Songs to Listen to When Hype: The Recipe Playlist for High-Energy Cooking

There are days when you walk into the kitchen and need a little more than just recipes—you need a vibe. That rush of energy, the beat that fuels your moves, and that fire that gets your spatula dancing. Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for friends, or just whipping up something to match your mood, this is your go-to guide for “songs to listen to when hype”—paired with bold, exciting recipes that match each song’s energy.

So grab your apron, crank up the volume, and get hyped—because cooking just turned into a full-blown jam session.

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1. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

Recipe Pairing: Funky Cajun Chicken Tacos

If this song doesn’t get you moving, nothing will. “Uptown Funk” brings swagger, rhythm, and all the good vibes. Match that energy with Cajun Chicken Tacos—bold, spicy, and unapologetically full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Toppings: avocado, red cabbage, jalapeños, sour cream

Directions:

1. Marinate chicken in lime juice, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and olive oil for 20 minutes.
2. Sear in a hot pan for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Serve in warm tortillas and pile on toppings.
4. Play “Uptown Funk” loud and dance in the kitchen.

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2. “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

Recipe Pairing: Power Protein Smoothie Bowl

This track screams energy. It’s the kind of song you blast when you’re unstoppable—and that’s exactly how you should feel when making this high-powered Smoothie Bowl.

Ingredients:

• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup mixed berries
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup almond milk
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• Toppings: granola, chia seeds, fresh fruit, coconut flakes

Directions:

1. Blend frozen banana, berries, yogurt, almond milk, and protein powder until thick and creamy.
2. Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite crunchy and colorful toppings.
3. Enjoy as “Can’t Hold Us” pumps through your speakers—because nothing can stop you now.

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3. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby

Recipe Pairing: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Nothing says light, fizzy, and fun quite like this hit from Dua Lipa. It makes you feel like you’re floating, and so will this refreshing drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey or agave
• 1 cup sparkling water
• Ice and mint for garnish

Directions:

1. Blend strawberries, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Strain if desired and pour over ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with mint.
4. Sip slowly while letting “Levitating” bring out your inner disco queen (or king).

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4. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Recipe Pairing: Loaded Power Pasta

This one’s for the gym lovers and meal preppers. When you’re hyped to bulk, grind, and conquer your day, you need a carb-loaded, protein-packed pasta to match the legendary vibes of “Eye of the Tiger.”

Ingredients:

• 8 oz whole-wheat pasta
• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup sautéed spinach
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp pesto
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook pasta and set aside.
2. Toss pasta with pesto, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
4. Flex your fork as “Eye of the Tiger” hits the chorus—because you’re a champion.

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5. “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake & Lil Jon

Recipe Pairing: Spicy Sriracha Wings

If this track doesn’t scream party-in-the-kitchen, nothing will. You’re not here to cook something boring—you’re here to turn up the heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken wings
• 2 tbsp Sriracha
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Toss wings in Sriracha, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Broil for an extra 3–5 minutes for crispiness.
4. Garnish with green onions—and serve with extra sauce if you dare.
5. Blast “Turn Down for What” and let the spice dance on your tongue.

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Bonus: The Full “Songs to Listen to When Hype” Cooking Playlist

To make your cooking sessions even more electric, here’s a curated playlist to bring the kitchen alive:

1. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
2. “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
3. “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
4. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
5. “Turn Down for What” – DJ Snake & Lil Jon
6. “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
7. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
8. “Stronger” – Kanye West
9. “Feel This Moment” – Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera
10. “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars

Hit play, cook hard, and hype harder.

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Final Thoughts: Why Music Makes Cooking Better

Pairing songs to listen to when hype with your time in the kitchen isn’t just about mood—it’s about mindset. High-energy music can:

• Boost your focus and creativity
• Make routine cooking feel like an event
• Encourage physical movement and joy
• Keep your energy up while meal prepping or entertaining

So next time you’re planning a meal, don’t just think about ingredients. Think about your soundtrack.