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Just Maika Cooking

I am a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, ​culinary educator. My goal is to create, educate and discover tools that ​will bring the joy and passion of global cuisine to food enthusiasts ​and home cooks through exploration, experimentation, and tasting.

bbq chicken slider on hawaiin rolls with coleslaw.
Featured Post

Spicy, Sweet & Saucy: New BBQ Chicken Sliders Recipe

September 10, 2025 Hey Reader! Game day just got an upgrade! These Easy BBQ Chicken Sliders with Coleslaw are smothered in a tangy-sweet habanero barbecue sauce, piled high on soft Hawaiian rolls, and topped with cool, crunchy slaw and pickles. They’re bold, messy, and ready in under an hour — no marinating, no fuss, just the perfect crowd-pleasing sliders with a kick. Best of Fall Recipes | Cozy Soups, Stews & Comfort Food for Autumn Until Next Time!Chef Maika Get the Recipe Lodge’s...

shrimp white mac and cheese in a cast iron skillet.

September 3, 2025 Hey Reader! I hope you had a wonderful summer! I’m so excited to be back in your inbox as we head into fall, one of my favorite cooking seasons. The next few months are jam-packed with new recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials designed to inspire your kitchen and make weeknight cooking a little easier (and a lot tastier). This season, expect cozy comfort foods, a few Caribbean-inspired twists, and plenty of step-by-step guides to build your cooking confidence. I’ll also be...

title banner with multiple recipe images.

July 09, 2025 Hey Reader! I took a little breather over the Fourth of July weekend, but I’m back and the flavor is on. This week’s digest is short, sweet, and loaded with good stuff: sizzling kitchen deals, high-protein comfort meals, and two tropical food holidays worth celebrating even if we’re going slightly off the beaten path. Let’s jump in!Chef MaikaJust Maika Cookinghttps://www.justmaikacooking.com/ Still Time! Prime Day Sales End July 11! If you’ve been eyeing a new air fryer,...

mango coconut felato getato style in a glass cup garnished with lime slices and zest.

June 25, 2025 This week, I’m pausing to honor someone who shaped how many of us see food, not just as something to cook or eat, but as a language. Anthony Bourdain would have turned 68 on June 25. And no matter how many years go by, it still hurts. Because long before chef titles and TV fame, he was a storyteller who chose to experience the world by being part of it. He didn’t try to change cultures. He showed up, listened, and shared a seat at the table. That’s the energy I’m channeling into...

June 18, 2025 Hey Reader! The summer solstice hits Saturday, June 21, which means longer days, brighter produce, and grill tongs practically glued to our hands. To celebrate, this week’s digest is a brunch-heavy menu you can cook anytime the craving strikes, plus quick tips for kid-friendly kitchen fun and fail-proof steak temps. Think of it as your glossy summer kick-off issue, iced coffee in one hand, spatula in the other. Let’s get sizzling! Warmly,Chef MaikaJust Maika...

pinterest pin titled 25+ pasta dishes with 5 photos of different pasta dishes.

RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Treat Yourself to Comfort + Flavor—Every Wednesday Night Hey Reader! We’ve all been there—Wednesday hits, and the week feels like it’s dragging on forever. That’s when I turn to my favorite pick-me-up: pasta. Whether it’s a spicy noodle bowl, a cheesy baked lasagna, or a one-pot wonder, pasta always shows up like the comfort food bestie you didn’t know you needed. This week, I’ve rounded up over 25 global pasta dishes that go beyond boring...

vegetarian falafel smashed tacos with vegetables, dressing and salad.

RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE 25+ Vegetarian Meals by Time of Day? Yes, Please. Hey Reader! If you're tired of wondering what to cook on Mondays (or just trying to cut back on meat), this one’s for you. If you're into bold spices, creamy comfort, or quick one-pan meals, there's something in this new guide that’ll make your next Monday feel like a win. I just dropped a Meatless Monday Round-Up with over 25 flavor-packed vegetarian recipes—organized by breakfast, lunch,...

harissa chicken burger held in hand.

RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE This Ain’t Your Average Burger… Hey Reader! Happy National Hamburger Day (check out USA Today)! Sure, you could celebrate with a regular beef patty and ketchup situation… or you could spice things up with something a little more unforgettable. Enter: the Harissa Chicken Burger. This burger is juicy, spicy, and packed with flavor in all the right places. We’re talking ground chicken (yes, it stays juicy when you know what you're doing), harissa...

cooking class flyer for sistrunk marketplace in fort lauderdale for june 1st.

RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE South Florida Foodies—Let’s Cook Together This Summer! Hey Reader! Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen this summer? Join me and Chef Jorge Montes for a hands-on seasonal cooking class in Fort Lauderdale at the vibrant Sistrunk Marketplace. Our upcoming event, “Lemon & Basil Themed: A Summer Cooking Class,” is perfect for families, friends, food lovers, and anyone looking to sharpen their skills in a fun, supportive space. Click Flyer for...

RECIPES REVIEWS CLASSES & TIPS INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE Part of the Haitian Heritage Month Series — Let’s Talk About Epis Hey Reader! If you’ve ever wondered how Haitian dishes get so much flavor with such minimal effort—it all starts with epis. This Haitian green seasoning is a daily staple in most Haitian households. It’s used to season everything from: Poul nan sòs (stewed chicken) Griot (fried pork) Soup Joumou Legim (vegetable stew) Rice dishes And even marinades for fish and meats As part of...