Blue Apron - Extra Helpings

How to Cook Bacon in the Oven

This guide to oven cooking with bacon was contributed by Jonathan Bender. Jonathan is a food writer who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. He’s the author of a pair of cookbooks: Stock, Broth & Bowl and Cookies & Beer.

Crispy. Fatty. Smoky. The sizzle is real. Let’s talk about bacon—the glorious strips on a B.L.T. and the crispy bits that make dish extra special.

We’ve put together a guide that helps you learn about the different types of bacon, including the difference between bacon and pork belly. We’ll walk you through how to defrost and cook bacon, as well as what to do with bacon grease and (the unlikely event of) leftover bacon.

Discover exactly what cookware you need and the right temperature, along with a few tips and tricks, for beautifully crispy bacon. Read on for a collection of recipes to let you enjoy your newfound bacon knowledge.

Getting started: Choosing the right bacon

The variety of bacon terminology can get confusing; but it’s also a helpful clue about what part of the pig was used to make the bacon.

Bacon slices, sometimes called “streaky bacon” for the white runs of fat, are most commonly made from pork belly. Here, we’re talking crackling strips for BLTs, bacon-wrapped figs and backyard cheeseburgers.

Canadian bacon or back bacon (loin),cottage bacon (shoulder), jowl bacon (cheek meat) and slab bacon (sides) are all different cuts you may encounter. The wide slices of back bacon and thin slices of lean cottage bacon can both anchor a breakfast sandwich, while fatty jowl bacon adds smokiness and depth to greens.

Chop thick slices of slab bacon (cubed or sticks of slab bacon are often called lardons) and tuck them inside tortillas for tacos, sprinkle atop pasta, or sneak some pieces in a gooey grilled cheese.

Try this recipe: Skate Wing with Crispy Lardons and Frisée

What’s the difference between bacon and pork belly?

This is a bit of a square vs. rectangle situation. Bacon is usually (but not always) made from pork belly; but pork belly isn’t bacon unless it’s been cured.

Bacon is typically cured (salt and seasoning is added to draw out moisture) and/or smoked before it’s packaged. Pork belly (named for the butcher’s cut, it comes from the belly of a pig) is sold fresh and often has a band of fat at the top, as well as fat marbled throughout the meat. Pork belly can be served in thick slices, crispy cubes, or thin strips.

What’s the difference between pancetta and bacon?

Pancetta is also made from pork belly. Unlike bacon, pancetta is not cured or smoked before it is packaged. It’s generally ok to substitute chopped bacon for pancetta in most recipes, though it may add an additional smoky flavor. You can also substitute pancetta in recipes that use small pieces of bacon, or lardons.

A note on cooking cured versus uncured bacon

Uncured bacon or pork belly is best when it can be cooked for a long time at a low temperature in order to let the fat slowly render down, transforming your slice into tender bites. Braising and smoking pork belly are popular choices. Overcooked pork belly—either at too high a temperature or for too long—can make your meat tough or rubbery in texture.

Methods for defrosting bacon

You have several options when it comes to thawing frozen bacon. If you know you’re making brunch on the weekend, place frozen bacon in the refrigerator on a plate or defrosting tray the day before you want to cook.

Need bacon to thaw faster? Put your unopened package of frozen bacon on a wire rack in your sink. Then, run a slow, steady stream of cool water over the bacon. It should thaw in roughly 30 minutes. Once you’re able to separate the slices, cook them immediately.

How to cook bacon on the stovetop

There are lots of effective ways to cook bacon. The one you choose will likely depend on your available cookware, the amount of people you’re feeding, and your tolerance for cleaning up grease. Let’s work our way from the top of the stove to your oven.

A skillet that stretches over two burners is best if you’re trying to cook a whole package of bacon strips. Cooking for two people? You can fit six strips of bacon (a little less than half of a one-pound package) in a 12-inch nonstick pan or cast iron pan.

Lay your bacon flat, making sure there’s a bit of space between each slice, on a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium. When your bacon begins to curl at the edges, flip it to the other side. Flip your bacon frequently to ensure even cooking.

Pro tip: If you want extra crispy bacon, add enough cold water to cover the bottom of the pan while the skillet is still cold. The water will boil off, but before it does, it helps render the fat and reduces splatter. Your bacon will take a little longer to cook; but will be beautifully browned and add a nice bit of crunch to a salad or sandwich.

cooking with bacon for sandwiches — Classic B.L.T. Sandwiches with Tomato, Avocado & Cucumber Salad

How to cook bacon in the oven

If you dread making bacon because of the mess and effort, you’ll want to try using a rimmed baking sheet in the oven. Remember the rimmed part—grease will spill over the edges of a flat cookie sheet onto your oven floor.

cooking bacon in the oven — Cooking with bacon in the oven

For fewer dishes, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, which will help trap some of the grease and make clean-up easier. Crinkle your foil lightly before you use it so your slices sit slightly above the foil and crisp up without being saturated in grease.

