On-screen Recipe Test Cook

The art and joy of cooking are making a resurgence. Over three-quarters of the meals Americans eat are prepared at home. As people of all ages and backgrounds look for inspiration, online and television cooking shows are in high demand. Did you know that you can turn your love for trying new foods into a career?

Personal Connection

On-screen recipe test cooks try out new recipes with cameras rolling to take viewers on a flavorful journey. With the right combination of culinary finesse and public speaking and teaching skills, quick-thinking chefs are turning what was once a hobby into a full-time career:
  • Do you love cooking new recipes?
  • Are you a confident public speaker?
  • Are you good at problem-solving on the spot?
  • Would you like to share your passion with large audiences?
  • Could you see yourself starring in a cooking show?
  • Do you want to help others discover their passion for cooking?

Other Connections

Perhaps being a digital star isn't what you envision. There are plenty of other rewarding careers in the culinary arts and food services industry:
Food bloggers share recipes, culinary experiences, and exciting tips with the world via online blogs that generate revenue from sponsorships and advertisements
Professional food critics are journalists who visit restaurants and write detailed reviews of the food, service, and atmosphere
Culinary authors share recipes and food-inspired stories through online outlets and published books, turning their writing and cooking skills into a career
Executive chefs are at the pinnacle of culinary careers, overseeing entire kitchen operations as the chef in control of the menu, the staff, and guest hospitality
Sous-chefs are the second in command in a professional kitchen with responsibilities ranging from preparing dishes to training new team members
Catering chefs prepare food to-order for large events and special occasions

STEM Connection

Here are a few ways that new and emerging technologies are transforming the culinary industry:
Create a digital presence through web design:
Before you can gain viewers, sponsorships, and attention for your cooking show, you need to develop a savvy website to feature your creations. Web development involves creating a website, while web design skills will make it look professional yet appealing to online visitors and possible sponsors. It will become a central part of your online business!
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Video production like a pro:
In today's online world, it's unacceptable to have poor quality video production if you expect to turn it into a money-making career. It's essential to learn the ins and outs of professional and engaging video production.
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Cooking is chemistry:
If you've ever doubted the value of chemistry in everyday life, look no further than your kitchen! Cooking, pickling, and most other kinds of food preparation involve some sort of chemical process, from physical transformations to the delicious balancing act between acidic and basic ingredients. Sometimes, knowing the chemistry of cooking can make the difference between a successful meal and a surprise kitchen fire.
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Journeys to Becoming a On-screen Recipe Test Cook

The path to having an online cooking show may seem like a faraway dream, but did you know that you can get started on this journey while in high school?
Read about how one online cooking star turned her hobby into a rewarding career:

Emily Kim, aka the YouTube Korean-American cooking star Maangchi, has more than 619,000 YouTube subscribers. But her journey is not an ordinary one, even for an online celebrity. Years ago, she was hooked on online gaming. Her family gave her a suggestion that would eventually change her life, how about trying a different form of online expression? And the Maangchi YouTube channel was born. She has noticed that her beloved Korean recipes were always incorrectly translated, so she found her cooking specialty right away. She's now a famous on-screen chef, trying out new recipes as her fans request them. Her online success even led to a book deal for a cookbook!

There are infinite paths one could take leading to a career as an on-screen chef, whether online or on TV. However, there are a few things they all have in common. Every chef with a following and fan base is good at what they do, and that means thoroughly understanding the art of cooking. Equally important for on-screen chefs is quality video production paired with excellent presentation skills. Working knowledge of video editing and web design can make the difference between slow growth and gaining viewers quickly, turning your show into a profitable career.

Read more about Maangchi's journey here

Read about how the one and only Bobby Flay became the first chef to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:

From the age of 17, Bobby Flay knew he had skills in the kitchen. He simply enjoyed cooking and did everything in his power to improve his methods as a young chef at his first job. The owner of the restaurant noticed how hard-working and dedicated he was to improve his craft, so he sent him off to a respected culinary school. Before he ever made it to TV, he mastered the art of cooking and opened six fine-dining restaurants, each with a unique menu and atmosphere. Years later, Flay made his television debut with Grillin' & Chillin', one of many cooking shows that Flay would go on to host as he introduced Americans to new and exciting flavors made accessible through global fusion.

Read more about Bobby Flay's journey as a culinary celebrity here

Articles, Videos, Podcasts of Interest

How to become a TV chef - combine skills in teaching, acting and cooking:
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The popular online food culture website The Kitchn explains how YouTube cooking shows are teaching a new generation of household chefs how to cook:
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Considering a career in the culinary arts? Learn about the different job titles and the responsibilities they bring:
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Fun Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the food industry:
More Americans Are Learning to Cook:
Compared to a decade ago, far more Americans are skipping eating out in favor of learning to cook at home. It's about 300% more affordable to cook at home, and there's nothing like the pride of preparing your own delicious meal.
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Many Culinary Schools Offer Media Training:
The Institute of Culinary Education's School of Continuing Education offers a wide range of classes and speakers that reflect the growing importance of online media in the food industry. Most major culinary programs now include training for social media, blogging, recipe writing, and more.
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Specialty Cooking Channels Get More Views:
Do you know anyone on the keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets? These are just a few examples of lifestyle choices that influence what we eat. When starting out with on-screen cooking, consider what specialized audiences might be looking for, that isn't already easy to find.
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