Dinner, Fish, Japanese, Lactose Free, Recipes, Rice Dishes

Crispy Rice & Spicy Tuna Bowl

March 24, 2025

Given that rice is one of my favorite foods, I was keen on putting together a dish combining crispy rice and another favorite food: tuna in olive oil. It turned out to be a delectable meal. The crispy bits of rice are extremely satisfying in both texture and flavor. Served with spicy tuna, silky avocado, crunchy cucumbers and spicy chili crunch, it is one of the best and easiest lunch bowls to whip up when you have a yen for something filling and savory.

I usually reserve tuna in olive oil for a Nicoise Salad or Pan Bagnat but I thought I might splurge a bit and used the olive oil version for this dish. Wow! The tuna in olive oil is extra decadent with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. If you have it, go for it.

Shichimi togarashi red pepper mix adds a nice punch of flavor and some heat. I added a few dashes in the spicy tuna mixture but it’s an optional ingredient.

Crisping the rice is simple. A little oil in the pan to encourage easy movement and browning of the rice is all you need. Note that it is best to make the rice in advance so that it has time to firm up. I made my rice the day prior to using it but a 4 hour chill in the refrigerator works too.

Here’s where you can improvise according to your taste. Besides the crispy rice, spicy tuna is my go-to. If you want a vegetarian version, swap the tuna with something well seasoned, such as sesame tofu or soy sauce eggs. A combination of textures creates an interesting dish so use crispy cucumbers or snap peas, velvety avocado slices, and something spicy such as chili crisp, kimchi, or sriracha for a bold kick.

This beautiful crispy rice bowl is packed with umami flavors that make it one of the tastiest meals you can make at home. Serve it with wasabi nori, filling each piece with some of the ingredients before eating it in one bite. Delish!

Crispy Rice & Spicy Tuna Bowl
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Crispy Rice & Spicy Tuna Bowl

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

2

servings

It’s best to use rice that has been cooked a day in advance and chilled thoroughly.

Ingredients

  • 1 rice cooker cup uncooked Japanese short grain white rice

  • 1 can (5 ounce) tuna in olive oil, drained

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 2 teaspoons sriracha

  • 1/4 teaspoon shichimi togarashi pepper (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions + 1 tablespoon sliced green onions

  • 1 small Japanese cucumber, cubed

  • 1 medium avocado, sliced or cubed

  • Chili crisp

  • Sriracha mayonnaise (optional)

  • Pickled ginger, kimchi, sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

  • 4-24 hours in advance: Cook the rice according to rice cooker instructions. Transfer rice to a container or bowl and cool for 20 minutes then cover tightly and refrigerate until well chilled.
  • Remove chilled rice from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to using.
  • Combine drained tuna with mayonnaise, sriracha, shichimi togarashi (if using), and 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions. Set aside.
  • Place a medium sized non-stick skillet (9-11 inches) over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon canola or other neutral oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add rice, spreading it out with a spatula. Press down to allow as much contact with the pan as possible. Cook, adjusting heat lower if too high, until rice is golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Remove rice to a plate to cool a bit.
  • Break up cooled crispy rice into pieces and divide into two low sided bowls. Top with spicy tuna, diced cucumbers, avocado, ginger and kimchi if using. Drizzle chili crisp over some of the rice and tuna. Spoon sriracha mayo over the avocado if using. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon reserved green onions. Serve with wasabi nori and extra chili crisp on the side.
Cakes, Dessert, Fruit, Japanese, Lactose Free, Recipes

Lilikoi Mochi Cakes

March 12, 2025

These lilikoi mochi cakes have soft interiors and delightfully crispy and chewy edges. The perfect combination of texture and tropical flavor makes these little cakes absolutely divine.

If you have not yet tried lilikoi (passion fruit) do taste one if you happen to come across any at your local market. These unassuming fruits are fragrant, tart, sweet and juicy all at once. When you slice into the fruit, the most exotic scent perfumes the house. There’s nothing quite like it.

Lilikoi has numerous seeds (which are edible). Cut a lilikoi in half, scoop out the pulp and eat it with a spoon seeds and all. It’s delicious served over chilled papaya or mixed with plain yogurt.

