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Japan Cuisine

Asia · Eastern Asia

86 recipes

Signature Japan Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

Inari Sushi

Sweet and savory fried tofu pockets (aburaage) stuffed with seasoned sushi rice. A beloved staple for festivals, bento boxes, and casual dining.

Japan·Easy·1 hour (including pressing)

Agedashi Tofu

Crispy, deep-fried tofu served in a warm, savory dashi-based broth. A classic and comforting izakaya (Japanese pub) appetizer.

Japan·Easy·8 hours 15 minutes - 12 hours 15 minutes

Amazake

Amazake is a traditional Japanese sweet, non-alcoholic or low-alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It has a thick, creamy texture and a naturally sweet, sake-like flavor, often enjoyed during the New Year holidays. This recipe uses rice koji (a mold that ferments rice) to convert the starches in cooked rice into sugars.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Buri Daikon

A classic Japanese winter comfort dish featuring tender, fatty yellowtail (buri) simmered with slightly sweet daikon radish in a savory broth. The daikon absorbs the rich flavors of the fish and seasonings, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Japan·Medium·3 hours 40 minutes

Buta no Kakuni

Meltingly tender pork belly braised in a rich, savory-sweet sauce of soy sauce, sake, and mirin. A classic Japanese comfort food, particularly famous in Nagasaki.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 20 minutes

Chanko Nabe

A hearty and nutritious Japanese hot pot traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers to build bulk. This version features chicken, meatballs, tofu, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. It's designed to be filling and provide sustained energy.

Japan·Medium·35-40 minutes

Chawanmushi

A delicate and silky steamed egg custard, traditionally served as an elegant appetizer or side dish. This version features tender shrimp and chicken, with the option of ginkgo nuts for an authentic touch.

Japan·Easy·45 minutes

Chicken Nanban

Tender, juicy fried chicken thighs coated in a light batter, then bathed in a tangy-sweet nanban sauce and served with a dollop of creamy tartar sauce. A beloved specialty from Miyazaki Prefecture.

Japan·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Chirashi Sushi

A vibrant and celebratory Japanese 'scattered sushi' bowl, featuring perfectly seasoned sushi rice generously topped with an artful arrangement of sashimi-grade fish, sweet tamago (Japanese omelet), fresh vegetables, and flavorful garnishes.

Japan·Medium·33 minutes

Daifuku

Daifuku are soft, chewy Japanese mochi (rice cakes) filled with sweet red bean paste (anko). This classic wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) is a delightful treat.

Japan·Medium·31 minutes

Daifuku Mochi

Soft, chewy, and slightly sweet Japanese rice cakes (mochi) generously filled with a sweet red bean paste (anko). A traditional treat for Japanese New Year and a delightful dessert any time of year.

Japan·Easy·40 minutes

Dorayaki

Dorayaki are traditional Japanese sweet pancakes, typically filled with a sweet red bean paste (anko). This recipe yields fluffy, golden-brown pancakes that are perfect for a snack or dessert. Doraemon's favorite!

Japan·Medium·40 minutes

Ebi Tempura

Experience the exquisite crispiness of Ebi Tempura, featuring succulent shrimp coated in a delicate, airy batter and fried to a perfect golden hue. This classic Japanese dish is best enjoyed immediately with a side of tentsuyu dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.

Japan·Easy·3 days (including marinating)

Gindara Saikyo Yaki

A luxurious and deeply flavorful Kyoto specialty featuring black cod marinated in a sweet and savory white miso paste. This technique, popularized globally, results in incredibly tender, flaky fish with a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Japan·Easy·55 minutes

Gomoku Gohan

A comforting and flavorful one-pot Japanese rice dish, featuring rice cooked with chicken, shiitake mushrooms, and root vegetables. Perfect for an autumn meal.

Japan·Medium·Approximately 1 hour (including filling preparation and cooking)

Gyoza

Authentic Japanese pan-fried dumplings (gyoza) featuring a savory and juicy filling of ground pork, finely chopped napa cabbage, and aromatic seasonings, all encased in delicate wrappers. They are expertly pan-fried to achieve a delightful contrast: a crispy, golden-brown bottom and a tender, steamed top. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal.

Japan·Easy·30-35 minutes

Gyudon

A classic Japanese comfort food featuring thinly sliced beef and sweet onions simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based sauce, served generously over fluffy steamed rice. Often topped with a soft-cooked or raw egg for added richness.

