Japanese cuisine is a multifaceted and complex cuisine that has been influenced by a variety of cultures over the years. From its humble beginnings as a simple rice-based diet, Japanese cuisine has evolved into a culinary art form that is beloved by people all over the world.
If you’re looking to try your hand at cooking some Japanese recipes, we’ve got you covered with 10 of our favorites. These recipes range from classic dishes like sushi and ramen, to lesser-known but equally delicious meals like soba noodles and tempura.
1. Sushi
Making sushi is an art form, and it’s one that takes a lot of practice to perfect. If you’re just starting out, don’t be discouraged – there are plenty of easy sushi recipes that even beginner cooks can master. This California roll recipe is a good place to start. It uses cooked crabmeat and avocado, so there’s no raw fish involved.
2. Tempura
Tempura is a Japanese dish of fried seafood or vegetables. The key to making perfect tempura is all in the batter – it should be light and crisp, not heavy and greasy. This shrimp tempura recipe gets the batter just right, resulting in perfectly crispy shrimp every time. Serve it with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ground ginger.
3. Miso soup
Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that is served both as an appetizer and as a main course. It is made with a fermented soybean paste called miso, which gives the soup its distinctive flavor. This recipe also includes tofu, seaweed, and green onions for a filling and satisfying meal.
4. Yakitori
Yakitori is a Japanese dish of grilled chicken skewers. The chicken is marinated in a sweet-and-savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake, then grilled to perfection. Serve Yakitori with steamed rice and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
5. Gyoza
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings that can be either fried or steamed. They are typically filled with ground pork and vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. These gyoza recipes show you how to make both the fried and steamed versions, so you can choose your favorite.
6. Onigiri
Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are typically filled with salmon or tuna. They make a great portable snack or lunch, and can be easily customized to your liking. This recipe uses sushi rice and nori seaweed to give the onigiri a traditional flavor and shape.
7. Udon noodles
Udon noodles are a type of thick, wheat-based noodle that is commonly used in Japanese cuisine. They can be served either hot or cold, and are often used in soups or stir-fries. This recipe uses udon noodles in a soup made with chicken, vegetables, and a variety of Asian spices.
8. Ramen
Ramen is a Japanese dish composed of wheat noodles in a broth, typically flavoured with soy sauce or miso. It is often garnished with vegetables, meats, and eggs. This recipe uses chicken broth as the base for the soup, and adds pork belly, egg, and scallions for toppings.
9. Donburi
Donburi is a Japanese rice bowl dish that typically consists of meat, vegetables, and an egg over rice. This recipe uses chicken and vegetables in a sweet-and-savory sauce, making it a complete and well-rounded meal.
10. Matcha green tea
Matcha green tea is a type of powdered green tea that originates from Japan. It has a distinctively grassy flavor that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. This recipe shows you how to make a traditional cup of hot matcha green tea. Serve it with sweets such as mochi or kinako for the perfect balance of flavors.