The passion flower has to be one of the most exquisite flowers in the world.

The seeds are removed from the pulp to make a smooth puree for these cakes.

Be sure to butter and sugar coat each cupcake cavity. This ensures each individual cake will have craveable crispy edges.

A little sugar mixed with lilikoi puree is brushed over the baked cakes. This gives the mochi cakes an extra burst of lilikoi flavor. Scatter a few seeds over the top for a beautiful contrast.

Lilikoi Mochi Cakes
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Lilikoi Mochi Cakes

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

14

servings

Easy to make lilikoi mochi cakes are bursting with tropical flavors
The batter makes enough for 14 muffin/cupcake pan cups

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons (85g) lactose free butter such as Miyoko’s unsalted, Earth Balance Buttery Sticks or regular unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar, plus more for the pan

  • 1 cup lactose free half and half or whole milk, or regular half and half or whole milk

  • 2/3 cup lilikoi puree (if fresh is not available look for Goya passion fruit pulp/freezer section)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, or 1/2 teaspoon Morton kosher salt

  • 2 cups + 3 tablespoons (284g) mochiko rice flour, preferably Koda Farms brand

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

  • Topping

  • Unsweetened coconut flakes, optional

  • 2 tablespoons lilikoi puree mixed with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, optional

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and sugar coat a 12-cup muffin pan and a small 4×6-inch baking dish, or an additional 2 cavities of a second muffin pan. (The recipe makes enough batter for 14 muffin pan cakes).
  • Whisk together the melted butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in half and half or whole milk, lilikoi puree, eggs and salt. Add mochiko flour and baking powder and whisk until ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Pour batter into prepared muffin tins filling 2/3 of the way (14 cavities or 12 + small baking dish). If using coconut flakes, add a few pinches on top of the batter. Bake on middle rack for 38-42 minutes. The mochi cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs and the edges are slightly browned.
  • Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing cakes to a rack to cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of lilikoi puree. Stir until most of the sugar has dissolved. Once mochi cakes are cool or just slightly warm, brush glaze over the tops. The glaze will be absorbed into the cake within a few minutes. Brush once more with the glaze and top with lilikoi seeds if using. Let cakes cool before serving.

Notes

  • Lilikoi mochi cakes can be frozen for a couple of months. Once cool and the glaze has set, place in a plastic freezer container or stack in a freezer zip top bag (use wax paper between layers). Defrost in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours before serving.
Beans, Dinner, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

Creamy Spicy Beans and Greens

February 28, 2025

This tasty bowl of simmered beans hits all the right notes for the perfect lunch or dinner. Served with a lemony arugula salad and good crusty grilled bread this dish will leave you feeling completely satisfied.

The ingredients for this recipe are ones that you likely already have, although you may need to take a quick trip to the market to pick up sun-dried tomatoes and arugula.

The sweet-tart flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes adds a welcome burst of flavor so don’t skip them. You can adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your taste, but again, don’t skip these either. They add a hint of heat that adds pop to this dish.

Panko bread crumbs are incredibly useful in so many forms. Here, they are seasoned and crisped up golden brown before adding to the arugula salad.

These creamy beans are best served warm. If you have leftovers, reheat to warm and slather on grilled sourdough bread for a tasty version of crostini which can be topped with arugula.

Creamy Spicy Beans and Greens
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Creamy Spicy Beans and Greens

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

4

servings

Adapted from NYT Cooking

Ingredients

  • 5 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 medium yellow or sweet onion (about 1 cup), finely diced

  • 4 medium garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 1/3 cup tomato paste

  • 2 (14 ounce) cans cannellini beans or other creamy white beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2/3 cups half and half

