Sarai Leos Matsui’s love for food began early—long before she ever thought about creating recipes or sharing dishes with others.
Growing up in a Mexican household, food was always at the heart of family life. Big backyard BBQs, gatherings filled with laughter, and tables overflowing with homemade dishes created the kind of memories that last a lifetime. By the age of nine, Sarai was already spending time in the kitchen, curious and eager to learn. Cooking quickly became more than just a skill—it became a way for her to connect with family, culture, and creativity.
Later in life, Sarai was introduced to plant-based cooking. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into a passion for reimagining the comforting flavors she grew up with in new, nourishing ways. She discovered that plant-based food could still be bold, satisfying, and deeply rooted in tradition. Today, she cooks with the belief that food should be joyful, approachable, and shared.
As a mother, gardener, and regular visitor to Saturday farmers’ markets, Sarai draws inspiration from fresh, seasonal ingredients and the simple beauty of cooking from the earth. Her goal is to help others see that cooking doesn’t have to feel stressful or complicated—it can be fun, creative, and full of discovery. Whether it’s trying a new ingredient or transforming a familiar dish into something unexpected, Sarai loves encouraging people to step into the kitchen with confidence.
Sarai lives in Western North Carolina with her husband and young daughter, where she enjoys cooking, creating, and sharing food with her family.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious, this 7-layer taco dip is it! Packed with creamy, zesty layers like homemade cheese sauce, guacamole, and fresh toppings, this plant-based favorite is perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you need a quick and healthy snack. I love making this for gatherings because it comes together in minutes and always disappears fast—everyone keeps coming back for just one more scoop!
This Espagueti Verde (Mexican Green Spaghetti) is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made with a vibrant green sauce of roasted poblano chiles, garlic, fresh cilantro, and parsley. Often described as the Mexican version of Alfredo pasta—with just the slightest kick—this rich and flavorful dish is a beloved comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special family meals.
This creamy avocado dressing is one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s smooth, zesty, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients—no oil or dairy needed. Perfect for salads, bowls, or dipping, this easy avocado dressing recipe comes together in minutes and makes everything taste better! There’s just…
This extra crispy panko tofu is crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and completely irresistible! Made oil-free, this easy recipe can be cooked in either the air fryer or oven, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals. If you’ve ever wondered how to make tofu truly crispy, this simple method delivers golden, crunchy bites every time.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make fresh, authentic pico de gallo at home, you’re going to love this easy recipe. Made with simple ingredients like ripe tomatoes, crisp onions, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice, this homemade pico de gallo comes together in just minutes. It’s healthy, oil-free, and bursting with bright flavor —…
This easy red salsa recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and is bursting with fresh, bold flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for dipping tortilla chips, spooning over tacos, or adding a pop of flavor to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. If you’re looking for a quick, homemade salsa that’s healthier than store-bought and incredibly versatile, this one is a must-try.
Inspired by classic Mexican flavors, this tomatillo salsa blends roasted chilies, garlic, and citrusy tomatillos for a bold, homemade taste perfect for dipping in minutes!
Looking for easy, healthy homemade refried beans? This simple recipe shows you how to make delicious, oil-free refried beans using either canned beans for convenience or freshly cooked beans for a from-scratch option. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, these plant-based refried beans are perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more!