Japan·Easy·45-50 minutes

Hambagu

A beloved Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) dish, Hambagu is a juicy, flavorful hamburger steak patty, typically served with a rich demi-glace sauce. It's a comforting and popular meal for all ages.

Japan·Easy·1 hour

Hayashi Rice

A classic Japanese Yoshoku dish featuring tender, thinly sliced beef and mushrooms simmered in a rich, savory demi-glace sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. It's a comforting and flavorful meal, often compared to beef stroganoff.

Japan·Easy·45 minutes

Hijiki no Nimono

A classic Japanese side dish, Hijiki no Nimono features rehydrated hijiki seaweed simmered with thinly sliced vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It's a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment, often found in bento boxes.

Japan·Easy·5 minutes (plus chilling time)

Hiyayakko

Hiyayakko is a quintessential Japanese summer dish featuring chilled silken tofu served with simple, fresh toppings. It's celebrated for its refreshing simplicity and delicate flavors.

Japan·Easy·35 minutes

Hoba Miso with Beef

Hoba Miso is a traditional dish from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It features a savory miso paste, often mixed with seasonings like mirin and sugar, grilled on a dried magnolia (hoba) leaf. This version includes thinly sliced beef, which cooks alongside the miso, infusing it with rich flavor. The magnolia leaf imparts a unique smoky aroma and subtle flavor to the dish, making it a distinctive and aromatic culinary experience. It's often served with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a flavorful side dish.

Japan·Easy·20 minutes

Horenso no Goma-ae

A classic Japanese side dish featuring tender blanched spinach coated in a rich, slightly sweet, and nutty sesame dressing. This dish, known as 'oshitashi' when served with a simple soy-based dressing, is elevated here with the addition of ground sesame seeds for a more complex flavor and texture.

Japan·Medium·42 minutes

Ichigo Daifuku

A delightful Japanese confection featuring a fresh, ripe strawberry encased in sweet white bean paste (anko) and then wrapped in a soft, chewy mochi dough. Best enjoyed on the day it's made for optimal freshness and texture.

Japan·Easy·50 minutes plus chilling time (minimum 1 hour)

Japanese Potato Salad

A classic Yoshoku (Japanese Western-style cuisine) side dish, this creamy potato salad features tender mashed potatoes, crisp vegetables, savory ham, and a rich, tangy dressing. It's a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to any meal.

Japan·Medium·40-45 minutes

Kakiage

A delightful Japanese mixed vegetable and shrimp tempura fritter, characterized by its crispy, disk-like shape. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for noodles or rice.

Japan·Easy·5 minutes

Kakigori

A beloved Japanese summer festival treat, Kakigori is a mountain of impossibly fine, fluffy shaved ice, drenched in sweet, vibrant syrup and optionally adorned with condensed milk and fresh fruit. It's a refreshing and delightful dessert perfect for hot days.

Japan·Easy·35 minutes plus at least 30 minutes marinating

Karaage

Authentic Japanese Karaage, featuring tender chicken thigh pieces marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, sake, ginger, and garlic, then coated in potato starch and double-fried to achieve an incredibly crispy exterior and juicy interior. A beloved izakaya (Japanese pub) staple.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Kare Raisu

A beloved Japanese comfort food, Kare Raisu features tender chunks of meat and vegetables simmered in a rich, thick, and slightly sweet curry sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice.

Japan·Medium·1 hour 20 minutes

Katsu Curry

A beloved Japanese comfort food featuring a crispy, panko-breaded pork cutlet (katsu) served with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet Japanese curry sauce, typically over steamed rice.

Japan·Medium·45 minutes

Katsudon

A comforting and deeply satisfying Japanese rice bowl featuring a crispy pork cutlet (tonkatsu) simmered with tender onions and a delicately cooked egg in a savory-sweet sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. It's the ultimate comfort food.

Japan·Easy·40-45 minutes

Kinpira Gobo

A classic Japanese side dish featuring thinly julienned burdock root and carrot, braised in a savory-sweet soy sauce and mirin glaze. It's known for its slightly chewy texture and umami-rich flavor, often with a hint of spice.

Japan·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Kiritanpo Nabe

Kiritanpo Nabe is a hearty and comforting hot pot dish originating from Akita Prefecture in Japan. It features kiritanpo, which are grilled skewers of pounded rice, simmered in a savory broth with chicken, vegetables, and often seasoned with miso. It's a unique and warming dish, especially popular during colder months.