You can also lay the bacon strips on a wire rack atop a rimmed baking sheet. The strips can be snug; but try to keep them from touching. While the strips cook, grease will drip through the rack (and be caught by the baking sheet) so your bacon is crispier.

Start your baking sheet in a cold oven. Heat to 400℉ and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. If you prefer your bacon well-done, opt for 450℉ and roughly 20 minutes. Cook until the bacon is evenly browned.

As for the microwave oven, save it for popcorn (with a bit of bacon grease). Bacon will brown and crisp up slightly—tuck slices between paper towels on top of a microwave safe plate—in your microwave; but it lacks crunch and char.

What to do with bacon grease

Keep in mind that hot bacon grease can melt a garbage bag, and bacon grease poured down the drain can solidify and cause a back up in your pipes. You have to be a bit intentional with bacon grease.

Let the grease cool slightly before you do anything else. If you’re not keeping your grease, pour it into a yogurt cup or empty metal can while it’s still warm. The grease will solidify as it cools. After it’s cooled, it can be safely tossed in the trash.

Before you head for the trash, consider saving bacon grease to reap the delicious dividends. Pour warm bacon grease into a heat-resistant container with an airtight lid. Use a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to catch some of the solid bacon pieces. This will improve its shelf life in your fridge.

Refrigerated bacon grease should last at least three months (frozen grease will keep much longer). Your nose will let you know when it’s time to make a new batch.

Bacon grease is handy in the kitchen. It adds a bit of umami to roasted vegetables, fried chicken, or scrambled eggs. We love the depth that bacon grease, swapped for butter, lends to cookies and shortbreads.

A note on splatter: Once splatter has cooled slightly, spray an all-purpose cleaner on your stovetop or counter. Wait a minute, then wipe it up with paper towels or a sponge. If you’re cooking bacon often, consider getting a splatter screen which will keep the grease contained.

Can bacon be saved?

It sounds impossible; but sometimes there is leftover bacon. Cooked slices in a sealed container or bag will keep for five days in the fridge. Freezing bacon? Place slices individually on wax or parchment paper on a cookie sheet for several hours (or overnight) before transferring to a bag you can seal to avoid large frozen clumps of bacon. Bacon will keep for at least a month in the freezer.

Recipes we love with bacon

Pancetta & Onion Jam Cheeseburger with Smoky Fingerlings

Pan-Seared Chicken Legs with Purple Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Vinaigrette

Triple Pork Mazeman with Roasted Garlic & Pea Tips

For more cooking tips and tricks, click here.

Asian-Style Sautéed Aromatics Recipe

If you’ve ordered dishes like Korean Pork & Rice Cakes with Bok Choy or One-Pan Udon Noodle & Spicy Peanut Stir-Fry then you’ve cooked with Blue Apron’s Asian-style sautéed aromatics.

It might seem like this prepackaged blend is a magical substance that makes every meal delicious, but it’s actually just a mix of common ingredients found in many Asian-inspired meals. We pre-package the mixture to save you cooking time, but if you want to recreate any of these recipes at home, it’s easy to make your own version with a few ingredients and a good knife.

Chef Lili shows us how to make Asian-Style Sautéed Aromatics

Recipe for Asian-Style Sautéed Aromatics

3 Tbsps finely chopped peeled ginger, about one 3” piece
3 Tbsps finely chopped scallions
1 Tbsp finely chopped garlic
3 Tbsps neutral oil

Prep and finely chop the ginger, scallions, and garlic. Use both the white and the green portions of the scallions.

In a small sauce pot, heat the oil. Add the chopped aromatics, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the aromatics are softened.

Use as a base for flavorful stir frys, noodle dishes, and more!

Here are some of our favorite dishes using Asian-Style sautéed aromatics

General Tso’s Chicken with Bok Choy & Jasmine Rice

Try making this classic takeout dish at home. Our recipe features a sweet and tangy sauce, bok choy, and soft jasmine rice.

Chicken & Wonton Noodle Stir-Fry with Peas, Carrots & Cabbage

For this comforting stir-fry, we’re making a sweet and savory sauce to coat fresh wonton noodles, tender chicken, and crisp veggies—first cooked with our fragrant blend of sautéed aromatics for a boost of bright flavor.

Sweet & Savory Sesame Chicken with Vegetables & Jasmine Rice

Tender chicken, bok choy, and carrots come together in the pan with a simple, flavorful sauce of tahini (a nutty paste made from sesame seeds), sweet hoisin, and ponzu. The fluffy rice soaks up any extra sauce.

