Since 2020, TikTok has launched countless food trends, but only a select few have earned a permanent spot in my family’s recipe rotations. Forget the fads that faded—these are the tried-and-true viral recipes that delivered on flavor, convenience, and pure deliciousness. From easy weeknight dinners to satisfying snacks, these are the Top 10 TikTok recipes that actually stuck and why they’re still worth making in 2026!

1. Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl (2021)

• Why it stuck: The ultimate healthy, 2-minute lunch that feels gourmet. Perfect for using up leftover salmon and rice.
• The Basics: Flake leftover salmon and place on hot white rice. Add a small ice cube on top, cover with parchment paper, and microwave for 1-2 minutes to steam. Drizzle with soy sauce, sriracha, and Kewpie mayo. Serve with roasted seaweed sheets.
• Watch the Viral Video Here

2. Baked Feta Pasta (2021)

• Why it stuck: A delicious one-pan wonder that literally caused feta shortages. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
• The Basics: Place a block of feta cheese in the center of an oven-safe dish. Surround with cherry tomatoes, drizzle generously with olive oil, and add minced garlic. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft. Mash everything together, then toss with cooked pasta.
• Find a Recipe Tutorial

3. The Tortilla Wrap Hack (2021)

• Why it stuck: Revolutionized wraps by making them mess-free and perfectly foldable.
• The Basics: Make a single cut from the center of a large tortilla to one edge. Fill each of the four quadrants with a different ingredient (e.g., cheese, protein, veggies, sauce). Fold each quadrant over the next, creating a triangle. Grill or pan-fry until golden.
• Master the Fold Here

4. Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta (2020)

• Why it stuck: Restaurant-quality comfort food using pantry staples.
• The Basics: Sauté diced onion and garlic, add tomato paste and cook down. Stir in red pepper flakes and a splash of vodka (optional). Add heavy cream and butter, then stir in cooked pasta and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Get the Full Recipe

5. Grinder Salad Sandwich (2022)

• Why it stuck: Elevated the classic sub sandwich with a tangy, addictive chopped salad topping.
• The Basics: Layer deli meats (like turkey, ham, salami) and cheese on a hoagie roll, then toast until cheese is melted. For the “grinder salad,” finely chop iceberg lettuce, red onion, pepperoncini, and mix with mayo, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Pile the salad on top of the warm sandwich.
• Make Your Own Grinder

6. Pesto Eggs (2021)

• Why it stuck: The simplest way to upgrade your breakfast eggs with gourmet flavor.
• The Basics: Instead of oil or butter, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of basil pesto into a hot pan. Crack eggs directly into the pesto and fry until cooked to your liking. Serve on toast, with avocado, or in a breakfast burrito.
• Try Pesto Eggs Now

7. Birria Tacos / Quesatacos (2020 – Present)

• Why it stuck: Introduced home cooks to the joy of crispy, dippable, cheesy tacos.
• The Basics: Slow-cook beef (chuck roast) with chiles and spices until tender. Shred the beef. Dip corn tortillas in the fatty consome (stew liquid), fill with beef and cheese, then fry until crispy. Serve with a side of the consome for dipping.
• Find a Birria Recipe

8. Green Goddess Salad (2021)

• Why it stuck: A highly addictive, crunchy, and refreshing dip-like salad that lasts for days.
• The Basics: Finely chop cabbage, cucumber, and chives. For the dressing, blend basil, spinach, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, and cashews. Toss the chopped veggies with the dressing and serve with tortilla chips.
• Get the Green Goddess Recipe

9. “Marry Me” Chicken (2022)

• Why it stuck: The ultimate “impressive but easy” dinner date dish that promises delicious results.
• The Basics: Pan-sear chicken breasts, then simmer in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil.
• Cook Marry Me Chicken

10. The Sleepy Girl Mocktail (2023 – 2026)

• Why it stuck: A delicious, functional drink that naturally promotes relaxation and better sleep.
• The Basics: Combine tart cherry juice, magnesium powder (flavorless or flavored), and top with sparkling water or a prebiotic soda. Stir well and drink before bed.
• Mix a Sleepy Girl Mocktail

Which TikTok sensation has earned a permanent spot in your kitchen? Let me know in the comments below!

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