta Pasta trend.
As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, it’s clear that social media will continue to play a significant role in shaping food trends and inspiring home cooks. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these viral recipes offer an exciting way to expand your culinary horizons and connect with a global community of food enthusiasts.
So, the next time you see a food trend taking over your social media feed, why not give it a try? You might just discover your new favorite dish – and who knows, you could even start the next viral food sensation!