Korean-Style Beef Bowls with Bok Choy & Gochujang Mayo

A simple drizzle of mayo mixed with gochujang—a savory paste made from chiles and fermented soybeans—deliciously brings together contrasting textures of tender beef, crisp bok choy, and crunchy marinated radishes.

Soy-Glazed Wonton Noodles with Red Cabbage & Soft-Boiled Eggs

In this quick-cooking dish, delightfully chewy wonton noodles and a duo of vibrant veggies are tossed with an umami-filled combination of black bean sauce, sweet chili sauce, and soy glaze. A rich soft-boiled egg served on top lends even more savory flavor to the noodles.

Hoisin Pork & Gochujang Rice Bowls with Mushrooms, Radishes & Marinated Cucumbers

For these bowls, we’re mixing fluffy white rice with spicy gochujang, then topping it off with pork cooked with lightly sweet hoisin sauce. Crispy marinated radishes and cucumbers provide delightful cooling contrast.

Find more recipes like these with the online Blue Apron Cookbook.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving: 3 Tips for a Hearty Dinner

Let’s be honest: Turkey has never been the star of the holiday table. You can create a satisfying vegetarian Thanksgiving meal that’s bursting with fall flavors without a bird in sight. Follow these tips for a plant-based special occasion meal that everyone will love.

Tip 1: Start with quality produce

If you start out with delicious produce and flavorful extras, you’ll end up with a meal to be thankful for. Lean into the flavors of fall with hearty vegetables like delicata squash and Brussels sprouts. Add a pop of brightness with seasonal citrus. Nuts and seeds, like pepitas and almonds, add texture and richness that enhance roasted flavors.

Tip 2: Embrace indulgence

Being a vegetarian doesn’t mean that you only eat vegetables. Thanksgiving is the time to bring in comfort food. We’re talking carbs, cheese, and everything rich. Our favorite vegetarian Thanksgiving main is essentially a dressed-up mac and cheese. This year we’re serving a Three-Cheese Cascatelli Pasta Bake with Mushrooms, Spinach & Truffle Breadcrumbs. A decadent mix of cheeses makes this dish a little indulgent—perfect for a holiday meal.

Tip 3: Bring on the umami

Savory, rich umami flavor can be a little hard to find in a vegetarian diet. It’s naturally present in meats and fish, but you have to look a little harder in the plant-based world. Mushrooms, including truffle zest, are a natural umami bomb. We’re using truffle zest to add a punch of flavor to our vegetarian main dish. Roasting vegetables is also a great way to enhance their savory flavor. A little dark brown caramelization will bring rich complexity to any dish.

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Wondering what to serve instead of a turkey? Here’s what’s on our table this year.

Three-Cheese Cascatelli Pasta Bake with Mushrooms, Spinach & Truffle Breadcrumbs
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Calabrian Brown Butter Vinaigrette & Walnuts
Arugula & Orange Salad with Pistachios & Creamy Date Dressing
Smoky Delicata Squash with Pepitas & Almonds
Chocolate Mousse Pie with Whipped Cream & Candied Peanuts

The Blue Apron vegetarian holiday box will be available to ship starting November 7th. Stay up to date here.

How to Make Baked Pasta: Our Favorite Recipes & More

Most of your favorite pasta dishes start out the same way: by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Of course, we stand by this tried and true method, but for busy nights when you’re craving a hands-off meal, there’s another way. You can make pasta oven by baking it in a pan with water. The best part is that all of your other ingredients cook at the same. You’ll end up with a flavorful pasta bake and minimal cleanup.

How to make pasta in the oven

Choose the right pan

Put your half sheets away! To make pasta in the oven you need a deep baking dish. The pasta will bubble as it bakes, and you don’t want any sauce to overflow in your oven. You’ll also need space to reach into the dish with a spoon and mix things around, so a little extra room is good. We recommend a 9x 15-inch baking pan. Our Blue Apron ready-to-cook meals come with a recyclable aluminum tray for baking.

Add enough liquid

Even though we’re not boiling a pot, our pasta still needs liquid to cook. In your baking dish, combine your noodles with all of your other ingredients and around ½ a cup of water. The noodles will absorb the water as they cook. The final dish will be saucy and moist, but not watery.

Don’t forget the seasoning

When you cook pasta on the stovetop, you add salt to season the inside of the noodles. The same principle applies when you’re making pasta in the oven. Create a flavorful base for the noodles with seasoning. Don’t skimp on the salt. The great thing about making pasta in the oven is that the noodles absorb flavors from your other ingredients too. The entire dish will bake up into a saucy, creamy, delight.