  • 1/2 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino

  • 4 (packed) cups baby arugula, about 3-4 ounces

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest + 4 teaspoons juice

  • 4 thick slices grilled or pan-fried sourdough bread for serving

Directions

  • In a medium skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over medium low heat. Stir in panko, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Immediately transfer panko to a paper-towel lined plate. Wipe out the skillet.
  • Add a 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is softened (adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning the garlic). Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the tomato paste and stir until slightly darkened and mixture is combined, about 2 minutes. Lower heat to medium low. Stir in the beans, half and half, sun-dried tomatoes and 1/2 cup water, and simmer, stirring occasionally until flavors meld, about 3-4 minutes. Add a few more tablespoons water or half and half if the beans need a bit more liquid. Stir in half the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper or red pepper flakes. Transfer beans to a low sided serving bowl.
  • In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with the seasoned panko, lemon zest and juice, plus the remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Pile greens at the center of the bean mixture. Serve with grilled or pan-fried bread.
Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Veggies

Leafy Greens with Turmeric Dressing

February 16, 2025

Bitter greens are one of my favorite salad ingredients. The peppery flavor of arugula, watercress, radicchio or escarole combined with a tart-sweet dressing is delicious.

This striking salad includes crispy bitter greens, radishes and candied spiced pistachios with a bright turmeric dressing.

I love cooking with turmeric. Its pleasant earthy flavor and vibrant color make any dish so much more interesting. Some of my favorite recipes that include turmeric are lemongrass tofu, pickled cauliflower, and miso dressing.

You may use any assortment of leafy bitter greens to make this salad. Escarole is not a green that I see often here on Maui but I did find it at Safeway. It has a crisp texture and mild bitterness that pairs well with the bright lemony dressing.

Oh yum! Easy to make candied spiced nuts add pizazz to the salad. If you have a penchant for snacking on irresistible candied nuts, make a double batch.

Leafy Greens with Turmeric Dressing
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Leafy Greens with Turmeric Dressing

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

4

servings

Colorful crispy salad with a hint of spice from candied nuts
Recipe adapted from NYT Cooking

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, pecans or walnuts

  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 medium lemon

  • 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 8 ounces bitter greens (escarole, endive, mature arugula, watercress, radicchio)

  • 2 small radishes, thinly sliced (add sliced radishes to an ice bath for 5-10 minutes for extra crispy texture, pat dry with paper towels before using)

  • 2 ounces Parmesan, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup chopped dill (or substitute with fresh mint or parsley)

  • To serve: Grilled bread, hard boiled eggs (optional)

Directions

  • Combine the pistachios and 1 tablespoon honey in a small skillet over medium low heat. Cook, stirring often, until the honey reduces and crystalizes around the nuts, 3-4 minutes. Watch closely so the nuts do not burn. Once the nuts darken but still show a little green, remove the pan from the heat and immediately sprinkle with the crushed red pepper and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (have these ingredients ready). Transfer nuts to a parchment lined plate. Separate nuts with a fork before they cool to prevent clumping. If using large whole walnuts, coarsely chop once cool.
  • Using a microplane, zest lemon into a large bowl. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice (about 2 tablespoons) into the bowl. Whisk in the mustard, turmeric, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and remaining 1 teaspoon honey until a golden dressing forms. Taste and adjust seasoning with more honey, lemon juice and oil.
  • When ready to serve, add the greens and radishes, season with salt and pepper, and toss until the greens are well dressed. Transfer greens to a low sided serving dish and scatter nuts and cheese over the top.
Cakes, Dessert, Lactose Free, Recipes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

February 8, 2025

Last Christmas I was searching the web for a dessert recipe that was both festive and fairly easy to make with my young granddaughters. These gorgeous red velvet cupcakes turned out to be the quintessential recipe.

Red velvet cupcakes make an eye catching dessert any time of the year (hint, hint, Valentine’s Day 💕). They are stunning with their deep red color, moist, tender interiors and delightful cream cheese frosting. Thanks to Sam over at Sugar Spun Run for this fabulous recipe.

I often see gel food coloring listed in recipes and decided I should have some in my pantry. A little goes a long way to bring gorgeous color to whatever you are baking. If gel food coloring is not available, the liquid variety works just as well in this recipe.

Take note that the batter mixture starts off on the dry and crumbly side. But this won’t last long so don’t fret when you start mixing the ingredients.

Once the liquid ingredients are added, things begin to take a turn for the best!

Filling the cupcake liners 2/3 of the way ensures the batter will not spill over while baking.

