Japanese cuisine is loved worldwide for its balance, simplicity, and deep umami flavors. From comforting bowls of ramen to delicate sushi rolls and crispy tempura, Japanese food offers something for every taste. You’ll discover 28 Japanese recipes that are authentic, easy to follow, and perfect for home cooks.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced foodie, these recipes will help you bring the taste of Japan into your kitchen.
1. Japanese Steamed Rice (Gohan)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice
- 2½ cups water
Instructions
- Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
- Soak rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Cook with water on medium heat until boiling.
- Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 12 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes, fluff, and serve.
2. Miso Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups dashi stock
- 3 tbsp miso paste
- ½ cup tofu cubes
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat dashi gently (do not boil).
- Dissolve miso paste in a small bowl with warm dashi.
- Add tofu and miso mixture to the pot.
- Garnish with green onions.
3. Chicken Teriyaki
Ingredients
- 500g chicken thighs
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Pan-fry chicken until golden.
- Add soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Slice and serve with rice.
4. Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi)
Ingredients
- Sushi rice
- Nori sheets
- Cucumber, avocado, crab sticks
Instructions
- Spread rice on nori.
- Add fillings.
- Roll tightly using a bamboo mat.
- Slice and serve with soy sauce.
5. Tempura Shrimp
Ingredients
- 10 shrimp (peeled)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup tempura flour
Instructions
- Mix flour and water lightly.
- Dip shrimp in batter.
- Deep-fry until crispy.
- Serve with tempura sauce.
6. Japanese Ramen
Ingredients
- Ramen noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Soy sauce, garlic, boiled egg
Instructions
- Simmer broth with soy sauce and garlic.
- Cook noodles separately.
- Combine and top with egg.
7. Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlet)
Ingredients
- Pork cutlets
- Flour, egg, panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Coat pork in flour, egg, then panko.
- Deep-fry until golden.
- Slice and serve with tonkatsu sauce.
8. Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake)
Ingredients
- Cabbage (shredded)
- Flour, egg, water
- Bonito flakes
Instructions
- Mix the batter and cabbage.
- Pan-fry until cooked.
- Drizzle with sauce and mayo.
9. Yakisoba
Ingredients
- Yakisoba noodles
- Cabbage, carrots
- Yakisoba sauce
Instructions
- Stir-fry vegetables.
- Add noodles and sauce.
- Toss and serve hot.
10. Onigiri (Rice Balls)
Ingredients
- Cooked rice
- Salt
- Tuna mayo filling
Instructions
- Season rice lightly.
- Add filling and shape into triangles.
11. Japanese Curry Rice
Ingredients
- Curry roux
- Potatoes, carrots, onions
- Chicken
Instructions
- Cook chicken and vegetables.
- Add water and simmer.
- Stir in curry roux.
- Serve over rice.
12. Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Ingredients
- Gyoza wrappers
- Ground chicken
- Cabbage, garlic
Instructions
- Fill wrappers and seal.
- Pan-fry, then steam.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
13. Tamagoyaki (Rolled Omelette)
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Beat eggs with sugar and soy sauce.
- Cook thin layers, rolling each one.
14. Soba Noodles
Ingredients
- Soba noodles
- Dipping sauce
Instructions
- Boil noodles, rinse cold.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
15. Udon Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- Udon noodles
- Dashi
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat the broth with soy sauce.
- Add cooked udon noodles.
16. Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces
- Soy sauce
- Cornstarch
Instructions
- Marinate chicken.
- Coat in cornstarch.
- Fry until crispy.
17. Chawanmushi (Savory Egg Custard)
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Dashi
- Mushrooms
Instructions
- Mix eggs and dashi.
- Steam gently until set.
18. Sukiyaki
Ingredients
- Thin beef slices
- Soy sauce, sugar
- Vegetables
Instructions
- Cook the beef with the sauce.
- Add vegetables and simmer.
19. Shabu Shabu
Ingredients
- Thin beef
- Vegetables
- Hot broth
Instructions
- Swish beef in hot broth.
- Dip in the sauce and eat.
20. Japanese Fried Rice
Ingredients
- Cooked rice
- Egg
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Stir-fry egg and rice.
- Season and serve.
21. Takoyaki
Ingredients
- Takoyaki batter
- Octopus pieces
Instructions
- Pour batter into the mold.
- Add octopus.
- Turn until round.
22. Japanese Pickled Cucumber (Sunomono)
Ingredients
- Cucumber
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber.
- Toss with vinegar and sugar.
23. Nikujaga
Ingredients
- Beef
- Potatoes
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Simmer beef and potatoes.
- Season and cook until tender.
24. Japanese Salmon Teriyaki
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Teriyaki sauce
Instructions
- Pan-fry salmon.
- Glaze with sauce.
25. Japanese Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients
- Dashi
- Egg
- Soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat dashi.
- Slowly add beaten egg.
26. Matcha Green Tea
Ingredients
- Matcha powder
- Hot water
Instructions
- Whisk matcha with hot water until frothy.
27. Dorayaki (Red Bean Pancakes)
Ingredients
- Flour
- Egg
- Red bean paste
Instructions
- Cook small pancakes.
- Fill with red bean paste.
28. Mochi
Ingredients
- Mochiko flour
- Sugar
- Water
Instructions
- Mix ingredients.
- Steam until sticky.
- Shape and dust with starch.
Final Thoughts
These 28 Japanese recipes showcase the heart of Japanese cooking—simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and comforting textures. From everyday meals like miso soup and rice to special treats like mochi and dorayaki, this collection is perfect for anyone wanting to explore authentic Japanese cuisine at home.
