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Amiel Stanek head shot - Bon Appétit

Amiel Stanek

Contributing Editor

Amiel has worked at Bon Appétit in some capacity since 2012(!)—a sentence that makes him feel very old indeed. In that time, he has focused primarily on writing and editing service-driven cooking content across all platforms but has also developed recipes, penned travel guides, and hosted more than a few videos. These days, he mostly works on the Basically section of the print magazine and helps to report BA’s annual Best New Restaurants package. He has worked as a line cook, caterer, private chef, and in various other kitchen roles since he was 18, and is currently the culinary director of Moonburger, a plant-based fast food restaurant in Kingston, NY. Amiel lives in the Hudson Valley with his wife, Lauren, their snaggle-toothed puggle, Chunky, and more than a few jars of bubbling ferments.

This Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette Just Makes Me Really Happy

It's understated and unassuming, but packs a serious punch.

How to Make Cucumber Salad Without a Knife, or a Recipe For That Matter

Seriously: No sharp objects necessary. Your life is about to get a lot crunchier.

How to Roast a Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe, Tips, and More

It's time to nail the perfect bird every time, including limitless possibilities for riffing on it.

This Cookbook Taught a Former Vegetarian to Respect Meat

The transformative power of cooking with blood, guts and off-cuts.

The Homemade Ranch Dressing I Make More Often Than I Call My Mother

Anyone who says they don't like ranch dressing is a liar. And anyone who thinks making homemade ranch dressing isn't worth it hasn't tried mine. Also: I love you, Mom.

How to Fry an Egg Perfectly Every Time

Fried eggs, crispy and runny and perfect on everything.

How to Make Pesto Out of Just About Anything

PSA: You don't need pricey pine nuts or even basil to make everyone's favorite green sauce. Here's how to make pesto out of whatever you've got lying around.

How to Make Hard-Boiled Eggs You Can Actually Peel

Find yourself screaming in agony every time you have to peel an egg? Not anymore, friends.

Chicory Is the 2017 Vegetable of the Year

Lose the mesclun and kick the kale. Your salad days are about to change thanks to the bittersweet and beautiful chicory family.

The Cooking Pot You'll Never Want to Put in a Drawer

The most beautiful pots in one chef’s kitchen are also the most useful.

Green Gazpacho Is Just a Savory Green Smoothie

But seriously, isn't green gazpacho just a smoothie with olive oil in it? Let's discuss.

These 5-Ingredient Recipes Are Perfect For Your Beach Weekend

We rented Chef Gerardo Gonzalez and his friends a beach house for a weekend of farmstand-fueled cooking. The catch? No dish could have more than five ingredients.

The Best Part of Fish to Grill Is One You're Not Grilling

This recipe is hands-on, finger-licking drinking food par excellence.

Welcome to Basically! Now Learn to Cook.

You love to eat, now learn to cook.

Veggie Italian Hoagies

Eat standing up, ideally over the sink.

Sippin’ Green Gazpacho

This zippy, herbaceous drinkable soup is like a trip to the farmers’ market in a glass.

Pounded Flank Steak with Zucchini Salsa

A little meat-mallet action transforms this tough cut of beef into a quick-grilling all-star.

Fried Whole Fish with Tomatillo Sauce

Cutting those slits in the fish is key. They help the fish cook more quickly and make it easier to tell when it's done.

How to Wash a Ridiculous Amount of Kale at Once

Or any greens, because we know you haaaate kale.