Simple Japanese Recipes for Your Everyday Cooking Needs

Japanese cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation. While some dishes may seem intimidating to prepare, there are plenty of simple and delicious Japanese recipes that are perfect for everyday cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, these recipes will introduce you to the wonderful world of Japanese flavors.

1. Table of Contents

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   Miso Soup

Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and for good reason. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s packed with umami flavor. The base of the soup is dashi, a Japanese stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. You can find dashi granules or powder at most Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own from scratch. Once you have your dashi, simply add miso paste and your favorite ingredients, such as tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dashi
• 4 tablespoons miso paste
• 1/2 block silken tofu, cubed
• 1/4 cup wakame seaweed, rehydrated
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the dashi to a simmer.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved.
3. Add the tofu, wakame seaweed, and green onions.
4. Serve immediately.

2. Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Oyakodon is a classic Japanese comfort food that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s made with chicken, onions, and eggs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, and served over rice. The name “oyakodon” literally means “parent-and-child rice bowl,” referring to the chicken and egg ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup dashi
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 bowls of cooked rice
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.
4. Add the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
5. Pour the eggs over the chicken and onions.
6. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, about 3 minutes.
7. Serve immediately over rice. Garnish with green onions.

3. Yakisoba (Fried Noodles)

Yakisoba is a popular Japanese street food that’s also easy to make at home. It’s made with wheat noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein, such as chicken, pork, or shrimp. The noodles are coated in a savory

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (10-ounce) package yakisoba noodles
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and chicken. Cook until the vegetables are softened and the chicken is cooked through about 5 minutes.
3. Add the noodles and cook until heated through about 2 minutes.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until the noodles are well coated, about 1 minute.
5. Serve immediately. Garnish with green onions.

4. Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are a popular snack or light meal. They’re made with cooked rice that’s shaped into triangles or balls and often filled with savory ingredients, such as pickled plums, salmon flakes, or tuna mayonnaise. Onigiri are usually wrapped in nori seaweed, which adds a salty and umami flavor.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked Japanese rice
• 1/4 cup furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)
• 1/4 cup pickled plums, pitted and chopped
• 4 sheets of nori seaweed

Instructions:

1. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking.
2. Place a sheet of nori seaweed on a flat surface.
3. Place a scoop of rice in the center of the nori seaweed.
4. Make an indentation in the rice and fill it with pickled plums.
5. Fold the nori seaweed over the rice and shape it into a triangle or ball.
6. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

5. Japanese Curry Rice

Japanese curry rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s made with a roux-based curry sauce that’s simmered with vegetables and your choice of protein, such as beef, chicken, or pork. The curry is typically served over rice with Fukujinzuke, a Japanese pickled vegetable relish.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups water
• 1 (10-ounce) package of Japanese curry roux
• Fukujinzuke (Japanese pickled vegetable relish), for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes more.
4. Add the water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the curry roux until dissolved.
7. Serve over rice with Fukujinzuke.

Popular FAQs about Japanese Cooking

1. What is dashi?

Dashi is a Japanese stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes. It’s the foundation of many Japanese dishes, including miso soup, oyakodon, and ramen. You can find dashi granules or powder at most Asian grocery stores, or you can make your own from scratch.

Related: Pasta Sauces: A Flavorful Exploration Beyond the Basics

2. What is mirin?

Mirin is a sweet rice wine that’s commonly used in Japanese cooking. It adds a touch of sweetness and umami to dishes. You can find mirin at most Asian grocery stores.

3. What is furikake?

Furikake is a Japanese rice seasoning that’s made with a mixture of dried seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, and other ingredients. It’s often sprinkled on top of rice or used to fill onigiri. You can find furikake at most Asian grocery stores.

4. What is Fukujinzuke?

Fukujinzuke is a Japanese pickled vegetable relish that’s often served with Japanese curry rice. It’s made with a variety of vegetables, such as daikon radish, eggplant, and lotus root. You can find Fukujinzuke at most Asian grocery stores.

5. What are some other popular Japanese dishes?

Some other popular Japanese dishes include ramen, sushi, tempura, and teriyaki. These dishes are all delicious and relatively easy to make at home with a little practice.

6. Where can I find Japanese ingredients?

You can find Japanese ingredients at most Asian grocery stores. You can also find some Japanese ingredients at well-stocked supermarkets.

7. What are some tips for cooking Japanese food?

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Pay attention to the details. Japanese cuisine is often about precision and presentation.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make Japanese food, so find what you like best.
• Enjoy the process! Cooking Japanese food can be a fun and rewarding experience.

By incorporating these simple Japanese recipes into your everyday cooking, you can experience the essence of Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen.