Stephen Colbert Points Out Embarrassing Fluke in Al Roker’s New Cookbook

Al Roker recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote his latest cookbook, Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By. 

However, the interview took an amusing turn when Colbert pointed out what he considered to be a surprising oversight in one of Roker’s featured recipes.

The Today show weatherman, who just returned to work following the passing of his ex-wife, Alice Bell, shared that the cookbook was a heartfelt project he created with his daughter, 

who is a professional chef. According to Roker, each dish in the book holds sentimental value, as many of the recipes were passed down from his mother and grandmother.

A Family-Centered Culinary Journey

During the interview, Roker explained that many of the recipes in the cookbook had never been written down before. His mother and grandmother had always cooked from memory, so his daughter had to painstakingly reverse-engineer their dishes based on Roker’s recollections. He described this process as both nostalgic and rewarding, as it allowed him to reconnect with his family’s culinary traditions.

Among his favorite recipes, Roker highlighted his mother’s oxtail stew and pineapple upside-down cake, both of which he says he makes frequently. The 70-year-old weatherman also shared that he enjoys cooking at home, preparing meals for his family four to five nights a week.

Colbert Catches a Shrimp Mishap

While discussing the book, Colbert flipped to a page featuring a recipe for shrimp tikka masala and noticed something peculiar. Holding up the photo, he pointed out that the shrimp in the dish still had their tails on.

“Look at those shrimp,” Colbert remarked. “They still have the tails on in the sauce! Why do you keep the tails on shrimp in a sauce?”

Roker, realizing what Colbert was referring to, flipped through the book and saw that the same issue appeared in multiple recipes. Even his shrimp and grits dish featured shrimp with their tails still attached.

As the audience laughed, Colbert continued poking fun at the oversight. “Am I supposed to roll up my sleeves, put on a poncho, and detail the shrimp myself?” he joked. “Would you leave a hoof on a burger? Why would you do that?”

Roker, quick-witted as always, responded with a playful comeback: “It’s a little handle!”

The exchange between the two television personalities made for a lighthearted and entertaining moment, as Roker took the critique in stride.

Fans Weigh In on the Debate

Following the segment, viewers took to social media to debate the shrimp dilemma. Some sided with Colbert, arguing that shrimp tails should be removed when served in saucy dishes to avoid a messy eating experience.

One commenter wrote, “I’m with Stephen on this! I hate getting my hands dirty while eating. If I’m paying for a meal, I expect it to be fully prepared. It’s not an IKEA shrimp curry!”

Others, however, defended the practice of leaving the tails on, saying it enhances flavor and presentation. “Stephen, you always leave the tails on… except in a stir-fry,” one fan countered.

A Cookbook Worth Celebrating

Despite the playful critique, Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By remains a deeply personal project that celebrates family traditions, home cooking, and cherished memories. Whether or not shrimp should be served with tails intact may be up for debate, but there’s no denying the love and care that went into creating the cookbook.

Roker, known for his resilience and warm personality, handled Colbert’s teasing with humor and grace. His appearance on The Late Show not only showcased his passion for cooking but also demonstrated his ability to laugh at himself—something his fans have always admired about him.

As for the shrimp controversy? Whether you prefer your shrimp fully peeled or with a “little handle,” one thing is certain—Al Roker’s latest cookbook is bound to be a hit with food lovers everywhere.

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