Recipes for baking noodles in the oven

Oven-Baked Three Cheese Lasagna with Pesto & Spinach

This crowd-pleasing lasagna features layers of ricotta and fontina, fresh pasta sheets, tomato sauce, and mirepoix—a classic mixture of carrots, celery, and onion. It’s finished off with melty mozzarella and a drizzle of our herbaceous basil pesto.

Oven-Baked Hoisin Turkey Meatballs & Udon with Green Beans

Delightfully chewy udon noodles and green beans are coated in a spicy-sweet combination of soy glaze and sambal oelek before being baked in the oven with togarashi turkey meatballs. A drizzle of slightly sweet hoisin sauce and garnish of crispy onions round out the dish.

Oven-Baked Salsa Verde Orzo & Eggs with Feta, Tomatoes & Spinach

Rich eggs are nestled in a bed of orzo, juicy tomatoes, and spinach all coated in our herbaceous salsa verde. You’ll top the dish off with tangy feta and bright pickled peppers.

Oven-Baked Romesco Beef & Ditali Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes

Bake tender beef, ditali pasta, and vegetables in a bold tomato and romesco sauce—a smoky, Spanish-style sauce made with almonds, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. You’ll finish the dish off by stirring in tangy crème fraîche before topping with crunchy almonds.

Oven-Baked Sweet Chili Udon & Vegetables with Coconut Chips & Sesame Seeds

For this dish, you’ll coat tender udon noodles, broccoli, and green beans in a sweet and spicy combination of soy glaze, sweet chili sauce, sambal oelek, and more.

Oven-Baked Pesto Chicken & Orzo with Spinach, Tomatoes & Ricotta

Cook tender bites of Italian-seasoned chicken over a bed of orzo pasta, spinach, and juicy tomatoes, before finishing the dish with a dollop of creamy ricotta.

Try this method at home with Blue Apron. Our ready-to-cook meals include everything you need to make pasta in the oven, including the pan.

7 Magical Quesadilla Recipes for Dinner

A quesadilla doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s delicious even in its simplest form—gooey cheese that’s been melted inside of a crispy tortilla. Any additional ingredients are strictly optional, but bulking up a quesadilla with vegetables, protein, and a topping or side dish is a great way to turn this beloved snack into a satisfying meal. Try some of our favorite quesadilla recipes for a dinner that everyone will love.

Loaded Quesadilla Recipes

Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas with Butter Lettuce & Pickled Pepper Salad

These zesty Tex-Mex quesadillas are loaded with bites of spiced chicken and two kinds of melty cheese. Tender butter lettuce tossed with pickled peppers, peanuts, and creamy dressing rounds out the dish.

Spicy Mushroom & Onion Quesadillas with Guacamole

In these crispy quesadillas, mild monterey jack cheese delightfully melts around a rich filling of tender cremini mushrooms and onion—sautéed in chipotle chile paste (a specialty condiment made from dried, smoked jalapeños) for a kick of heat. In traditional style, we’re serving them with a topping of zesty guacamole.

Spicy Zucchini Quesadillas with Poblano Pepper & Fried Eggs

To top these zesty shredded zucchini and cheddar quesadillas, we’re making an easy take on rajas con crema, a comforting Mexican dish of smoky roasted poblano strips coated with smooth crema or sour cream. The rich yolks from our crispy fried eggs provide the perfect finishing touch

Cheesy Chipotle Black Bean Quesadillas with Caramelized Shallot

These crispy quesadillas are loaded with melty cheese and a duo of saucy black beans and caramelized onion, which get deliciously smoky heat from chipotle chile paste.

Spinach & Sweet Potato Quesadillas with Queso Oaxaca & Guacamole

These quesadillas pack plenty of cheesy, zesty flavor, thanks to queso Oaxaca (a delightfully stringy Mexican cheese) and a blend of cumin, paprika, cayenne and more. We’re also layering in a couple of seasonal additions: sautéed spinach and roasted sweet potato. Fresh guacamole and cooling sour cream, served on the side, make for tasty dipping or dolloping.

Spicy Pepper & Onion Quesadillas with Roasted Broccoli Salad

In this zesty Tex-Mex dish, quesadillas are loaded with melty Monterey Jack cheese and sweet peppers and onion—sautéed with chipotle chile paste for a kick of heat. A mashed avocado dipper provides cooling contrast for the spicy quesadillas, while creamy dressed broccoli tossed with roasted peanuts makes for a unique side.

Chicken Korma Quesadillas with Pickled Mustard Seed Veggies & Lime Sour Cream

We’re filling these flavorful quesadillas with monterey jack cheese and chicken cooked in our korma sauce––an Indian cuisine staple made from a blend of aromatics, coconut cream, cashew butter, and traditional spices like garam masala. For hearty complement, we’re serving it all alongside roasted carrots and poblano tossed in lime juice and pickled mustard seeds.