Japan·Easy·30 minutes

Kitsune Udon

A comforting and classic Japanese noodle soup featuring thick, chewy udon noodles in a savory dashi broth, topped with sweet and savory glazed fried tofu pouches (aburaage). The name 'Kitsune' (fox) is said to come from the fox's legendary love for fried tofu.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Korokke

Korokke are Japanese-style croquettes, featuring a savory filling encased in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust. A beloved Western-influenced comfort food, perfect as a snack or side dish.

Japan·Medium·50 minutes

Kushikatsu Assortment

Kushikatsu, also known as kushiage, is a popular Japanese dish originating from Osaka. It consists of various ingredients – meats, seafood, and vegetables – skewered on bamboo sticks, coated in a light batter and panko breadcrumbs, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Served with a savory dipping sauce, kushikatsu offers a delightful variety of textures and flavors in each bite. It's a fun, interactive dish perfect for sharing.

Japan·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Maki Sushi Roll

Hand-rolled sushi with perfectly seasoned rice, crisp nori, and your choice of fresh fillings. This recipe is your essential guide to mastering the art of maki sushi.

Japan·Easy·10 minutes

Matcha Latte

A vibrant and energizing green tea latte, featuring finely whisked matcha powder combined with steamed milk. A popular modern Japanese beverage.

Japan·Medium·50 minutes

Miso Ramen

A rich and hearty Miso Ramen, a signature dish from Hokkaido, Japan. This recipe features a deeply flavorful miso broth, tender noodles, and classic toppings like chashu, corn, and bean sprouts, finished with a swirl of butter for extra richness.

Japan·Easy·20 minutes

Miso Soup

A comforting and soul-warming Japanese dashi broth infused with the savory depth of miso paste, traditionally served as part of a Japanese breakfast. This simple yet elegant soup is enhanced with tender silken tofu, rehydrated wakame seaweed, and fresh scallions.

Japan·Easy·40 minutes

Mitarashi Dango

Chewy, bite-sized rice dumplings skewered and coated in a glossy, sweet and savory soy glaze. A popular Japanese street food and festival treat.

Japan·Medium·45 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Mochi

Traditional Japanese mochi are soft, chewy, and slightly sweet glutinous rice cakes. They are a quintessential part of Japanese New Year celebrations and can be enjoyed in various ways, both sweet and savory.

Japan·Easy·30-35 minutes

Nabeyaki Udon

Nabeyaki Udon is a comforting and hearty Japanese hot pot dish featuring thick udon noodles simmered in a savory dashi broth with various toppings, traditionally served in a clay pot (donabe). It's a perfect warming meal, especially during colder months.

Japan·Easy·5 minutes

Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese breakfast food made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its strong smell, sticky, stringy texture, and umami flavor. While divisive, it's highly nutritious and a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Japan·Hard·1 hour 50 minutes

Nigiri Sushi

Hand-formed sushi rice topped with pristine slices of raw fish. This classic Japanese preparation requires precision and fresh ingredients for an elegant and technically demanding result.

Japan·Easy·35 minutes

Niku Udon

A comforting and hearty Japanese noodle soup featuring chewy udon noodles bathed in a savory dashi broth, topped with tender, thinly sliced beef simmered in a sweet and savory soy-mirin glaze. Perfect for a satisfying meal.

Japan·Easy·55-60 minutes

Nikujaga

A quintessential Japanese home-style dish, Nikujaga features tender, thinly sliced beef and hearty potatoes simmered in a savory-sweet broth of dashi, soy sauce, and sugar. It's a comforting and deeply flavorful stew, perfect for any occasion.

Japan·Easy·50 minutes

Nikujaga

Nikujaga is a beloved Japanese home-style dish, translating to 'meat and potatoes.' It's a comforting stew featuring thinly sliced beef, tender potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered in a savory-sweet broth of dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Often enhanced with shirataki noodles, it's a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Japan·Very Easy·7 minutes

Ochazuke

A simple and comforting Japanese dish consisting of cooked rice, typically leftover, served in a bowl and doused with hot green tea or dashi broth. It's often topped with savory ingredients and is a popular late-night meal or a quick, light snack.

