Esophagus Surgery Recovery

Asian Food Edition

These recipes are designed for people recovering from esophageal cancer surgery (starting around weeks 4–6 post-op). They use ingredients that are soft, moist, and easy to swallow, while still supporting healing, hydration, and energy needs. All recipes avoid acidic, spicy, or rough textures, and focus on gentle protein, healthy fats, and soothing carbohydrates.

🍣 Soft Sushi Bowl with Cooked Salmon and Cucumber

This deconstructed sushi bowl avoids raw fish and replaces it with steamed salmon. The texture is soft and nourishing, rich in omega-3s, and gentle on the digestive system.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice (warm or room temp)

• 2 oz steamed or poached salmon, flaked

• 1/4 cup peeled and finely chopped cucumber

• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, omit if acidic foods cause irritation)

Steps:

1. Prepare sushi rice and fluff gently. Let cool slightly to room temperature.

2. Steam or poach salmon and flake it with a fork.

3. Peel cucumber, remove seeds, and chop finely.

4. Layer rice, salmon, and cucumber in a bowl. Add vinegar if tolerated.

5. Serve immediately, or chill slightly before eating.

   
   
   
   

🍲 Soft Ramen with Poached Egg and Vegetables

This simple ramen features soft-cooked noodles, a creamy poached egg, and gentle vegetables — all easy to chew and swallow, and mild in flavor.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 oz soft ramen noodles (no seasoning packet)

• 1 poached egg

• 1/4 cup very soft cooked carrots or spinach

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Steps:

1. Cook ramen noodles in broth until very soft (8–10 minutes).

2. While the noodles cook, poach the egg in simmering water (3–4 minutes).

3. Add soft-cooked vegetables to the broth during the last few minutes.

4. Pour into a bowl, gently place the poached egg on top, and serve warm.

5. Allow to cool slightly to avoid irritating the esophagus.

🍳 Japanese Tamago Yaki (Soft Egg Roll)

A fluffy rolled egg dish that’s soft, slightly sweet, and gentle on the esophagus.

Time Required: 10 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 tsp mirin (optional)

• 1 tsp water

Steps:

1. Beat eggs with water and mirin.

2. Pour a thin layer into a nonstick pan and cook slowly.

3. Roll gently, then repeat in layers.

4. Let cool slightly and cut into soft pieces.

   
   
   
   

🍠 Sweet Purple Yam Mash

Naturally sweet, rich in antioxidants, and smooth in texture — a nourishing snack or dessert.

Time Required: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steamed purple yam

• 1/4 cup oat milk

• 1/2 tsp coconut oil (optional)

Steps:

1. Steam yam until tender.

2. Mash with oat milk and coconut oil.

3. Blend until smooth.

4. Serve warm or chilled.

   
   
   
   

🍚 Miso-Flavored Japanese Rice Porridge (Zosui)

A light, savory porridge with fermented miso for gut health and hydration.

Time Required: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked white rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 tsp white miso paste

Steps:

1. Simmer rice in water for 10–15 minutes.

2. Turn off heat and stir in miso until dissolved.

3. Let cool slightly before serving.

   
   
   
   

🍄 Sweet Soy Steamed Egg with Mushrooms

This soft egg custard with tender mushrooms is rich in umami, protein, and comfort.

Time Required: 30 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 3/4 cup water

• 2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 soft shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Steps:

1. Beat eggs with water and soy sauce.

2. Pour into ramekins, add mushroom slices.

3. Steam covered for 18–20 minutes.

4. Let cool slightly before eating.

   
   
   
   

🥣 Chinese Almond Milk Rice Soup

A soothing, creamy dessert soup with mild flavor and healing texture.

Time Required: 30 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rice

• 2 1/2 cups water

• 1 tsp almond extract • 1 tsp honey

Steps:

1. Simmer rice in water until very soft (20–25 minutes).

2. Blend into a smooth paste.

3. Add almond extract and honey.

4. Serve warm or slightly chilled.

🍚 Savory Oatmeal with Millet and Soft Tofu

This gentle, porridge-like dish combines oats, millet, and soft tofu for a warm, savory meal. It's inspired by Asian congee, offering smooth carbs and light protein without spice or acidity — ideal for healing the esophagus.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rolled oats

• 1/4 cup cooked millet

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk or low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1/4 cup soft tofu, crumbled

• 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onion (optional for garnish — skip if texture is an issue)

Steps:

1. In a small pot, combine oats, millet, water, and soy milk or broth.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring often.

3. Stir in crumbled soft tofu and continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes, until creamy.

4. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving. Garnish with green onion only if tolerated.

5. Let cool slightly before eating to prevent irritation.