Gen Zs have a knack for reinventing food, and the impact of this generation has shaped trends in the culinary world. This love inspires them to think out of the box! Gone are the days of mindless munching on fried snacks - now, protein-packed and fibre-rich food is stealing the spotlight. Such preferences have unfolded a culinary revolution among Gen Zs - they have embraced home cooking as a trending lifestyle choice. 

This generation is smart and tech-led; they are more into saving time and the speciality of thinking innovatively, which sets Gen Z ready to cook something creative. Today's Indian home chefs are scrolling through Instagram Reels, saving TikTok hacks, chatting with AI bots for dinner ideas, and even letting smart kitchen gadgets guide their next meal. Gadgets like the air fryer have become Gen Z’s favourite sous chef. 

Foodism is here with Instagram-inspired recipes cooked by Gen Z in Indian homes right now- 

Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs

Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs are the perfect Gen Z snack—crispy, tangy, and fuss-free. This recipe for Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs uses simple Indian spices, and the air fryer does all the magic in minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs:

• 2 sweet corn cobs
• 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp black salt
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander

Instructions for Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs:

1. Slice each corn cob vertically into 4 “rib-like” wedges. Use a sharp knife and be cautious.
2. In a bowl, mix butter, chaat masala, red chilli powder, black salt, and lime juice.
3. Coat the corn ribs generously with the masala mix.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. Place the Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Once crisp and golden, sprinkle coriander and extra chaat masala.
7. Serve the Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs hot with mint chutney or spicy mayo.

Pro Tip: You can brush the Air Fryer Masala Corn Ribs with garlic butter for an added flavour boost.

Vegan Paneer Butter Masala

This Vegan Paneer Butter Masala is dairy-free, rich, and ideal for health-conscious Gen Z foodies. The Vegan Paneer Butter Masala swaps paneer with tofu and uses coconut cream for that luxurious mouthfeel.

Ingredients for Vegan Paneer Butter Masala:

• 200g extra-firm tofu (cubed)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp kasuri methi
• ½ cup coconut cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander to garnish

Instructions for Vegan Paneer Butter Masala:

1. Sauté tofu cubes until lightly golden. Keep aside.
2. In the same pan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, cook for a minute, then add tomato puree.
4. Cook the base until the oil separates.
5. Add red chilli powder, turmeric, salt, and garam masala.
6. Pour in the coconut cream and simmer.
7. Add tofu and kasuri methi. Mix gently.
8. Garnish the Vegan Paneer Butter Masala with fresh coriander.
9. Serve Vegan Paneer Butter Masala with rice or roti.

Pro Tip: For an authentic butter masala flavour, add a drop of maple syrup to balance acidity in Vegan Paneer Butter Masala.

One-Pan Tandoori Pasta

One-Pan Tandoori Pasta is a bold Indo-Italian fusion dish. This Tandoori Pasta recipe combines creamy tandoori flavours with penne or fusilli—all in one skillet.

Ingredients for One-Pan Tandoori Pasta:

• 1 cup uncooked pasta
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk or cream
• ½ onion (sliced)
• ½ bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp tandoori masala
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp grated cheese
• Salt to taste

Instructions for One-Pan Tandoori Pasta:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Add tandoori masala, cumin powder, chilli flakes, and ketchup. Stir well.
3. Pour in milk and water. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add uncooked pasta directly into the pan. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Add more water if needed.
6. Once the pasta is cooked and creamy, add cheese and mix well.
7. Serve the One-Pan Tandoori Pasta hot with a side of yoghurt dip or fresh salad.

Pro Tip: Use smoked paprika in the One-Pan Tandoori Pasta for an enhanced smoky tandoori vibe.

5-Minute Microwave Mug Dhokla

Microwave Mug Dhokla is the ultimate Gen Z hack for instant snacking. This Mug Dhokla recipe comes together in minutes using pantry staples and a microwave.

Ingredients for 5-Minute Microwave Mug Dhokla:

• 4 tbsp besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp yoghurt
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 pinch turmeric
• ½ tsp Eno fruit salt
• Salt to taste

For tempering:

• 1 tsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• Curry leaves
• Green chilli (optional)

Instructions for 5-Minute Microwave Mug Dhokla:

1. In a large microwave-safe mug, mix besan, yoghurt, water, turmeric, and salt into a smooth batter.
2. Add eno and mix quickly. The batter will rise.
3. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
4. Let the Microwave Mug Dhokla rest for 1 minute before removing.
5. For tempering, heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilli.
6. Pour the tempering over the Microwave Mug Dhokla and garnish with coriander. 

Pro Tip: Add grated carrots or spinach into the Mug Dhokla batter for a nutritional boost.

Korean Gochujang Maggi

Korean Gochujang Maggi is a spicy, umami-rich noodle dish that combines India’s favourite instant noodles with Korea’s boldest chilli paste. This Gochujang Maggi recipe is a viral sensation among Gen Z foodies.

Ingredients for Korean Gochujang Maggi:

• 1 pack of Maggi noodles (any flavour)
• 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chilli paste)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp chopped onions
• ½ tsp garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
• Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions for Korean Gochujang Maggi:

1. Cook Maggi noodles without the tastemaker. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat sesame oil and sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
3. Add gochujang, soy sauce, and chilli flakes.
4. Toss in the noodles and coat thoroughly in the sauce.
5. Garnish the Korean Gochujang Maggi with spring onions and sesame seeds.
6. Serve Gochujang Maggi hot for a bold, spicy twist.

Pro Tip: Add sautéed mushrooms or tofu to elevate Korean Gochujang Maggi into a full meal.

Smart Cooker Palak Dal

Smart Cooker Palak Dal is a nutritious and hands-free recipe that uses modern tech. The Palak Dal recipe is a favourite among health-focused Gen Zs who want efficiency without compromising flavour.

Ingredients for Smart Cooker Palak Dal:

• ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 2 cups chopped spinach (palak)
• 1 small tomato (chopped)
• 1 green chili (slit)
• ½ tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

For tempering:

• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 garlic cloves (sliced)
• 1 dry red chilli

Instructions for Smart Cooker Palak Dal:

1. Add toor dal, chopped spinach, tomato, chilli, turmeric, and salt into the Smart Cooker pot.
2. Select the “Dal” preset or manually set it to pressure cook for 12 minutes.
3. Allow natural pressure release. Stir and adjust the consistency if needed.
4. In a small pan, heat ghee and add cumin, garlic, and red chilli.
5. Pour this tempering over the cooked Smart Cooker Palak Dal.
6. Serve the Smart Cooker Palak Dal hot with rice or millet roti.

Pro Tip: The Palak Dal recipe can be made richer with a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a Gen Z gourmet finish.

Tech isn't replacing traditional Indian cooking—it’s reimagining it for a generation that’s wired, busy, and creative. With reels serving up visual inspiration and gadgets streamlining kitchen work, Gen Z is proving that great Indian food doesn't need to be time-consuming or passed down on paper.

If you have any exciting creations, then download Foodism and share them with our vibrant food community.