About Eat with Meraki
Hi, I’m Rie! Based in Japan, I’m passionate about whole food cooking and gluten-free baking that follows the Mediterranean Diet while using local Japanese ingredients. I like to call my style “MediterrAsian” cooking!
What is the Mediterranean Diet? It’s eating a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, healthy fats (nuts, seeds, and olive oil), moderate amounts of dairy, fish and seafood, red wine and white meat, and minimum red meat. It also avoids processed food, refined grains, refined oils and refined sugar. It prevents heart disease and stroke, keeps you agile and improves cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
In 2017, I flew to Italy to study the Mediterranean Diet, its positive effects on the human body and most importantly, how to apply it to my everyday life here in Japan. At its core, the Japanese diet is quite similar to the Mediterranean diet: high consumption of seafood, vegetables and whole grains.
Eat with Meraki is full of recipes and helpful information to help you incorporate healthy eating habits effortlessly into your everyday life. The recipes are quick, easy and don’t hurt your body or budget! Meraki in Greek means the soul, creativity and love put into doing something creative. I hope you enjoy my original recipes which I’ve put a lot of love into! May every meal be a celebration of health and life!
Nameko Mushroom Pasta
Nameko might have a weird rep for being slimy, but this versatile mushroom goes well with pasta too!
Mediterranean Stuffed Squid
Preparing seafood doesn’t have to be difficult! Here’s a fun way to enjoy squid.
Vegan Frittata
Quick lunch idea that both kids and adults can enjoy! Crispy at the top and filled with delicious veggies.
Fukinoto: A Spring Delicacy
Let’s learn about fukinoto (Japanese butterbur), a delicate and slightly bitter mountain veggie marking springtime in Japanese cuisine.
Coconut Yogurt Bark
A healthy and quick vegan snack for the warmer days to come!
Chocolate Matcha Easter Cookies
A delightful bittersweet cookie to celebrate Easter and spring!
No Bake Carrot Cake
A refreshing and easy Easter dessert using 100% vegan ingredients.
Vegan Labneh
A creamy, cheesy Middle Eastern dip using only three ingredients!
Strawberry Oat Bars
Great for when you have lots of leftover berries!
Gluten-Free Yuzu Scone
A fluffy, subtle scone using Japan’s winter citrus, yuzu.
Vegan Fable Christmas Mince Pie
A delicious vegan and healthy twist to this British holiday favorite!
Kebabs with Vegan Fable Meat
Spicy kebabs using shiitake mushroom meat!
Mikan Almond Cookies
Festive, citrusy bite-sized cookies you won’t be able to stop munching on. Vegan too!
Persimmon Chili Jam
A sweet and spicy jam to warm you up this winter!
Moroheiya Shakshuka
A nutritious, flavor-packed classic Mediterranean breakfast dish!
Vegan Feta Cheese
Have too much tofu? Here’s a fun way to make some “cheese” out of it!
Vegan Tiramisu
Creamy tiramisu – you won’t believe there’s no dairy in it!
Baba Ghanoush
An easy Mediterranean eggplant dip that’s creamy and vegan.
Gluten-free Banana Pancakes
A classic breakfast dish reminiscent of my favorite banana pancakes from Hawai’i!
White Wine Orzo Risotto
Summery, creamy orzo without the dairy or gluten!
Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake
Celebrate World Chocolate Day with this gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate cheesecake!
Dairy-Free Pistachio Ice Cream
An easy four-ingredient dessert that’ll make you feel like you’re in the Mediterranean this summer!
Asari Clam Vongole Bianco
One of my favorite seafood pastas: asari (clam) with white wine and lots of garlic!
Traditional Greek Bourdeto
Make this traditional Greek seafood dish with simple ingredients: tomato, onions and cod!
Banana Muffins with Miso Caramel
Sweet banana muffins meet salty miso on this low-sugar “caramel” twist!
Miso Bliss Balls
Add creamy, nutritious miso to the easy no-bake bliss ball!
Yellowtail Fish with Miso Marinade and Grilled Maitake
Enhance buri (yellowtail / Japanese amberjack) with the rich umami flavors of miso and tangy lemon.
Falafel with Miso Dressing
This vegan falafel is crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside, and pairs well with the sweet-and-sour miso dressing!
Poached Eggs on Greens
How to get perfectly poached eggs? Search no more!
Mediterranean Oven-Roasted Mackerel
Let’s elevate the traditional Japanese saba fish with Mediterranean flavors.