Food Lab Basics: POV Caesar Salad

Here's how to make a classic Caesar salad. At least, it's what we'd consider classic these days. This is straight out of my book, The Food Lab (www.kenjilopeza...), though I don't actually measure ingredients for things like this when I'm cooking at home. Knowing ratios and how to use your tongue are the best tools for the job.
You can also find the recipe here on Serious Eats: www.seriouseat...
PLEASE READ!
The coronavirus has hit many folks hard, including first responders and hospital workers, individuals and families who were already food insecure, and service industry employees who are, for the large part, currently out of a job.
My goal is to help fix both these problems in the best way I know how to contribute: organizing people, and cooking food.
If you would like to donate to our free meal fund, head to www.toasttab.c... where you can buy a boxed meal for someone in need. These boxes go directly to the frontline workers and food insecure families who have been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. They also allow me to hire back my kitchen team to cook and pack these meals (in a safe, clean way). So far we have served nearly 500 meals, and the number goes up every week.
If you would like to make a monthly recurring donation of any size, head to my Patreon account at / kenjilopezalt . 100% of the proceeds go directly to the free meal fund. You can also help by buying my books at bookshop.org/shop/kenjilopezalt where 100% of my sales commission goes to the free meal fund, and an additional 10% goes to independent book stores around the country.
Finally, stay safe. Here is my guide to food safety and the coronavirus, written with the consultation of virologists, food safety experts, and infectious disease specialists, and kept up to date as new research emerges: www.seriouseat...

[@jacobestes]

Kenji's MIT story is really inspiring. You might be a big fat droplet right now, but that doesn't mean you can't one day eat an entire can of anchovies in your kitchen during a pandemic.

[@ss11111ss]

lol

[@ehtikhet]

MVP!

[@mountainboyoakley3119]

I love anchovies in Caesar dressing. Rite!

[@aaronbae9327]

that emulsion analogy was probably the best food analogy that i've heard.

[@MrChet407]

Jesus h christ

[@vigneshrk]

actually i hated that analogy...one of those analogies that you start explaining something with, realize they dunno what ur talking about, then just go with the layup analogy after all that work lol

[@TriniDaChief]

Lol seriously? You have heard a bunch of bad analogies then. Probably one of Kenjis worst analogies.

[@GC-ps9mn]

Agreed

[@andrewbudd7368]

He has the same garlic press I used to possess. Oh the feeling of vindication.

[@cameronsereno9413]

I am SO glad that Kenji (a high profile chef) finally addressed the glove issue. When California passed their glove law a few years ago, I tried telling people this. People think gloves equals automatic clean, but that is not the case. I watched the best cooks on my line, who would wash their hands almost constantly, use the same gloves for almost an entire shift. Gloves need to be changed as frequently as hands need to be washed when cooking.

[@robertgrillo1141]

Plus those gloves are NOT sterile! (or even clean). In fact some of those factories in Indonesia and elsewhere are disgusting!

[@Jo3sX]

American eggs as well. Oh, see this protective natural coating? Let's remove that.

[@graftoninc]

Let's call it the Truck Truck. Hmmmmm

[@andrewwinson5866]

HMMMMMM en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellesley_College_Senate_bus#Media_coverage_as_the_"Fuck_Truck"

[@thezian]

Yea.....

[@derekjensen7652]

i like truck trucks. my favorite childhood toy.

[@jeremyd2676]

"I felt like taking whisks today" I'm dead

[@destinyharrison3336]

Jeremy D “Let us get our lettuce.”

[@SUCBASPENCE]

The "truck" truck 😂😂

[@cookingtravelideas]

Jeremy D kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJy4eaKGoch_ntU

[@stefanstolarchuk5766]

Hoo boy I think the pun police are going to pull him over and write him a ticket for that one

[@markpfeffer7487]

I didn't know if Kenji was a father. Now I know.

[@JakeLovesSteak]

Kenji: lacrimators Allicin: Am I a joke to you?!

