How I Cook Without a Recipe (and You Can Too!)

“Don’t know what to cook? Let your fridge do the talking.”

This week’s Flavor of the Week isn’t a dish — it’s a mindset. Yesterday, during a talk show interview, I was asked something I hear a lot:

“What tips do you have for home cooks who don’t know what to make for dinner?”

My answer? Stop overthinking the recipe — start thinking about what you already have.

That’s how I build meals in my own kitchen. I don’t begin with a recipe, I begin with a method and what’s in my fridge. From there, it’s all about putting the puzzle pieces together — and having a little fun along the way.

Here’s a simplified peek into how my brain works when it’s time to cook:

👀 What method sounds good?

Something baked? A quick stir-fry? A one-pan pasta toss?

🥦 What do I already have?

I check my fridge for veggies and my cabinets for aromatics (like garlic or onions), plus rice, noodles, or potatoes.

💪 What’s my protein?

Next, I look for a protein or leftover I can repurpose — chicken, shrimp, beans, tofu, or whatever needs to be used up.

🌍 What flavor vibe am I craving?

Do I want Italian? Thai? Greek? Or maybe something simple — just salt, pepper, and olive oil. I might bring in fresh herbs, bold spices, or a punchy sauce to tie it all together.

Then I cook. Taste. Tweak. And honestly? Most of the time, I surprise myself with how good it turns out.

This is exactly the kind of flexible thinking that inspired my upcoming book, Dinner for One. Because cooking for yourself shouldn’t be a chore — it should feel like a creative playground (no measuring spoons required).

Want to keep things easy and delicious? Start with what you’ve got and build from there. I’ll be sharing more from the book soon — but for now, I hope this gives you a little confidence boost next time you stare into the fridge wondering, what now?

With Flavor Love,

Kerstin