88. Kenji López-Alt: James Beard Award Winner, 3x Best-Selling Author, and A Master of Food Science
Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter! In this insightful episode, Brooke sits down with the multi-hyphenate culinary voice J. Kenji López-Alt to discuss his unconventional journey from biology student to architecture major to professional cook—and ultimately, one of the most influential food writers of our time. Kenji opens up about the roots of The Food Lab, the success of The Wok, his love of food science, and how personal experiences shaped his approach to recipe development. From peeling 1,000 eggs in a data-driven experiment to publishing a children's book about expanding food preferences, Kenji's blend of curiosity, humor, and rigor shines throughout. He also shares his recent journey to sobriety, offering a powerful and honest reflection on what it means to live with intention. Whether you're a professional cook, home chef, or food lover, this conversation will leave you inspired to explore, experiment, and cook with greater understanding. Key Takeaways [01:22] Early Influences: Despite not growing up food-obsessed, Kenji’s culinary passion emerged during college and blossomed through unexpected restaurant work. [07:26] The Food Lab Origin: A freelance $30 article on boiling eggs sparked the wildly successful Food Lab series and cookbook. [10:15] Finding His Voice: Inspired by Mr. Wizard and Jacques Pépin, Kenji combines education and entertainment to empower readers. [15:56] Testing with Integrity: Kenji conducted a 1,000-egg experiment with volunteer testers to scientifically identify the easiest method for peeling boiled eggs. [19:12] Behind the Cookbooks: The Food Lab began as a 300-page contract and grew into a 958-page tome—followed by The Wok, which evolved from a single missing chapter. [26:53] Favorite Recipes: From a chickpea-spinach stew to his mom’s Mapo Tofu, Kenji highlights family-friendly, simple, and flexible favorites. [31:45] Every Night Is Pizza Night: His children’s book was born from a desire to teach openness toward food and push back against “best recipe” culture. [41:00] On Sobriety: Kenji shares his deeply personal journey toward sobriety, how alcohol once shaped his decisions, and why he chose to speak publicly to help others. Notable Quotes (9:52) “I wanted to write the kind of cookbook I wish I had when I was learning to cook.” (13:05) “We take food seriously, but not ourselves.” (33:00) “Pizza might be your favorite food, but is it the best food for every occasion?” (44:57) “Addiction thrives in isolation. Sobriety thrives in connection.” Resources Check out Kenji’s Patreon and YouTube channel Alcohol, we need to talk on YouTube The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science The Wok: Recipes and Techniques Every Night Is Pizza Night Connect with Kenji on Instagram Follow Female Foodie on Instagram
New Zealand