Maki Yazawa

Los Angeles, Miami

Staff Kitchen Writer at Wirecutter

venezuelan x japanese | lifestyle & food writer | @nyuniversity / @iceculinary grad | based in LA & MIA

Articles

Don’t Waste Your Money on a Defrosting Tray. Use a Sheet Pan Instead.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›Michael Hession/NYT WirecutterBy Maki YazawaMaki Yazawa is a writer focused on making cooking fun. She once cooked for Natalie Portman, and her friends won't let her forget it. So you forgot to defrost the frozen chicken … again. Before you let a pound of rock-solid meat ruin your dinner plans, there are many ways to defrost food quickly, even in a time crunch.
I’m Ditching My Gigantic Air Fryer for This Cute, Tiny One

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

For nearly a decade, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with my gargantuan air fryer/pressure cooker (an older version of this thing). It weighs a ton—21 pounds, to be exact—and can cook far more food than my two-person household needs. Plus, from an aesthetic standpoint, it isn’t the statement piece I had envisioned for my kitchen.
The Best Gift I Got for My 28th Birthday Was a ... Battery Daddy

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

I tell my loved ones exactly what I want on special occasions. So when my stepdad went off-script by giving me the Battery Daddy for my birthday, I was a little perplexed. But after hearing my dad gush nonstop about his beloved purchase (as dads do) and how it made organizing and finding batteries a walk in the park, I began to understand the allure of having a battery-dedicated organizer. As my dad’s instinct would have it, he was right.
It’s Not Just a Spoon. It’s a Kunz Spoon.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

Eight years ago, when I first laid eyes on a Kunz spoon during an early gig as a line cook, I scoffed and thought: It’s just like any other spoon, right? I was unequivocally wrong, and I quickly learned why. On my first day on the job, I was tasked with plating dozens of orders of chickpea hozon, a fermented chickpea dip, and I struggled to dollop the thick paste into a tiny bowl using a silicone spatula.
This Portable Range Hood Helps Cut Down on Cooking Smoke. But You Could Just Open a Window Instead.

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

Nothing makes my kitchen stink more than pan-seared salmon. Even days after I cook it, the intense aroma lingers in my home like a vengeful ghost. My weak over-the-range microwave fan seemingly does nothing to prevent the unrelenting scent from permeating everything in its path, including my furniture, my clothing, and even my freshly washed hair. So I was intrigued when, while scrolling through TikTok, I came across portable range hoods from brands like AirHood and Ciarra.
This Herb Keeper Keeps My Greens Vibrant and Perky for Weeks

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

I take a methodical approach to reducing food waste in my kitchen. I freeze surplus ingredients, like bread and minced garlic, and any groceries I haven’t used before their best-by dates. I store leftovers in microwave-safe food storage containers to make reheating as easy as possible. I’m diligent about labeling food with the date it was prepared so I can easily keep track of soon-to-spoil foods. But keeping herbs fresh—well, that’s a whole other challenge.
Why Are People Suddenly Eating Handfuls of Spinach Straight From the Fridge?

2 months ago | wellandgood.com | Emily Ziemski |Maki Yazawa |Christina Manian |Gabrielle Kassel

TikTok is full of microtrends, especially when it comes to food. Eating a whole cucumber, making protein Diet Coke; remember the baked feta pasta? The list is endless and frankly, can be a bit silly. The latest: Creators shoving a whole handful of spinach into their mouths, citing a “max nutritional benefit boost” by doing so.
PSA: Walmart’s Stock of Protein-Rich Snacks Is Major—Here Are an RD’s Favorites

2 months ago | wellandgood.com | Helen Sidebotham |Emily Ziemski |Maki Yazawa |Jamey Powell

Tinned fish! Cottage cheese! Colostrum smoothies! Eating protein is very *in* right now (just peep its nine billion views on TikTok)—but unlike the original Paleo eaters, most of our hunting and gathering is taking place in the grocery aisles. The issue: Sifting through the ever-growing array to find high-quality, healthful options requires some skill (and some patience). That’s why we tapped registered dietitian Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, CDN for a little navigational help.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes That Are *Actually* Good

2 months ago | wellandgood.com | Christina Manian |Korin Miller |Maki Yazawa |Stefanie Weiss

In a world still obsessed with protein, cottage cheese couldn’t be hotter. And the hype isn’t unfounded: This dairy product contains an impressive 12 grams of the macronutrient in just one, half-cup serving. Plus, we can’t forget about all of the other alluring nutrients this small curd cheese boasts, including B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and even probiotics (depending on the brand). These combined can support energy metabolism, bone health, and a thriving gut microbiome.
12 Space-Saving Appliances to Outfit a Tiny Apartment Kitchen

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Maki Yazawa

I’ve lived in apartments for the past 10 years, so I’m picky about the size of the appliances I buy for my kitchen. Countertop space is minimal, and my cramped cupboards have even less capacity, so there’s no room for bulky devices or careless acquisitions. However, I’ve discovered that when you’re saving on space, you don’t have to compromise on quality or functionality.