Zaynab Issa
Zaynab Issa is an associate food editor at Bon Appétit. After working on a self-published zine that formalized her family’s East-African Indian recipes, she began freelancing at Buzzfeed and contributing culturally rooted recipes and stories to Bon Appétit and Food52. She’s an avid baker and carb lover. Her approach to recipe development keeps the home cook front of mind, prioritizing ease and flexibility. Zaynab grew up in New Jersey and graduated from Baruch College with a B.A. in Journalism and Marketing. She currently lives in New York and enjoys creating video content for TikTok, scouring thrift stores for platters and purses, and exploring New York’s restaurant scene in her free time.
Supremely Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Everyone’s favorite teriyaki glaze is shockingly easy and pantry-friendly.
Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta
Inspired by French onion soup, this pasta is deeply savory, relying on umami-rich miso to deliver flavor fast.
Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These deeply caramelized, tender, flavorful sprouts get coated in a simple, sweet-savory sauce and couldn’t be easier to throw together.
Sesame Chicken and Cabbage Salad
Lean on the broiler for a speedy chicken and cabbage salad that’s big on color, crunch, and flavor—and short on time.
Creamy Yukon Golds With Crispy Potato Skins
A game-changing recipe that relies on the oft-discarded potato peels (!) to bring texture and flavor to a classic dish.
Mochi Waffles With Maple–Brown Butter Bananas
This mochi waffle recipe creates a breakfast pastry with a delightfully bouncy chew and a crisp crust that lasts way after it comes off of the iron.
The Creamiest Turkey Pie With Puff Pastry Crust
The creamy base of this pastry-clad pie leans on American Cheese which melts seamlessly into the silky gravy.
Slicked and Spicy Lamb Noodles
Cumin-inflected noodles of Northern China inspired this weeknight pasta with ground lamb and store-bought noodles.
Caramel Apple Snacking Cake
Classic caramel apples get reimagined as a cake, complete with a glossy top and soft, custardy interior.
Gyoza and Greens With Chile Butter
Transform store-bought dumplings into a restaurant-worthy meal using wilted greens, creamy garlicky yogurt, and plenty of chile butter.
Blackberries and Vanilla Cream With Crispy Puff Pastry
This hassle-free version of delicate mille feuille comes together quickly thanks to store bought puff pastry and a quicker alternative to pastry cream.
Mango Salsa
A juicy, sweet, and spicy accompaniment for fish tacos, grilled chicken, or a big bowl of tortilla chips.
Crispy Coconutty Zucchini Fritters
Inspired by Indian bhajia, these actually crispy fritters feature a hint of coconut for a subtle sweetness.
Honey-Berry-Kombucha Spritzer
Short on time? Use this shortcut to concoct a shrub-like spritzer that tastes way fancier than it is to make.
Black Bean Smash Burger
Our genius solution for a black bean burger that’s not at all gummy: Treat it like a smash burger, griddle until crispy, and devour with lots of chipotle mayo.
Blistered Corn and Scallion Salad
A delightful corn salad whose components can be prepared and chilled ahead of time so that all thats left to do is assemble and enjoy.
Cheesy Cornbread With Tomatoes
This highly portable cornbread filled with salty, creamy feta is an ideal companion to any BBQ, potluck, picnic, or other summertime gathering.
Chaat-Style Potato Salad
Expect an explosion of flavor in this potato salad inspired by the sweet-salty Indian snack.
Cucumber Caesar With Spicy Breadcrumbs
A refreshing take on a Caesar salad, complete with a lighter dressing and a kicky crunch.
Som-Tam-Style Chicken Salad
This dish marries the key spicy-sour elements of classic Thai green papaya salad with zesty grilled chicken and the best of summer produce.