Japan·Easy·2 hours 30 minutes

Oden

A comforting and flavorful Japanese winter hot pot, featuring an assortment of ingredients like fish cakes, vegetables, and eggs simmered gently in a savory dashi broth. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deeply satisfying dish.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Ohagi

Ohagi are traditional Japanese sweet rice balls made from glutinous rice (mochigome) and short-grain rice (uruchi), coated in sweet red bean paste (anko) or roasted soybean flour (kinako). They are often prepared during the autumn and spring equinoxes as offerings to ancestors.

Japan·Easy·40-45 minutes

Okonomiyaki

Osaka's beloved savory pancake, a delightful griddle cake packed with shredded cabbage and a light, airy batter, studded with pork belly. It's finished with a generous drizzle of sweet okonomiyaki sauce, creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of dancing bonito flakes and aonori.

Japan·Medium·40 minutes

Omurice

A beloved Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) classic, Omurice features ketchup-seasoned fried rice enveloped in a tender, slightly runny omelette, often finished with a drizzle of demi-glace or more ketchup. It's a comforting and visually appealing dish.

Japan·Easy·25 minutes

Onigiri

Onigiri are a quintessential Japanese convenience food, consisting of warm, seasoned rice formed into triangular or round shapes, often with a savory filling, and typically wrapped in a strip of nori seaweed. They are perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick snack.

Japan·Easy·30 minutes

Oyakodon

Parent and child bowl - tender chicken and fluffy egg simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, served over fluffy steamed rice. A comforting and classic Japanese dish.

Japan·Easy·30 minutes

Oyakodon

Oyakodon, literally 'parent-and-child bowl,' is a comforting and classic Japanese rice bowl dish. It features tender pieces of chicken and fluffy scrambled egg simmered in a savory-sweet dashi-based sauce, all served over a bed of steamed rice. It's a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Japan·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)

Purin

A beloved Japanese konbini (convenience store) staple, this purin is a silky smooth, delicate custard pudding with a rich, slightly bitter caramel sauce. It's softer and less dense than a traditional French flan.

Japan·Easy·15-20 minutes

Saba Shioyake

Saba Shioyake is a classic Japanese dish featuring mackerel fillets simply seasoned with salt and grilled until the skin is wonderfully crispy and the flesh is flaky. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, it's a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.

Japan·Easy·22-25 minutes

Sake Teriyaki Salmon

Tender salmon fillets with crispy skin, coated in a rich, glossy, and caramelized teriyaki glaze made with sake, mirin, and soy sauce. A quick and flavorful Japanese classic.

Japan·Easy·25 minutes

Salmon Teriyaki

Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a luscious, homemade teriyaki glaze. This classic Japanese dish is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Japan·Easy·10-12 minutes

Salted Edamame

A classic Japanese izakaya (pub) snack, these tender, young soybeans are boiled and lightly salted, offering a satisfying bite and a healthy, flavorful experience.

Japan·Advanced·25 minutes

Sashimi

Pristine, raw fish sliced and served simply, showcasing the purest form of Japanese cuisine. This dish emphasizes the quality and freshness of the seafood.

Japan·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes (including soaking)

Sekihan

Sekihan is a traditional Japanese celebratory dish made with glutinous rice and azuki beans, giving it a distinctive red hue. It is often served on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and holidays to bring good luck and joy.

Japan·Easy·4 minutes

Sencha

Sencha is the most popular and widely consumed green tea in Japan. It is an everyday steamed green tea, known for its refreshing taste and vibrant green color. This recipe outlines the traditional method for brewing a perfect cup.

Japan·Easy·55-70 minutes

Shabu Shabu

A delightful and interactive Japanese hot pot experience where thinly sliced beef and vegetables are briefly swished in a simmering broth at the table, then dipped in flavorful sauces. The name 'shabu shabu' imitates the swishing sound of the ingredients in the pot.

Japan·Hard·5 hours

Shio Ramen

A delicate and light ramen characterized by its clear, salt-seasoned broth. This is the purest expression of ramen flavor.

Japan·Easy·25 minutes

Shogayaki

A beloved Japanese home-style dish featuring thinly sliced pork stir-fried in a savory and aromatic ginger-soy sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Japan·Hard·4 hours 45 minutes

Shoyu Ramen

A classic Tokyo-style Shoyu Ramen featuring a clear, deeply flavorful chicken broth seasoned with a savory soy sauce tare. This recipe focuses on building a rich broth and assembling a balanced bowl.

Japan·Easy·45-55 minutes

Sukiyaki

A classic Japanese hot pot dish featuring thinly sliced beef and various vegetables simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based broth. Each bite is dipped into a raw egg yolk for a rich, creamy finish.

