25 Simple Japanese Recipes

25 Simple Japanese Recipes

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I have always been fascinated by Japanese cuisine. The delicate flavors and beautiful presentation make it a joy to cook and eat. Today, I want to share with you 25 simple Japanese recipes that you can easily make at home. These recipes have a special place in my heart, and I hope they will find a place in your kitchen too.

1. Miso Soup

Miso soup is a classic starter in Japanese meals. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. I remember my first time tasting miso soup at a local Japanese restaurant. The umami flavor was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups dashi broth
  • 3 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1 cup soft tofu, cubed
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Seaweed (wakame), rehydrated

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat the dashi broth over medium heat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix miso paste with a bit of hot broth until smooth.
  3. Add the miso mixture, tofu, and wakame to the pot. Cook for a few minutes and serve hot.

2. Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Onigiri are rice balls that are often filled with various ingredients. I love making these for picnics or as a quick snack. You can customize them with your favorite fillings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • Salt
  • Fillings (like umeboshi, tuna, or salmon)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the sushi rice until the water runs clear. Cook it with water in a rice cooker.
  2. Once cooked, let it cool slightly. Wet your hands and take a small amount of rice.
  3. Shape the rice into a triangle and add your desired filling. Wrap with nori if desired.

3. Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a sweet and savory dish that is loved by many. I often make this when I have friends over for dinner. The aroma fills the kitchen and gets everyone excited.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
  3. Pour the marinade into the skillet and cook until thickened. Garnish with sesame seeds.

4. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan. I remember trying it at a summer festival and falling in love with the smoky flavor. It’s perfect for barbecues or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Green onions, cut into pieces

Instructions:

  1. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning.
  2. Thread chicken and green onions onto the skewers.
  3. Mix soy sauce, sake, and sugar in a bowl. Brush this mixture on the skewers while grilling until cooked through.

5. Ramen

Ramen is a beloved noodle soup that comes in many varieties. I enjoy making it at home because it’s so satisfying. Each bowl can be customized with different toppings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 packs of ramen noodles
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Soft-boiled eggs
  • Nori, sliced
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Instructions:

  1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions.
  2. In a pot, heat the broth. Add the cooked noodles and let simmer for a few minutes.
  3. Serve with green onions, soft-boiled eggs, and nori on top.

6. Gyoza (Dumplings)

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that are perfect for appetizers or snacks. I often make a big batch and freeze them for later. They are always a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Gyoza wrappers

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix pork, cabbage, green onions, and soy sauce.
  2. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each gyoza wrapper and fold to seal.
  3. Pan-fry in a skillet until golden brown, then add water to steam.

7. Chawanmushi (Savory Egg Custard)

Chawanmushi is a delicate steamed egg custard that is often served as an appetizer. I love its silky texture and subtle flavors. It’s a great dish to impress guests.

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups dashi broth
  • Soy sauce to taste
  • Fillings (shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms)

Instructions:

  1. Beat the eggs and mix with dashi broth and soy sauce.
  2. Strain the mixture into cups, adding your desired fillings.
  3. Steam for about 15-20 minutes until set.

8. Donburi (Rice Bowl)

Donburi is a rice bowl topped with various ingredients. I often make this when I want a quick and filling meal. The possibilities are endless, from beef to vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 lb beef, sliced thin
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, cook the onion until soft. Add the beef and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in soy sauce and sugar, cooking until the sauce thickens.
  3. Serve over rice in a bowl.

9. Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake filled with various ingredients. I love making this dish when I have leftover vegetables. It’s fun to customize for everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup dashi or water
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 2 eggs
  • Toppings (mayonnaise, bonito flakes)

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, dashi, cabbage, and eggs in a bowl.
  2. Heat a skillet and pour in the batter, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Top with mayonnaise and bonito flakes before serving.

10. Tempura

Tempura is a popular dish where vegetables and shrimp are coated in a light batter and fried. I enjoy making this dish for special occasions. The crispy texture is simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tempura flour
  • 1 cup cold water
  • Vegetables (sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers)
  • Shrimp, peeled and deveined

Instructions:

  1. Mix tempura flour and cold water in a bowl until just combined.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan. Dip vegetables and shrimp in the batter and fry until golden.
  3. Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauce.

11. Sushi Rolls

Sushi rolls are a favorite for many. I remember the first time I tried making sushi at home. It felt like a fun art project. You can fill them with whatever you like.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
  2. Spread rice on a nori sheet, leaving a border. Add fillings and roll tightly.
  3. Slice into pieces and serve with soy sauce.
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12. Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is rich and comforting. I often make this dish when I want something hearty. It’s perfect served over rice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken or beef, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 package Japanese curry roux

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, brown the meat and onion. Add carrots and potatoes.
  2. Add water and bring to a boil. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the curry roux until dissolved and serve over rice.