[@deadmanwalkin07]

No, it's a two part epoxy.

[@nathanhartanto2544]

Brad Leone has entered the chat

[@Ultrajamz]

Idk I love garlic with bite!...

[@shanetaylor9288]

Jonathan Wilcox it’s really good for ya, I believe

[@Fragrantbeard]

Jonathan Wilcox I miiiiiisssssssss Brad.

[@IMatchoNation]

00:00 Kenji popping up from the Mushroom Kingdom pipe in his kitchen.

[@Joep00]

I laughed way too hard at that:')

[@DizzyDisraeli]

I was thinking that Star Wars The Force Awakens trailer

[@BiggusNickus]

@@cookingtravelideas don't use other channels to plug your videos. That's just not cool.

[@SmuttyNLP]

@@cookingtravelideas went to your channel and downvoted your video. That food looked like shit.

[@cock1846]

Cooking&Movies Ideas Your channel and videos suck man. I hope you would just stop uploading those garbage

[@fernmachine3778]

Yes, the Caesar Salad was invented in Tijuana, Mexico. The original restaurant is still there and they whip the dressing tableside.

[@pyroyeal]

Ferni Estrella no it wasn’t

[@TJ-nk4de]

not true, the cesar salad was invented in america, the oldest greatest, and freest country on earth

[@parkerdalberg9033]

T J ok I’m going to address your bullshit in order “oldest” America is very young so far as countries go. “Greatest” no, we are being quarantined because our current president decided to take money away from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). “Freest” no we are by no means free even without quarantine we have people who are afraid of being themselves because if they do act like themselves they risk being killed.

[@ahkao.9347]

@@parkerdalberg9033 hey kid, I know your young by the way you talk and your profile picture, but please shut the hell up and educate yourself. Our country would be on lockdown regardless if the CDC had more money or not. We are the number 1 country for letting people be who they are lmfao. Other countries, you can be hung for being gay, looking weird, being at the wrong place at the wrong time...

[@ahkao.9347]

@@parkerdalberg9033 we are by far the most free country. We are also doing great under trump, if you bothered to do any real research you would know this.

[@michaeljandro4460]

As soon as the knife hits the cutting board: *SHABU HAS ENTERED THE CHAT*

[@cookingtravelideas]

Michael Jandro kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJy4eaKGoch_ntU

[@Elbow1878]

Chef tries to desperately convince his audience that he is not just eating carbs and cheese during lockdown.

[@superfantasticclub]

This still has carbs and cheese in it. Kenji's trying to trick us by putting them in a salad but we all the know the truth.

[@vinh8655]

he got us in the first half ngl

[@saron1822]

​@@vinh8655 WE KNOW PepeLaugh

[@gabrielballester6627]

@HighGrade A Not to mention all the fat in the dressing lmao. Looks delicious though!

[@forwonder]

ain't nothing wrong with that

[@koofdome]

It's 1:30am, I have work in 6 hours, and I'm watching a guy that went to MIT make salad. My god 2020 is one hell of a year.

[@diegolamaart]

I was expecting for him to mention allicin, so I could mention Brad Leone in the comments

[@rolandojbuenoanderson7953]

Diego Lama your pfp looks like Andrew Rae, Babish, lol

[@ClassyJohn]

lol Brad can''t pronounce allicin

[@andrewwinson5866]

@@ClassyJohn It's the only word he CAN pronounce!

[@David-if2hj]

@@rolandojbuenoanderson7953 Rea*

[@Ouba1]

Rolando Bueno its his brother after getting the tesla

[@maggietozier4091]

Salad spinners are also great for drying off noodles, spinning sour kraut so you can braise it and washing small fruits not just 🥗

[@phug0id]

Maggie Tozier Kenji suggesting it as a important kitchen tool justifies my purchase of one, finally

[@mat5473]

@@phug0id I mean it's basically essential if you ever want to eat lettuce at home. I've dried living without a salad spinner...tried many methods like putting the greens in a tea towel and swinging round your head. Works ok but you have to go outside or wet your whole kitchen. Then there is the pat dry method. Again, it works ok but you have to have clean towels available. I guess paper towel works, I don't really do paper towel as I find it wasteful.

