Liver Surgery Recovery

Asian Food Edition

Why These Ingredients?

These recipes are designed for people recovering from liver surgery (starting around weeks 4–6 post-op). They use ingredients that support liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, and are easy to digest. All recipes are low in saturated fat and salt, but rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healing nutrients.

Asian Food Edition

🥩 Stir-Fried Beef with Bell Peppers

This dish provides iron and zinc from lean beef — important minerals for liver repair. The bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and are cooked until very soft to make them gentle on the digestive system.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 3 oz lean beef (like flank or sirloin), thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup red and yellow bell pepper strips

• 1/2 tsp olive oil

• 1/4 tsp freshly grated ginger

  
  

Steps:

1. Steam the bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until they’re soft.

2. In a nonstick pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the ginger until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until just cooked through.

4. Add the softened bell peppers and stir-fry everything together for 2 more minutes.

5. Serve with soft white rice or a whole grain blend.

   
   
   
   

🍚 Millet-Barley Grain Bowl with Roasted Kabocha

This comforting grain bowl is rich in fiber and gentle on digestion. The kabocha squash provides beta-carotene and antioxidants to support liver health.

Time Required: 40 minutesServes: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup millet

• 1/4 cup pearled barley

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 cup roasted and mashed kabocha squash

• 1/2 tsp olive oil (optional for creaminess)

  
  

Steps:

1. Rinse the millet and barley. Simmer in 2 cups of water for about 30–35 minutes until soft.

2. Meanwhile, roast slices of kabocha squash in the oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until tender. Then mash them with a fork.

3. Mix the mashed squash into the cooked grains.

4. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired. Serve warm as a grain side dish or a light meal.

   
   
   
   

🍠 Red Bean & Brown Rice Mash

This mash is a soft, slightly sweet option for liver recovery — packed with antioxidants and gentle plant protein. It works well as a dessert or a light, warm snack.

Time Required: 45 minutes (less if beans are pre-cooked)Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked unsalted red beans (like adzuki beans)

• 1/4 cup cooked brown rice

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

  
  

Steps:

1. Combine the beans, brown rice, and warm water in a blender or food processor.

2. Blend until smooth — add more water if needed to get a soft texture.

3. Gently heat the mash in a saucepan until warm.

4. Stir in a small amount of honey if you want it slightly sweet. Serve in a small bowl.

🐟 Steamed Salmon with Soy-Ginger Broth

A gentle protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The ginger helps reduce inflammation, and the light broth keeps it soothing and low-fat.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 oz salmon fillet

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1/4 tsp freshly grated ginger

Steps:

1. Steam salmon for 10–12 minutes until flakey.

2. In a small pan, mix water, soy sauce, and ginger; heat gently.

3. Pour warm ginger broth over the salmon before serving.

4. Serve with soft brown rice or steamed millet.

   
   
   
   

🍆 Stir-Fried Eggplant with Miso and Garlic

Silky eggplant is easy to digest and pairs well with fermented miso for liver health and gut support.

Time Required: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup eggplant, peeled and sliced

• 1/2 tsp white miso paste

• 1/4 tsp garlic-infused oil

Steps:

1. Steam eggplant until very soft (5–7 minutes).

2. In a pan, stir-fry the eggplant with garlic oil and miso until aromatic.

3. Add a splash of water if needed to keep moist.

4. Serve warm with rice or soft barley.

   
   
   
   

🌿 Brown Rice with Stirred Sesame Spinach

This fiber-rich bowl supports liver detox while being mild and satisfying.

Time Required: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice

• 1/2 cup spinach, cooked and finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Steps:

1. Stir cooked spinach into warm brown rice.

2. Add sesame oil and mix well.

3. Serve warm as a side or light meal.

   
   

🍲 Lotus Root and Carrot Soup

This Chinese-style soup features anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting ingredients like carrots and lotus root.

Time Required: 30 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup lotus root slices

• 1/2 cup carrot slices

• 3 cups water

Steps:

1. Simmer all ingredients together for 25–30 minutes until soft.

2. Optionally mash the veggies slightly for extra softness.

3. Serve warm.

   
   

🍵 Red Date and Goji Berry Congee

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, this soothing porridge nourishes the liver and blood, and is naturally sweet.

Time Required: 40 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white or brown rice

• 4–5 red dates (seeded)

• 1 tbsp goji berries

• 4 cups water

Steps:

1. Rinse and soak dates and goji briefly.

2. Combine rice, water, dates, and goji in a pot.

3. Simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve warm and thickened to porridge consistency.