Slightly domed, these perfectly baked cakes are ready for a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.

Not to worry if you don’t own a piping bag with tips. I used a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off to quickly top the cupcakes with frosting. An offset icing spatula is helpful to smooth out the frosting if you have one handy.

I read that freezing frosted cupcakes may not be ideal. But I have had great luck doing so. After frosting the cupcakes, let the frosting set (in the refrigerator) for 15 minutes or so until firm, then transfer the cupcakes to a plastic container and freeze away.

Red Velvet Cupcakes
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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

12

servings

These red velvet cupcakes are simply gorgeous. Whip up a batch and pass out to friends and family for a special treat.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cups (177ml) whole milk

  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar

  • 3/4 teaspoon red gel food coloring such as Chef Master Super Red or 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring

  • 1 1/4 cups (155g) all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, firmly packed

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons (9g) unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon if using unsalted butter)

  • 4 tablespoons (56g) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks or unsalted butter (see above for salt measurements), melted

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) neutral cooking oil such as canola

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 5 ounces (142g) Earth Balance lactose free cream cheese or regular cream cheese, room temperature

  • 3 tablespoons (42g) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, or unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 1/2 cups + (284g +) powdered sugar

Directions

  • Cupcakes
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 12 count cupcake tin with paper liners. Set aside.
  • Combine milk, vinegar and food coloring in a 2 cup measuring cup. Stir together and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and oil. Using a firm spatula stir until ingredients are well combined (the mixture will be thick and crumbly). Add egg and vanilla extract and stir until combined. Gradually add the milk mixture and stir until all ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth.
  • Fill each liner 2/3 of the way with batter (do not overfill or cupcakes may spill over while cooking and collapse, discard any leftover batter or bake separately). Transfer pan to the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If your oven runs hot, check at 18 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • Frosting
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter with a handheld mixer just until combined. Add vanilla and mix for a few seconds. Add powdered sugar in 3 stages, mixing with the handheld mixer.
  • Transfer frosting to a piping bag or a sandwich bag (push frosting to the bottom of the bag, seal out air, snip off small corner of bag). Squeeze frosting onto cupcakes in a swirling motion starting from the outside. Smooth frosting with on offset spatula if desired. You may not need all of the frosting.
Breakfast, Lactose Free, Recipes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

February 1, 2025

These scrumptious cottage cheese pancakes come together in no time at all. They are fluffy, soft and have a subtle sweetness that when served with strawberries and maple syrup are sublime.

I usually think of pancakes as a weekend treat. These pancakes require minimal effort and I would not hesitate to make them any day of the week.

With a short ingredient list, this recipe can be on the table in a flash. All the batter ingredients go into one bowl so clean up is a breeze.

Strawberries macerated with maple syrup are served with the pancakes. No strawberries? Blueberries, blackberries or a few pats of butter and maple syrup will do just fine.

I use a large non stick skillet (12 3/4-inch) which accommodates all of the batter at once. If you don’t have a large enough pan, cook the pancakes in two batches.

Fluffy, soft pancakes with cottage cheese are hard to resist. Whip up a batch and see for yourself.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
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Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Recipe by Kiyo

4

Pancakes

Adapted from Eric Kim’s Food52 recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup strawberries, halved

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving

  • 2/3 cup cottage cheese (I used Lactaid brand for lactose free pancakes)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 4 teaspoons granulated sugar

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or sub with 2 tablespoons white whole wheat or whole wheat flour)

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • Butter for frying pancakes (I used Earth Balance for lactose free pancakes)

Directions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the strawberries and maple syrup. Set aside to macerate for about 30 minutes, tossing the berries occasionally.
  • Whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Stir in flour and baking powder just before frying the pancakes (once you start heating the pan).
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Melt 3 teaspoons of butter and pour batter into pan dividing evenly to make 4 pancakes. If your pan is not large enough, fry 2 pancakes at a time. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and continues cooking another 1-2 minutes, or until pancakes are set. Serve with butter and strawberry maple syrup.

Notes

  • You can serve the pancakes with blueberries or other fruit, or skip the fruit and serve with butter and maple syrup.
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