[@sleightlyhandy889]

Can also be used to make a very cheap centrifuge

[@seanmatthewking]

@@xXJokerAtWorkXx same

[@kitthazelton2309]

I've worked in professional kitchen off and on for over 40 years, and really appreciate the fact that you make good food accessible to everyone. Right up there with Jacques Pepin, Kenji. Thank you!

[@danial5870]

Please continue to go in depth with your explanations, it’s really interesting.

[@kevinboydston5465]

Every time I think Kenji is going to forget to share with Shabu, he comes through at the last second. What a good dog-dad.

[@tortolita633]

When Kenji says "Look at that" it sends me straight to the kitchen in an attempt to duplicate whatever he has prepared. Predictably, my dish is never quite as worth looking at as his finished recipe. But it still tastes amazing.

[@powerrangerfan111]

Just want to thank you for uploading this content. I really look forward to your uploads especially in these times

[@Rhababerschorle]

I love how he appreciates alternative styles of the food he prepares. He’s not like “this is the best version blah blah blah”

[@chadbrobertson]

Papa Kenji is only serious about one thing: THE BLT IS A TOMATO SANDWICH

[@cdohan42]

Kenji, I just wanted to say that I've always loved your videos and your writing since I discovered SE in 2016. I nerded out when you responded to me on Reddit once. Your daily videos during this guano time are my favorite part of the day. It really perks me up and comforts me and reminds me of watching post 9/11 food tv with my now deceased mother. Thank you so so much for keeping on doing this and I hope to have a kitchen as nice as yours one day.

[@MrMosby-hy3te]

I love how aware you are of your audience and how you explain every step almost as if we were right there watching you make it.... great job and Great channel

[@johndowney8575]

Tought this was going to piss me off watching someone take 20 minutes to make a salad but it was really good and looked great thanks kenji❤

[@SmuttyNLP]

Is that because you would typically open the lettuce bag, pour some on to a plate, open the dressing bottle and pour it on then be done in 20 seconds?

[@johndowney8575]

Pretty much😂👏

[@Sumanitu]

Yeah, same. Its cause he normally does such simple recipes in a lot of his videos (like 6 ingredient biscuits and sausage gravy) that I didn't expect him to make the croutons and the caesar dressing from scratch

[@sarahjane9577]

It looks like this was sunrise, which I’m sure other people have commented about :) You are the absolute best, Kenji. And I don’t say that about a lot of chefs. I’m a low key, non-pro home chef that loves to cook, create and inspire others into doing the same thing. Cooking (but not so much baking, which I do) give me so much joy and satisfaction in my life. I’ve been cooking, whether I was allowed to or not, since I was 9 years old. I know that it sounds like an autobiography for myself right now, but I honestly just want you to know about me before I say this. You are, HANDS DOWN, the BEST and most modest chef I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about, following and being able to but their books and actually ENJOY reading them and cook their recipes. It’s like I’m right there in the kitchen with you. Trust me, I’m a food porn veteran, but I quit watching the stuff and just love to learn through people like you. So thank you for this delicious Caesar dressing, which I’ve made many times, and will continue to do so. I have almost 100 cookbooks and yours is still my favorite. I tell my BF that my lifelong dream is too cook alongside you, or at least to share a meal. P.S. Don’t be surprised if I post on my other favorites of yours. I just typically don’t comment very often. Thank you for all that you do!!

[@blossumgang1357]

I love these so much. Really keeping me entertained during these times

[@ardobkin]

Kenji these videos help more than you know. Keep on cooking. Here’s to you, your family, and everyone else’s these strange times.

[@wrdj3094]

I think my wife doesn't like all the facts I repeat back to her, but she likes that I am having more fun in the kitchen again! I love all the facts and stories you've been sharing!