Missing a few ingredients? Just get creative! If you have tortillas, you can use just about anything to make dinner.

How To Host a Wine Tasting Party At Home

Fans of the beloved documentary/buddy comedy Somm know—wine professionals aren’t born knowing the difference between Burgundy and Bordeaux. They study. A lot. If you want to learn about wine, the best way to do it is by tasting. The good news is that you don’t have to do your homework alone. Trying a few bottles with friends is a great way to practice and have fun doing here. Here’s how to host a wine-tasting party at home.

How to host a wine-tasting party

Choose the wines

Opening and tasting several bottles of wine at the same will allow you to observe their differences.

There are a lot of options for creating a fun wine-tasting experience. Try choosing two bottles made from the same grape, but produced in different areas of the world. You might be surprised by the difference between a subtle French Sancerre (made from Sauvignon Blanc) and an aromatic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

If you’re tasting any bold red wines, uncork them about 30 minutes before pouring them. This will give them a chance to open up and show the full expression of their aromas.

Do some research

Have some information about the wines ready so you can learn as you sip. This will help you understand what you’re tasting and how the winemaking process creates flavors. Collect information about the grape composition and the region. If it’s available, it’s helpful to know some basic information about how the wine was made. Factors like oak aging, whole cluster fermentation, and malolactic fermentation will have a noticeable impact on the wine’s flavor.

Consider your glassware

Wine glasses are designed to enhance the aromas of wine. If you don’t have enough glasses for all of your guests, just choose any glass or tumbler with a large enough opening to stick your nose in. This will help you when it’s time to smell the wine.

It’s ok to reuse the same glass for multiple wines without rising. If you’re switching to a very different wine, like from white to red or dry to sweet, you can give the glass a little rinse. Using water to rinse may dilute the wine. The best way to rinse between tasting is the ‘prime’ your glass with wine. Just pour small amount of the new wine, swish it vigorously around your glass, and dump it.

Offer some wine-tasting snacks

Food enhances and alters the flavor of wine. A few snacks will help you understand what foods the wine will pair with. Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a little something in your stomach if you’ll be having a glass or two.

Plan to serve a few salty and rich snacks. A cheese board with crackers is a great choice. For a simpler option, try serving buttery bread, Marcona almonds, and tortilla chips. Taste a tart wine like sauvignon blanc, then take a bite of tortilla chips and taste it again. Notice how the acid in the wine refreshes the palate, making the salty chip less overwhelming. Try a rich, full chardonnay with a Marcona almond— the buttery wine will enhance the lush, fatty nut. Take a bite of buttery bread and then a sip of bold Cabernet sauvignon. The tannins in the wine will cut through the fat of the butter, cleansing your palate.

Spitting during a wine-tasting: yes or no?

In the world of wine, spitting isn’t considered rude. Professionals may taste dozens of wines a day and then keep working. Master sommelier Madeleine Puckett says she frequently tastes up to 40 wines at events. Spitting is a way to keep working without clouding the mind with alcohol and falling asleep before lunch. If you’ve been to a tasting at a vineyard or winery, you’ve probably noticed silver buckets lining the tasting counter. These are known as spitoons and yes, they’re filled with wine spit.

There’s no need to stock your home with spit buckets for your wine-tasting party, but it’s a good idea to have some opaque spitting cups available for guests who don’t wish to consume too much. White paper cups or ceramic mugs will work well.

Don’t be shy! The key to discreet spitting is to spit with confidence. Just pucker up, use a little force, and spit a clean stream into your cup. Now you’re tasting like a pro!

Set the mood

If you love a theme, it’s time to go crazy. Play some french music, put some wine movies on for background, or wear an entirely burgundy outfit. Just avoid lighting scented candles, they’ll interfere with your ability to smell the wine.

Looking for the best way to kick off the evening? You can’t go wrong with a glass of festive sparkling wine.

Our Favorite (Slightly Spicy) Michelada Recipe

Keep things casual with a tasty beer cocktail that everyone will love. Our chefs developed this riff on a Michelada recipe for all of your game-day viewing needs. Because it’s based on beer, it’s lighter in alcohol than most classic cocktails, which makes it perfect for enjoying during an afternoon event. It’s the perfect alternative to a simple beer and an ideal pairing with salty snacks.

Michelada recipes differ based on region and preference. Many variations include tomato juice or clamato. Our version is slightly lighter—a chilled beer gets a kick from lime juice, spices, and savory Worcestershire sauce. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper depending on your preferred spice level.

The best beer for a michelada

A michelada is a classic Mexican cocktail. To respect its origins, the best choice of beer is a Mexican lager like Corona, Pacifico, or Tecate. If these aren’t available, any light lager will do. The key is to choose a simple beer that lets the other ingredients shine. Avoid bitter or floral options like IPAs, which will clash with the savory ingredients.