13. Tofu Stir-Fry

Tofu stir-fry is a quick and healthy meal. I love how versatile tofu can be. It absorbs flavors beautifully and is perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet and add tofu. Cook until golden.
  2. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender.
  3. Pour in soy sauce and serve hot.

14. Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that is rich in flavor. I enjoy sipping on matcha for its calming effects. It’s also great for baking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon matcha powder
  • 1 cup hot water
  • Sweetener to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk matcha powder with a bit of hot water until smooth.
  2. Gradually add the rest of the hot water and whisk until frothy.
  3. Sweeten to taste and enjoy.

15. Daifuku (Sweet Rice Cake)

Daifuku is a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste or fruit. I love making these for dessert. They are chewy and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • Fillings (red bean paste, strawberries)

Instructions:

  1. Mix rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and repeat until cooked.
  2. Dust your hands with cornstarch and shape the dough into small rounds.
  3. Fill with red bean paste or fruit and dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking.

16. Kinpira Gobo (Stir-Fried Burdock Root)

Kinpira gobo is a traditional side dish made with burdock root. I love its crunchy texture and earthy flavor. It’s a great way to add vegetables to your meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 burdock root, julienned
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and add burdock root and carrot. Stir-fry until tender.
  2. Add soy sauce and cook for a few more minutes.
  3. Serve warm as a side dish.

17. Shabu-Shabu (Hot Pot)

Shabu-shabu is a fun and interactive meal. I love gathering friends around the table for this dish. Everyone can cook their own ingredients in a pot of boiling broth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef
  • 4 cups dashi or vegetable broth
  • Vegetables (napa cabbage, mushrooms)
  • Dipping sauce (ponzu)

Instructions:

  1. Bring the broth to a boil in a pot.
  2. Dip the beef and vegetables into the broth until cooked.
  3. Serve with dipping sauce.

18. Zaru Soba (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)

Zaru soba is a refreshing dish, perfect for hot days. I enjoy it with a dipping sauce. It’s light and satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups soba noodles
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • Green onions for garnish
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Instructions:

  1. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water.
  2. Mix soy sauce and mirin for dipping sauce.
  3. Serve noodles chilled with dipping sauce and green onions.

19. Hiyayakko (Chilled Tofu)

Hiyayakko is a simple and refreshing dish. I love serving this as an appetizer. It’s light and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block of silken tofu
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Soy sauce
  • Grated ginger (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cut tofu into cubes and place on a plate.
  2. Top with green onions and ginger.
  3. Drizzle with soy sauce before serving.

20. Katsu Don (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)

Katsu don is a comforting rice bowl topped with breaded pork cutlet. I often make this when I want something hearty. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb pork loin, pounded thin
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Bread the pork by dipping in flour, then egg, and finally panko.
  2. Fry until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Slice and serve over rice with soy sauce.

21. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

Takoyaki is a popular street food made with batter and bits of octopus. I love making these for parties. They are fun to eat and delicious.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup takoyaki flour
  • 1 1/2 cups dashi
  • 1/2 cup diced octopus
  • Green onions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour and dashi to make a batter. Heat a takoyaki pan.
  2. Pour batter into the molds and add octopus and green onions.
  3. Cook until golden and serve with sauce.

22. Yaki Imo (Roasted Sweet Potatoes)

Yaki imo is a simple and delicious snack. I love the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. They are perfect for fall.

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Wash and wrap sweet potatoes in foil.
  3. Roast for about 45 minutes until tender.

23. Nasu Dengaku (Miso-Glazed Eggplant)

Nasu dengaku is a delicious dish made with eggplant and miso. I love the sweet and savory flavors. It’s a great side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggplants, halved
  • 1/4 cup miso paste
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Grill or broil eggplant halves until soft.
  2. Mix miso and sugar, then spread over eggplant.
  3. Broil for a few more minutes and garnish with sesame seeds.

24. Tofu Salad

Tofu salad is a light and healthy dish. I enjoy this for lunch or as a side. It’s refreshing and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine tofu, greens, and tomatoes.
  2. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
  3. Toss gently and serve.

25. Kabocha Squash Soup

Kabocha squash soup is creamy and comforting. I love making this soup in the fall. It’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kabocha squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, sauté onion until soft. Add squash and broth.
  2. Simmer until squash is tender. Blend until smooth.
  3. Stir in coconut milk and serve warm.