[@jepoyburner]

I love that this man subtly calls out food elitists once or twice every video.

[@mewekachichi]

Love the food science lessons. The earthquake emulsion analogy visual. Been trying to visualise the understanding of it. The binding property in the egg is like an adaptor - two diff. ends connecting two diff things and makes it work.

[@cgreen4life]

I learn so much watching your videos. Seriously, thank you, so much information in a great format. Thanks chef

[@sahoodouken1811]

Bruh where did you come from on that intro? the depths of hell???

[@mauz791]

@@cookingtravelideas stop

[@malcolmlai6915]

@@cookingtravelideas for that shameless plug, I shall dislike your video

[@dylanglebe6206]

I appreciate how accessible you make all of this cooking... I love to BBQ and cook up bar foods but I never imagined making salads or some of the other things on your page, but because of your channel I am definitely taking more risks in the kitchen. Thanks a lot man!

[@Kemne]

Where was this video when i made caesar salad today? These Kenji daily uploads are the best part of being stuck at home. Keep up the good work!

[@yup.6108]

When he talked about being awkward and ending up on the other side of the room, I felt that.

[@treepuncher17]

Man I really appreciate these videos. You've got me in the kitchen clearing out some old stuff from the pantry and I'm learning a lot.

[@the72u7h4]

My wife has to 'scrub in' dozens of times a day at the hospital. You wanna talk washing hands, you aint got SHIT on how many times she washes her hands. We're talking MINIMUM 30-90 times A DAY. Lol. I found that crazy, but it makes sense. She's working from home since last year and spent 18 YEARS in the hospital treating patients.She got out just in time before all this covid crap kicked off. I Love you KENJI. Your'e vids, I've learned so much!

[@Cihanxoxo]

Can we take a moment to appreciate how cool those revolving shelves are? Its such a good way to save corner space.

[@Cihanxoxo]

@@themukbros8518 Relatively speaking its such a simple device but im still amazed by it. Why dont all kitchens have one?? 😅😅

[@sfnefreak2002]

They’re called a lazy Susan.

[@LindsayJames86]

Ha I just watched Molly Baz make a cae sal yesterday and I've been craving it like crazy. I'll take this as the motivation I need to get the ingredients

[@EveryLittleBitCounts]

I can hear Molly abbreviating it to cae sal in my head. She abbreviates everything it's so adorable

[@dougamer31]

She has shoes her husband got that say it lol

[@noorsawhney7955]

I love hearing him talk it’s so intriguing. I learn something new every every video

[@roryhellier5855]

Kenji: *talking about measuring cheese* we just grate it until it feel right We measure cheese with the heart, not grams

[@MichaelB-ug9rs]

Kenji these videos alone make quarantine worth it man, so awesome to watch listen and learn, thank you

[@ErichEats]

I really like this style. really shows off technique very well. Like you really get an understanding of where everything is. I hope these continue!

[@keefeteo9338]

This comment section is becoming a warm family which has been my source of happiness in these dark days of quarantine

[@alexanderrolfs6539]

In regards to the deli containers, you can always just go to your favorite deli or take out spot and then save/reuse the containers. I have so many of them by doing this.

[@davidferrer678]

Alexander Rolfs or you can go to a restaurant supply store buy a bunch for less than you’d probably pay for a few days of take out

[@DrAlexanderTobacco]

Whenever I'm cooking now, I can't stop imagining myself as looking through the lense of a gopro, it feels really weird. Love your vids!

[@TheBeautybyautumn]

I’ve been doing that too! It’s making it more fun 😂 I’ve also been talking and thinking out loud while I cook like I’m addressing an audience lol.

[@daltonott8343]

Thank you for all of this content. You continue to inspire me to become a better cook and to try new recipes! I wasn't surprised to hear during this video you went to MIT. You always do a great job explaining little tidbits of the science behind ingredients and why the behave the way they do.

[@ODD_Dave]

I've learned to cook a few things from you and love watching this channel.

