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!
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.
Gluten-free Ravioli
This easy recipe results in chewy, delicious pizza perfect for family nights and goes well with a lot of different toppings!
Gluten-free Chewy Pizza
This easy recipe results in chewy, delicious pizza perfect for family nights and goes well with a lot of different toppings!
Dairy-free Panna Cotta
This dairy-free panna cotta uses coconut yogurt for its smooth, creamy texture!
Gluten-free Matcha Cake
Make rich and fudge-y matcha cakes using almond flour.
Chat with Meraki: Cocono Yogurt
We chat with Justin Mackee, owner of COCONO, a natural coconut yogurt made locally in Japan.
Polenta with Yuzu Scallops
Fried polenta serves as an excellent gluten-free “base” for appetizers.
Coconut Yogurt Overnight Oats
An easy no-bake dessert using creamy coconut yogurt.
Vegan Coconut Yogurt Bites
An easy no-bake dessert using creamy coconut yogurt.
Gluten-free Apple Ginger Granola
Healthy, crunchy and spicy granola perfect for breakfast or as a dessert topping!
Vegan Chocolate Mousse
A last-minute Valentine’s Day dessert – only uses four ingredients!
Gluten-free Dairy-free Chocolate Mug Cake
An easy, no-fuss chocolate recipe just in time for Valentine’s Day! No baking required.
Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks
Make consistently well-prepared lamb chops with this technique! Pairs well with Tzatziki sauce and chickpeas.
Whipped Ricotta with Honey Turkey Bacon
Smokey, salty ‘n’ sweet, chewy bacon meets fluffy and light ricotta!
Blueberry Ricotta Muffins
Fluffy gluten-free muffins that are perfect for breakfast or snacks to go!
Chicken Links Breakfast Hash
This is a healthier option for your favorite brunch dish and packed with proteins!
Baked Lamb Kebabs with Tzatziki
These appetizing, juicy baked lamb kebabs with Tzatziki sauce pair well with salads or pita breads.
Orange Upside-down Christmas Cake
This gluten-free cake is a mix of all your favorite holiday flavors: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamon, oranges and rosemary!
Reverse Sear Lamb Chops
Make consistently well-prepared lamb chops with this technique! Pairs well with Tzatziki sauce and chickpeas.
Healthier Carbonara with Turkey Bacon
Deliciously light holiday comfort food made perfect with naturally smoked turkey bacon!
Japanese Sweet Potato with Miso Tahini Sauce
A sweet-and-savory twist to the classic autumnal Japanese snack!
Japanese Sweet Potato Bars
Subtle and sweet with lots of healthy nuts and dates, these satsumaimo blondies are a great postpartum snack or complement to ice cream!
Gluten-Free Kabocha Pumpkin Gnocchi
A savory way to enjoy the versatile, creamy kabocha pumpkin! This recipe is delicious and fun to make with kids.
4-Ingredient Kabocha Pumpkin Pudding
An autumnal, dairy-free healthy pudding you can make with just four ingredients around the house.
Candied Cocoa Nuts
Fix your sweet-tooth craving with this heart-healthy, on-the-go snack!
Dairy-Free Moussaka
A classic Greek dish that’s heartwarming and easy to make! This healthier version of lasagna is both gluten and dairy free.
Gingerbread with Coconut Whipped Cream
Another gluten-free take on a classic autumn pastry! This recipe uses fresh, spicy ginger and is topped with smooth, buttery coconut whipped cream.
Stuffed Peppers
A taste of Greece! Here’s an easy-to-make lunch if you have lots of peppers lying around.