Can ChatGPT make dinner easier? I put AI to the culinary test ...
The chatbot revolution has raised some concerns around AI (artificial intelligence) and its potential impact on humanity, but there are also new ways in which the technology can improve our day-to-day lives. As a food reporter, I've been hungry to explore its application to potentially help home cooks like me in the kitchen.
Exploring ChatGPT in the Kitchen
Could ChatGPT help figure out what to make for dinner using items in my fridge and pantry? I put it to a culinary test to develop a recipe using a mix of on-hand ingredients.
ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an AI language model released only a few months ago that is already considered the fastest-growing consumer application in history. The free service is "trained to follow an instruction in a prompt and provide a detailed response."
When it comes to food, with a vast array of internet recipe sites, ChatGPT can be a helpful resource for home cooks looking for inspiration or unique recipe ideas based on available ingredients.
Testing with On-Hand Ingredients
I decided to test ChatGPT with a mix of ingredients including frozen mango, chili paste, shrimp, lentils, and white miso to see what recipe it could come up with.
A speedy response from ChatGPT provided me with a recipe for Mango Shrimp and Lentil Bowls with Chili Miso Sauce, along with the list of ingredients and cooking instructions needed for the dish.
Exploring Different Variations
Through further experimentation and questions directed at ChatGPT, I was able to explore different iterations and variations of the initial recipe suggestion. This included incorporating leftover mashed sweet potatoes into the dish and receiving alternative recipe ideas.
Ultimately, the dish turned out to be a delicious and nutritious meal, showcasing the potential of using AI to assist in recipe development and cooking.
Final Thoughts
Overall, ChatGPT proved to be a valuable tool for intermediate home cooks looking for inspiration and new ideas in the kitchen. It offers a convenient way to explore different recipes and flavor combinations without extensive research, making the cooking experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Using AI to assist in recipe creation can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dietary restrictions or food allergies, allowing them to customize recipes to suit their needs.
Try incorporating AI into your cooking routine and explore the endless possibilities it can offer in creating unique and delicious meals.
Editor's note: This was originally published on Mar. 27, 2023.© 2024 ABC News