[@karenmikasko7148]

I love that Shabu gets a bite at the end

[@Craftiing]

I am so glad I found this channel. Been here for a little while now but I'm never disappointed by a video, even if it is something that I don't think i would eat. Thank you!

[@bartman311]

These vids are the best thing on KZbin right now. I hope after this is all over you keep this up. I’ve made about a half dozen of these in the last couple weeks. Excellent stuff, sir!

[@harry.sekhon]

Made this from your book the other day. Never ordering Caesar salad at a cafe again. This is ridiculously tasty

[@ChiIeboy]

Pro Tip: when preparing the 'coddled egg' version, coddle the garlic cloves along with the egg and you'll be surprised how easily they go through the garlic press. Alternatively, it's much more easily smashed with a fork in a traditional wooden salad bowl than a raw garlic clove. BUT...and here's the *main* reason...a quick parboil softens and mellows the otherwise raw, pungent garlic bite.

[@sebastianpagni]

How am I just discovering your videos? This is absolutely awesome, thank you for some great content!

[@stanfordschroder1980]

Kenji, I enjoy watching you cook. Thank you for posting these videos.

[@Haji84]

That crunching sound is just gold

[@seanwoodburn2616]

Yes to Tijuana. Caesar Cardini was not a fan of anchovies in this salad but it is interesting to note that in later years he did include them on request. The big mistake folks make of course, (for a classic Caesar) is just laying them on the salad as opposed to incorporating them into the dressing. Might be a beautiful mistake though...I eat them from the tin! Caesar of course prepared this tableside. I am told that they were crushed into the egg yolk. Julia may have been the only professional first hand account of Cardini preparing the salad and even so she was just a teen when she witnessed it. Rock on Kenji!

[@Emperorerror]

That mixer analogy is so good and so funny and really just kept going

[@SY-uh9tp]

Hey Kenji. Learn so much from your videos. Couple video ideas for you. Can you cover how to store things in the fridge to maximize freshness and flavor. Also a video on how you compost would be fantastic.

[@mikewagz2171]

i applied your emulsion blender trick for mayo to this recipe and it worked really well! didn't even need to worry about chopping the garlic and anchovies

[@nebyeleuldemeke7877]

Didn't have Worcestershire or parmesan so I subbed it with soy sauce+ rice vinegar and tomato basil feta. Pretty tasty.

[@000DAAN000]

Amazing quality content. Thank you Kenji. I especially like when you explain why you're diong something with some anecotes.

[@annefrankenstein15]

Hey Kenji thanks for doing these videos the last few days. Its giving me something to look forward too stuck at home.

[@Hiflips]

You know all this info off the top of your dome? I know it's your job to cook as a chef but your knowledge on the chemistry of cooking is incredible and a reason I keep watching lol

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

It’s actual my job to write about cooking, specifically cooking science! Check out my book The Food Lab if you’re interested in more.

[@views2478]

the observation in different races when cooking & technique’s is honestly the best & when you combine those different methods; it’s magic ! & the dish comes out so amazing !

[@harlamguy]

Love the homage to Michael Solomonov! Have you ever been to Zahav in Philly? It's so, so good.

[@letXeqX]

The demonstration at his restaurant was thoroughly disgusting. Need to get to Philly and visit Zahav.

[@HijabsandAprons]

ooomg the analogy of the mixers and the fat/water 🤣 the speed of his words gives away how excited he was

[@masoodrazaq]

I went to that other university in Cambridge MA. We also called the Wellesley bus the Something that Rhymes with Truck Truck 😂

[@Val-yq7pt]

Ur videos are quite literally keeping me sane during quarantine Kenji

[@views2478]

omg I love the fact that he used the other end of the spoon to re-taste the food. cautious & considered even though it’s your own food .

[@Bmax24]

Just wanted to say I love your videos man. I especially love the late night meals u make. It inspires me to have as much things as you do in your kitchen. Still working on the being a good cook part

[@arts830]

I hope this man knows how amazing his videos are.