Michelada Recipe

Makes 1 michelada

2 Lime Wedges
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 oz Lime Juice
2 drops Tabasco Sauce
2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/2 tsp Celery Salt
12 oz Chilled Beer

Combine the cayenne and salt in a shallow dish. Rub 1 lime wedge along the rim of a pint glass and roll the outside rim of the glass in the cayenne-salt mixture. This way you’ll get a little bit of spicy salt with each sip, but the mixture won’t all fall into your drink. Add the lime juice, tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and celery salt to the glass. Top with the beer and garnish with the remaining lime wedge. Enjoy!

Pair this cocktail with the Blue Apron Tailgating Box for an easy fall party.

Recipe: Succulent Coconut Shrimp & Sweet Chili Sauce

We’re celebrating a new ingredient arriving on the Blue Apron menu with this recipe for sweet & savory coconut shrimp.

Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes are made from the meat of coconuts. The coconut is split, peeled, shaved into small pieces, and then dried. The coconut strips retain some natural moisture, giving them a pleasant, chewy texture. No sugar is added during this process, which makes these flakes a perfect addition to baked goods or savory recipes.

Look for unsweetened shredded coconut flakes appearing on the Blue Apron menu, and get excited by making this classic Polynesian-inspired dish at home.

Coconut shrimp ingredients

1 lb Tail-On Shrimp (31 to 40 count), peeled and deveined
½ cup All-Purpose Flour
¼ cup Cornstarch
¾ cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
2 Eggs
Sweet Chili Sauce (optional, for serving)

Coat the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. Place the flour and cornstarch on a plate or in a shallow bowl and stir to combine; season with salt and pepper. Place the coconut and breadcrumbs on a separate plate or shallow bowl and stir to combine. Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper and beat until smooth. Working one piece at a time, thoroughly coat the seasoned shrimp in the flour mixture (shaking off any excess), then in the beaten egg (letting the excess drip off), then in the coconut breadcrumbs (pressing to adhere). Transfer to a plate.

Air-fry the shrimp:

Turn the air-fryer to 400°F. Working in batches if necessary, arrange the coated shrimp in an even layer in the basket. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Cook 3 minutes, or until starting to brown. Flip the shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with nonstick spray. Cook 3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and season with salt. Repeat with any remaining shrimp. Serve the finished shrimp with sweet chili sauce, if desired. Enjoy!

What Is Vanilla Powder?

Vanilla is the subtle note that makes ice cream, cookies, and cakes sing. Even though the term “vanilla” is often associated with being plain, true vanilla flavor is anything but. Vanilla products are packed with unique flavors that adds complexity and delicacy to everything they touch. Vanilla powder also plays nicely with other flavors—it’s often even the secret ingredient in chocolate, coffee, or caramel desserts.

In 2021, Add-ons brought desserts and appetizers to the Blue Apron menu. Now we’re unlocking even more dessert potential by adding powdered vanilla to the Blue Apron pantry. Vanilla products can be expensive. Now infrequent bakers don’t have to invest in an entire bottle of vanilla extract or powder. Blue Apron will send everything you need to bake flavorful desserts at home.

What is vanilla powder?

Vanilla powder is a fine powder made from dried, ground, and processed vanilla beans. Some products may also contain dextrose or cornstarch to keep the powder from clumping. Vanilla powder is a great alternative to vanilla extract if you’re looking for a dry or alcohol-free ingredient.

What is a vanilla extract?

Vanilla extract is the most common source of vanilla flavor in the U.S. It’s available at your local supermarket, and it may even be in your cabinet right now. Vanilla extract is made by soaking whole cured vanilla beans in a solution to extract their flavors. Most vanilla extract contains alcohol, but the alcohol remaining in a finished product after cooking or baking will be negligible. You can make your own vanilla extract at home by soaking whole vanilla beans and vodka in a sealed jar for around 8 weeks.

Can you substitute vanilla powder for vanilla extract?

Yes! You can substitute vanilla powder for vanilla extract (or vice versa) in any recipe. Use a 1:1 ratio when making this substitution. If a recipe calls for one teaspoon of vanilla extract, just use one teaspoon of powder. Easy!

Ready to start baking? Try these pumpkin spice snickerdoodles.

A Guide to Your First Blue Apron Box

Congratulations on your first Blue Apron order! When you see that blue cardboard box on your doorstep, you’ll know that a delicious meal is in your future. Making the most of your delivery is easy. All the instructions you need are in the box and on the app. We’re making things even easier with this guide to your first order. To learn what you need to make a Blue Apron meal, let’s start at the very beginning.

