How to Customize Online Recipes for Your Specific Diet or Cooking Style

You found an amazing-looking lasagna video on Facebook. But you're gluten-free. Or dairy-free. Or cooking for someone with a nut allergy. The recipe as shown won't work for you — but the technique and flavour combination are perfect. You just need to adapt it.

The Challenge of Adapting Video Recipes

Video recipes are rigid — they show one specific version of a dish. When you need to modify for dietary reasons, you're left trying to remember what you changed and why, often months later when you cook the dish again. Without a written record of your adaptations, you end up re-inventing the wheel each time.

How to Build Your Personalised Version

Step 1: Save the Original Video

Paste the video link into PickFresh's Recipe Video Saver. The video saves with its title and thumbnail for easy reference.

Step 2: Write the Base Recipe

Watch the video and note the original ingredients and steps. This gives you a starting point to modify from.

Step 3: Add Your Substitutions

In the same notes area, write your customised version. For example:

• Original: 2 cups plain flour → My version: 2 cups gluten-free flour blend + 1 tsp xanthan gum
• Original: 1 cup heavy cream → My version: 1 cup coconut cream
• Original: 1 tsp salt → My version: 1/2 tsp salt (low-sodium diet)
• Original: Peanut oil → My version: Olive oil (nut allergy)

Step 4: Note Cooking Adjustments

Dietary substitutions often change cooking behaviour. Gluten-free flour may need more liquid. Dairy-free cheese melts differently. Note these adjustments so your adapted version actually works:

• "GF flour needs extra 2 tbsp milk — batter was too thick"
• "Coconut cream separates if heated too high — keep on low"
• "Vegan cheese doesn't brown — check underneath for doneness"

Common Substitution Categories

• Gluten-free: Flour blends, pasta alternatives, breadcrumb swaps
• Dairy-free: Plant milks, vegan cheese, coconut cream, nutritional yeast
• Low-sodium: Reduced-salt stocks, herb enhancements, salt-free seasoning blends
• Keto/low-carb: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, almond flour coatings
• Vegetarian/vegan: Plant proteins, egg replacers, meat-free stock
• Allergy-friendly: Nut-free oils, seed butters, egg alternatives

Found a great video recipe but need it gluten-free or low-sodium? Paste the clip link into PickFresh and write your custom substitutions directly in your recipe notes. Keep the original video for reference, and build a version that works perfectly for you.