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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.

braised chicken mexican style in a cast iron enamel large dutch oven.
Featured Post

Easy One-Pot Mexican Chicken + 3 Nachos Worth Gathering Around

October 22, 2025 Hey Reader! This week’s theme is all about comfort food made easy. From a rich Mexican-style braise to nachos piled high with flavor, these recipes are meant to bring joy to your table without extra stress. Don’t forget if you’re ever curious about substitutions, cooking terminology, or extra cooking tips, everything is covered in depth on the recipe blog. Think of it as your go-to kitchen guide whenever you need it. Explore. Experiment. Taste. — Chef Maika Weekly Update:...

protein packed loaded baked nachos with ground turkey, pinto beans, roasted corn, avocado, tomatoes, Hatch pepper crema and garnished with lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro.

October 16, 2025 Hey Reader! I’ve been busy cooking, writing, and sharing fresh ideas to help you build confidence in the kitchen. Here’s what’s new on Just Maika Cooking this week: loaded nachos to cooking tips, and food safety essentials. Weekly Update: Kitchen Tools on Sale | Curated Cooking Deals by Chef Maika Until Next Time Keep learning, stay creative, and share the joy of cooking with the people around you. Explore. Experiment. Taste. — Chef Maika Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe |...

September 18, 2025 Hey Reader! Looking for comfort food that’s hearty but easy to pull together? My Turkey Chili Baked Potatoes are the answer fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with warm chili, melted cheese, and topped with a cool sour cream and chive mix. You’ll love this recipe because it’s a one-dish dinner with minimal cleanup, it’s flexible enough for leftover chili or your favorite toppings, and it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings. Weekly Update: Kitchen Tools on...

bbq chicken slider on hawaiin rolls with coleslaw.

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,...