Unpacking a Blue Apron Box

After the box arrives at your door, it’s time to get everything into your refrigerator. Keep your protein and produce chilled before cooking. For best practices, store protein below produce or prepared foods. This will prevent any cross contamination in the case of unwanted drips. We recommend preparing all of your Blue Apron meals within a week of delivery.

After you unpack, recycle your box. The included ice pack is filled drain-safe gel. After it thaws, cut it open, drain the contents, and dispose of the lining.

Store your recipe cards for safe keeping. Don’t give up on dinner if they go missing. You can always find directions online in the cookbook or with the Blue Apron app.

What’s in a Blue Apron meal kit?

We supply the produce, protein, and all of the delicious condiments that you’ll need to make a special meal. The only things you’ll need to stock in your kitchen are salt, pepper, and olive oil.

What cookware do I need for Blue Apron?

The world of kitchen gadgets is thrilling. There’s always a new tool that promises exciting results, but to prepare a Blue Apron box you’ll just need the essentials. Don’t worry if you’re missing a few items, you can always stock up with the Blue Apron market. These are the tools that we recommend having on hand.

Knives

A chef’s knife is a must for every kitchen. A few other knives, like a small paring knife, can make tasks like peeling garlic easier.

Pots

We recommend a small pot for cooking grains, a medium saucepan, and a large pot for pasta.

Frying pans

For tasks like sautéing vegetables or searing chicken breasts, you’ll need a good frying pan. We stock our kitchens with a trusty nonstick and a heavy-duty cast iron.

Baking pans

A sheet pan is the best way to roast vegetables or bake cookies. We love lining ours with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. For dishes like enchiladas, we recommend a baking dish with sides approximately 2.5 inches tall.

A strainer

To strain noodles or steamed vegetables you’ll need a colander or wire mesh strainer.

Wooden spoons

Stir sauces or sauté vegetables with a wooden spoon. The soft edges won’t scratch your pan, and the handle is non-conductive, so it won’t get too hot to handle.

Cutting boards

We use wooden cutting boards for fruits and vegetables and silicone or plastic boards for protein.

A Spatula

Use a silicone or metal spatula for lifting, scooting, or flipping everything from fish to pancakes.

Mixing bowls

Use a set of mixing bowls to keep ingredients organized, mix batters, or assemble salads.

A ladle

A ladle is a simple way to transfer liquid from one vessel to another. You’ll use your ladle for serving dishes like soup or chili.

A whisk

A whisk is an essential tool for beating eggs and mixing salad dressing. Whisks mix ingredients thoroughly and incorporate air for a fluffy texture.

A Microplane or box grater

We love using a microplane to make garlic paste or zest citrus. A box grater is useful for shredding cheese, or taking the place of a microplane in a pinch.

Still waiting for your delivery? Get excited with our top 10 Blue Apron recipes of all time.

Blue Apron Box Design & Packaging Through the Years

This post was contributed by Gaurav Kale. Kale is the Director of Packaging with Blue Apron and leads the Blue Apron box design, development, strategy, testing and deployment of all packaging.

Times have changed since 2012, and so has the Blue Apron box. Over the past 10 years, our recipes, products, and packing have all evolved. Join us as we take a look back at how our design and packaging have developed since that first delivery.

Blue Apron Box Design Timeline

2012

Our first Blue Apron box was packed and shipped from Brooklyn, NY. It included three recipes—seared hanger steak, barbecue Cornish game hen, and lemongrass shrimp with soba noodles. Check out our original logo printed on the top flap!

2014

By 2014 the brand had grown to include a design team. As a result, the branding, packaging, and Blue Apron box design got an update.

2016

In 2016, Blue Apron partnered with GreenBlue, a non-profit organization and parent company to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, to understand our packaging baseline and analyze the impact our packaging has on the environment.

Blue Apron joined the How2Recycle® program, a respected standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. Through this partnership, we started working on designing custom recyclable plastic packaging for automation based on the organization’s guidance.

2017

In 2017 Blue Apron introduced new box packaging, reflective of its newest branding.

2019

Blue Apron was honored to accept the 2019 Innovation in Design Optimization Award from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

This is awarded to companies that “demonstrate the creative and significant work that our industry does to advance sustainability in packaging” according to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

In 2019, Blue Apron became the first meal kit company to introduce drain-safe, fully recyclable gel packs (developed in partnership with Nordic Ice). Our packs were so impressive that we received the 2019 Packaging Innovation Award from Dow.

These award-winning gel packs replaced our old polymer ice packs. The polymer version worked well, but it wasn’t recyclable. We’re always looking for opportunities to improve the sustainability of our product, and we knew the ice packs had to be tweaked. The current version of the ice packs can be safely drained down the sink. Once emptied, the plastic exterior can be recycled via in-store drop off.

