When it comes to delicious and diverse cuisines, Japanese food never fails to impress. Packed with mouth-watering flavors and healthy ingredients, it is no wonder that Japanese dishes have gained worldwide popularity. Whether you’re a fan of sushi or ramen, or just looking to try something new, we have compiled a list of 12 delectable Japanese recipes that will leave you craving more. So, let’s dive in and explore these fantastic dishes that you can easily prepare at home!
#1. Chicken Teriyaki (450 calories)
Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a versatile and easy recipe that will quickly become one of your favorites. Serve it with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
Recipe:
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens further.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
#2. Miso Soup (85 calories)
Miso Soup is a comforting, traditional Japanese soup that is perfect as a light appetizer or as a side dish with your main course. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that showcases the delicate taste of miso paste and is packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups dashi (Japanese fish stock)
- 3 tbsp miso paste (white or red)
- 1/2 cup diced tofu
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup wakame (dried seaweed), rehydrated
Recipe:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the dashi over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a small bowl, combine the miso paste with a few tablespoons of the warm dashi, mixing until smooth.
- Add the miso mixture to the saucepan with the remaining dashi and stir well.
- Add the tofu and wakame to the miso soup and let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
#3. California Roll (250 calories)
The California Roll is a popular sushi roll that combines avocado, cucumber, and crab meat, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect dish for those new to sushi, as it doesn’t contain raw fish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sushi rice, cooked and seasoned
- 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 1/2 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, for dipping
- 1 tsp wasabi paste, for serving
- Pickled ginger, for serving
Recipe:
- Lay a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat, with the shiny side facing down.
- Spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Arrange the imitation crab, avocado slices, and cucumber sticks horizontally in the middle of the rice.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the crab meat.
- Using the bamboo mat, roll the sushi tightly, applying gentle pressure to ensure the roll stays together.
- Moisten the top border of the nori with water and seal the roll.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 6-8 pieces.
- Serve the California roll with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.
#4. Vegetable Tempura (300 calories)
Vegetable Tempura is a crispy and delicious Japanese appetizer that features a variety of vegetables coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection. Enjoy it with a flavorful dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, etc.), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Tempura dipping sauce, for serving
Recipe:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ice-cold water, egg, salt, and baking powder until a smooth batter is formed.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
- Dip the vegetables into the batter, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Carefully lower the battered vegetables into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy, turning occasionally.
- Remove the tempura from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with tempura dipping sauce.
#5. Beef Sukiyaki (480 calories)
Beef Sukiyaki is a delicious and comforting Japanese hot pot dish that features thinly sliced beef and vegetables simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup dashi (Japanese fish stock)
- 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced leeks
- 1/2 cup sliced napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Recipe:
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi, stirring until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or sukiyaki pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside
- In the same skillet, add the shiitake mushrooms, carrots, onions, leeks, and napa cabbage. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add the tofu and cooked beef to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve the Beef Sukiyaki hot, garnished with chopped green onions, and accompanied by steamed rice.
#6. Onigiri (Rice Balls) (180 calories)
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack or lunch item made with seasoned sushi rice and various fillings. They are portable, versatile, and delicious, making them perfect for on-the-go meals or picnics.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice, cooled
- 1/4 cup canned tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup pickled plums (umeboshi), pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked and seasoned salmon flakes
- 4 sheets of nori, cut into strips
- Salt, for seasoning
Recipe:
- In a small bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, and soy sauce until well combined. Set aside.
- Wet your hands with water and sprinkle them with a little salt to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Take a small handful of sushi rice and shape it into a flat, round patty.
- Place a spoonful of your desired filling (tuna mixture, pickled plums, or salmon flakes) in the center of the rice patty.
- Fold the rice over the filling, encasing it completely, and shape the rice into a triangle or ball.
- Wrap a strip of nori around the base of the onigiri to hold it together and provide a place to hold while eating.
- Repeat the process with the remaining rice and fillings.
- Enjoy your onigiri immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
#7. Japanese Curry (600 calories)
Japanese Curry is a delicious and hearty dish featuring a thick, flavorful curry sauce with meat and vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for cold evenings or when you’re craving something warm and filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 large potato, chopped
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup Japanese curry roux (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Steamed rice, for serving
Recipe:
- In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the chicken, carrot, and potato to the saucepan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the water into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Break the curry roux into small pieces and add it to the saucepan, stirring until it has dissolved and the curry has thickened.
- Serve the Japanese Curry hot, accompanied by steamed rice.
#8. Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake) (350 calories)
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a delightful dish that combines a variety of ingredients in a flavorful batter. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a scrumptious, filling meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon or pork belly
- 1/4 cup bonito flakes, for garnish
- Okonomiyaki sauce, for serving
- Japanese mayonnaise, for serving
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Recipe:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, egg, and salt until a smooth batter is formed.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage, green onions, and bacon or pork belly, mixing until well combined.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour about 1/4 of the batter into the skillet, spreading it out into a large, round pancake shape.
- Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the pancake has set.
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Transfer the pancake to a serving plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Drizzle the okonomiyaki with okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, and sprinkle with bonito flakes. Serve hot.
#9. Gyudon (Beef Bowl) (500 calories)
Gyudon, or Japanese beef bowl, is a simple and satisfying dish that features tender, thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a flavorful sauce, served over steamed rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups steamed rice
- 1/2 cup dashi (Japanese fish stock)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Recipe:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the sliced beef to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until browned.
- In a small bowl, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the beef and onions.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the beef is tender.
- Serve the Gyudon hot, spooned over steamed rice, and garnished with chopped green onions.
#10. Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (270 calories)
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a refreshing and creamy dessert that features the unique and distinct flavor of matcha green tea powder. It’s a delightful way to end a Japanese-themed meal or to enjoy as a cool treat on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Recipe:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk, and heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and matcha green tea powder.
- Gradually add the sugar and matcha mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously to ensure the matcha dissolves evenly.
- Continue to heat the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Scoop and serve the Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream, garnishing with a dusting of matcha powder if desired.
#11. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers) (200 calories)
Yakitori, or Japanese grilled chicken skewers, are a popular street food and izakaya favorite that feature marinated, grilled chicken pieces on bamboo skewers. They’re a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish for your next barbecue or dinner party.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 8-10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Recipe:
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Place the chicken cubes in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Serve the Yakitori hot with a side of steamed rice and your favorite dipping sauce.
#12. Gyoza (Japanese Pan-Fried Dumplings) (280 calories)
Gyoza, or Japanese pan-fried dumplings, are a delightful appetizer that features a savory filling of ground meat and vegetables wrapped in a thin, delicate dough. Enjoy them with a tangy dipping sauce for a flavorful and satisfying snack or starter.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground pork or chicken
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 40-50 gyoza wrappers
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
Recipe:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Place a gyoza wrapper on a clean work surface and place a small spoonful of filling in the center. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water, fold it in half, and press the edges together to seal, creating a pleated pattern along the edge.
- Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the gyoza to the skillet, placing them in a single layer with the pleated edge facing up.
- Cook the gyoza for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown.
- Carefully pour the water into the skillet and cover with a lid, allowing the gyoza to steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the gyoza are cooked through.
- Remove the gyoza from the skillet and serve hot with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili oil.
Now that you have these 12 delicious and satisfying Japanese recipes at your fingertips, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking! Whether you’re craving sushi, noodles, or a comforting bowl of curry, these dishes are sure to satisfy your Japanese food cravings and impress your family and friends. Enjoy the tastes of Japan right at home, and happy cooking!
Top 3 FAQ’s and Answers About Japanese Cuisine:
1. What are the essential ingredients needed for Japanese cooking?
The essential ingredients for Japanese cooking include soy sauce, mirin, sake, rice vinegar, dashi (Japanese fish stock), and miso paste. These ingredients provide the base for many flavorful Japanese dishes and are widely available in most grocery stores or online. To learn more about these ingredients and where to find them, check out this guide to Japanese pantry essentials.
2. Can I make vegetarian or vegan versions of these Japanese recipes?
Yes, many of these Japanese recipes can be easily adapted for vegetarians or vegans by substituting the meat and fish ingredients with plant-based alternatives. For example, you can replace the chicken in the Yakitori recipe with tofu, tempeh, or seitan. In addition, you can make vegetarian dashi by using kombu (kelp) and shiitake mushrooms instead of fish-based ingredients.
3. How can I make my own sushi rolls at home?
Making sushi rolls at home is fun and easy once you have the right ingredients and tools. You’ll need sushi rice, nori sheets, a bamboo sushi mat, and your desired fillings (such as fresh fish, avocado, or cucumber). Start by preparing the sushi rice according to the recipe instructions, then lay out a sheet of nori on the bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of rice onto the nori, leaving a small border at the top edge. Place your desired fillings in a line along the lower third of the rice. Using the bamboo mat, gently roll the sushi into a tight cylinder, pressing firmly to seal. Use a sharp knife to slice the sushi roll into even pieces. For a step-by-step guide on making sushi rolls at home, check out this sushi-making tutorial.
And there you have it, folks! With these 12 mouthwatering Japanese recipes, you’re now ready to take on the culinary world of Japan from the comfort of your own kitchen. We hope you enjoy these dishes as much as we do, and maybe even impress a few friends and family members along the way. Who knows, perhaps mastering these recipes will inspire you to pack your bags and embark on a gastronomic adventure to the Land of the Rising Sun! 🍣🍜
For those of you who are feeling that wanderlust itch after diving into these recipes, don’t forget to check out our article, Discover the Magic of Japan: 14 Reasons to Go. It’s the perfect read to fuel your daydreams of savoring authentic Japanese cuisine while strolling through cherry blossom-lined streets.
Until then, happy cooking, and may the Japanese food gods bless your kitchen with the perfect balance of umami flavors! Sayonara! 🇯🇵👩🍳👨🍳