[@brainstormer617]

Omg this is my new favorite cooking video, u have tons of info, ur super organized, and really efficient. This is my first time seeing ur channel btw and ur now one of my fav cooks

[@fankooshaloosh6062]

Love your videos Kenji!! This is like Good Eats in this era!! Have your book too.

[@wendydawe3874]

Loved this video, especially all of your chemical explanations. Had to laugh about the “ truck truck”……most of us have been there.😉 Thanks Kenji for all that you do.

[@92edro]

Yo Chef! One of our favorite meals lately has been a homemade caesar, your incredible crispy roasted potatoes, and a steak or some other fairly rich protein. It feels like a treat, is super delicious, and pretty affordable! Cheers everyone!

[@oh1yeah2]

Best explanation for emulsions! Will use it for sure

[@bdawg923]

Can you do a video on how and why you compost?

[@phoenixrevivitus]

Thx for including the science in a quick manner. Helps a lot. Subscribed!!

[@michaelscott4814]

I love your videos! Specially when you have a drink while cooking, or is it just me?! Lol

[@prodbyalec2144]

this was the smoothest intro ive seen ... how he slided in ... beautiful

[@maxbergeron6802]

Really enjoy the food science/biochemistry!

[@gokulharikumar3095]

Kenji blessing us with all these quarantine videos

[@wormulous]

So #1 made some ceasar salad today and it was good, but I think my garlic was too strong, but there is always tomorrow to adjust. #2 I cannot stress enough how important those deli containers are however. Cant really stack the other brands or even the glass brands... plus if you lose a lid... there are only about 50 leftover because you buy them in a massive sleeve. They are life changing for storage and I have no idea why this isn't like a massively known thing for home cooks (or I was just conned into thinking it wasn't great then I got them and they are glorious).

[@dimsteroner]

Give me that allicin its like a 2 part epoxy lmao

[@cookingtravelideas]

dimsteroner kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJy4eaKGoch_ntU

[@niklaspilot]

And that’s what’s good for you in garlic ... I think

[@njc2o]

IT'S KINDA LIKE A TWO PART GLUE OR EPOXY

[@dre8477]

Can you do a tour of your garden?

[@AustinxTexan]

can't wait to watch this channel every day for weeks on end

[@maryantczak]

Hi Kenji. Love this recipe. Love all of your recipes, really. If I were you, I would have a jar with spoons and forks in it near your cutting board so that you can taste things as you are cooking. You rock.☺️

[@leaguelegos7344]

I love Kenji's stories.

[@tayon_lee]

This video is gem, I followed your exact steps and the salad was amazing!

[@luckyduran4279]

Your analogies are incredible

[@doctorteeth8895]

You are my quarantine JAM. Can’t wait to see what you cook next.

[@1974KAAR]

I'm so happy you throw on some anchovies, I thought I was weirdo for doing that. I love the saltiness and the taste of them

[@dAfoodie101]

that analogy was amazing. seriously everyone else should stop trying, we found the best explanation! 12:00

[@roonan4034]

I dont care if im not cooking any of these. It's just great to just watch.

[@indianasquatchunters]

Glad to see I’m not the only one who uses the spoon handle as a second dipper.

[@SmoothLures]

Great video. Bonus points for stuff that I don’t feel guilty eating!

[@McKlunkers]

That moment of sadness when you see J kenji's daily lockdown video has been uploaded and it's a salad. We get it! we've got to eat healthy too and quarantine isn't an excuse to lie in bed all day, eat mac and cheese and watch KZbin. Now make us a grilled cheese please. And don't skimp on the cheese. And keep up the good work, your videos are literally a daily highlight.

[@prerakvaishnav7512]

Thank you. So, I nicely explained the recipe

[@MrsRoper2015]

I love your analogies!

[@vitrett3224]

One of my favorite salads

[@MakakBoku]

I love your videos a lot, keep up the great work you do. Greetings from France.