2020

Blue Apron launched a dynamic packaging decision making system based on box contents and forecast weather. With the help of Blue Apron-designed technology, we optimize our packaging based on various attributes of a customer’s weekly meal kit order. This allows for the appropriate packaging configuration with the goal of ensuring safe delivery, while reducing the amount of packaging used.

Blue Apron became the first meal kit company to create custom packaging in accordance with How2Recycle program, a respected standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public. Blue Apron partnered with How2Recycle to make it easier for customers to recycle the materials used in its packaging. The How2Recycle label includes clear and concise information on how to prepare materials for recycling, its classification, and guidance on accessibility, such as materials likely to be accepted curbside or through store drop-off.

2021

Blue Apron announced a new sustainable packaging goal for its meal kit boxes of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by the end of 2025. To achieve its new packaging goals for its meal kits, Blue Apron plans to continue to build on its progress by:

Using dynamic packaging: With the help of Blue Apron-designed technology, the company optimizes its packaging based on various attributes of a customer’s weekly meal kit order. This allows for the appropriate packaging configuration with the goal of ensuring safe delivery, while reducing the amount of packaging used.
Identifying new packaging opportunities: Blue Apron’s packaging engineering lab conducts regular tests on new materials and innovative solutions to identify opportunities to reduce environmental footprint, including improved recyclability and increased post-consumer recycled content. This lab facilitates collaboration between members of the Packaging Engineering, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Operations, and Corporate Social Responsibility teams.
Engaging the right partners: To ensure accountability and support progress toward its goals, Blue Apron continues to engage reputable, third-party partners. This includes How2Recycle®, a respected standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public, and Sustainable Packaging Coalition, a leading voice in packaging sustainability.

Gaurav Kale was elected as an Executive Committee member at Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

2022

Blue Apron introduced paper-based liners in its boxes. These liners are 100% recyclable and are one step closer to meeting its sustainable packaging goal for the meal kit boxes of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by the end of 2025.

Blue Apron introduced new box packaging, including custom Blue Apron box design for its special occasion boxes. This new offering are limited-time, seasonal meal kits that will be available throughout the year to help bring special occasions to life. The options will include recipe formats that feature ‘best of the season’ proteins, produce and ingredients for a premium and memorable experience. The new category launched with a Summer Lobster Box and a Tailgating Box.

Enjoy this trip down memory lane? Relive some of your favorite recipes from past years with the Top 10 Blue Apron Recipes of All Time.

Tomatillo Poblano Sauce

Recreate Blue Apron’s signature tomatillo poblano sauce at home. You can use this recipe to replicate your favorite Blue Apron meals, or you can improvise. Try it on any protein, bean dishes, or roasted vegetables. For a creamy kick, stir a spoonful into yogurt or sour cream to make a rich sauce.

This recipe makes more than our standard packages, but don’t worry. The leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to a week. You can use them to spice up everything from breakfast tacos to seared steaks.

Tomatillo poblano sauce recipe

6 medium tomatillos, about 1 lb, husks removed, rinsed, and left whole
1 small onion, quartered
1 jalapeño, whole
1 poblano, whole
2 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
The juice of 1 lime, about 2 tablespoons
1 small bunch cilantro leaves and tender stems, about 20 grams

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Line a sheet pan with foil. Transfer the prepared tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, poblano, and garlic to the sheet pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and arrange in an even layer. Roast 14 to 16 minutes, or until the vegetables are browned and tender when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Remove and discard the stems from the roasted poblano and jalapeño. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the lime juice and cilantro. Pulse or blend until thoroughly combined and mostly smooth. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Recipes with tomatillo poblano sauce

Southwest-Style Turkey Skillet

This delightful skillet brings together all the classic taco fixings: black beans, melty cheese, tomatoes, and creamy guacamole for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Tomatillo-Poblano Chicken Thighs

chicken thighs with tomatillo poblano sauce

This dish showcases our bright tomatillo-poblano sauce, which we’re mixing with rich mascarpone cheese to make a creamy, zesty sauce for our seared chicken—perfectly accompanied by a trio of roasted squash, potatoes, and onion.

Pepita & Panko-Crusted Tofu

These hearty tofu steaks get an incredibly flavorful, crispy exterior when baked under layers of traditional Mexican spices, sweet honey, and a duo of panko breadcrumbs and chopped pepitas (or pumpkin seeds). We’re finishing them with a drizzle of our bright tomatillo-poblano sauce, which also gets stirred into a simple side of brown rice.

Mexican-Spiced Shrimp Bake

Bold, zesty flavors abound in this comforting dish thanks to spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and more that coat the shrimp, vegetables, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, and a zesty tomatillo-sour cream sauce that’s drizzled on top.

For more flavorful sauces, try our favorite pesto recipe.