Japan·Easy·20 minutes plus at least 30 minutes marinating

Sunomono

A quintessential Japanese side dish, Sunomono features thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a bright, tangy-sweet vinegar dressing. It's incredibly refreshing and serves as an excellent palate cleanser.

Japan·Easy·30-35 minutes

Taiyaki

A beloved Japanese street food, Taiyaki are delightful fish-shaped cakes with a crispy exterior and a sweet filling, traditionally made with anko (red bean paste).

Japan·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Takikomi Gohan

A comforting and flavorful Japanese mixed rice dish where rice is cooked with a medley of vegetables and savory seasonings. Perfect for autumn, but delicious year-round.

Japan·Medium·50-55 minutes

Takoyaki

Authentic Osaka-style takoyaki, featuring tender pieces of octopus encased in a savory, crispy batter, cooked in specialized hemispherical molds. These delightful street food snacks are finished with a drizzle of sweet and tangy takoyaki sauce, creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of dancing bonito flakes.

Japan·Medium·20-22 minutes

Tamagoyaki

A delicate, slightly sweet, layered rolled omelette cooked in a special rectangular pan. It's a staple in Japanese bento boxes and a popular breakfast or side dish.

Japan·Medium·45 minutes

Tantanmen

A comforting and flavorful Japanese take on Dan Dan noodles, featuring a rich, spicy sesame broth, savory ground pork, and tender ramen noodles. This version is often milder and creamier than its Sichuanese counterpart.

Japan·Medium·45 minutes

Tempura

Experience the delicate crunch of Japanese tempura, featuring a selection of fresh vegetables and succulent seafood encased in an ethereally light, crispy batter. The secrets to its signature texture lie in using ice-cold ingredients for the batter and minimal mixing, ensuring a delicate, lacy finish.

Japan·Medium·55 minutes

Tendon

A classic Japanese rice bowl featuring a generous topping of assorted crispy tempura, served over steamed rice and drizzled with a savory-sweet tentsuyu sauce. This dish is best enjoyed immediately to savor the contrast between the crunchy tempura and the soft rice.

Japan·Easy·35 minutes

Tonkatsu

Crispy, golden-brown panko-crusted deep-fried pork loin cutlets. A beloved Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine) classic, perfect served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.

Japan·Hard·14 hours

Tonkotsu Ramen

Fukuoka's signature creamy pork bone ramen, featuring a rich, milky broth, tender chashu pork, perfectly soft-boiled eggs, and thin ramen noodles.

Japan·Hard·5 hours 15 minutes

Tsukemen

Tsukemen is a style of ramen where cold, chewy noodles are dipped into a separate, rich, and concentrated hot broth. This offers a distinct textural and flavor experience compared to traditional ramen.

Japan·Easy·2 hours 15 minutes (minimum)

Tsukemono

A simple and quick method for making Japanese pickles (tsukemono) using Napa cabbage. These pickles are a staple accompaniment to many Japanese meals, offering a refreshing, salty, and slightly tangy counterpoint to richer dishes. This recipe focuses on a fast pickling technique.

Japan·Medium·35 minutes

Unagi Kabayaki

Tender, grilled freshwater eel fillets coated in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze (tare), traditionally served over steamed rice. A classic Japanese summer delicacy known for its invigorating properties.

Japan·Easy·27 minutes

Yaki Udon

A quick and satisfying Japanese stir-fry featuring thick, chewy udon noodles tossed with savory pork, crisp vegetables, and a simple soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a late-night craving.

Japan·Easy·35 minutes

Yakisoba

A classic Japanese street food, Yakisoba features chewy wheat noodles stir-fried with tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Japan·Medium·40-45 minutes

Yakitori

Classic Japanese yakitori featuring tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken thigh and skin, grilled to perfection and brushed with a rich, sweet-savory tare sauce. Traditionally cooked over binchōtan charcoal for a distinct smoky flavor.

Japan·Easy·18 minutes

Zaru Soba

A refreshing Japanese summer dish featuring chilled soba (buckwheat noodles) served on a bamboo mat (zaru) with a savory dipping sauce (tsuyu). The noodles are thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch, ensuring a clean flavor and pleasant texture.

Regional Cuisines of Japan

Explore the diverse culinary traditions across different regions

Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto)

Japan's culinary heartland featuring Osaka's street food culture and Kyoto's refined kaiseki cuisine.

TakoyakiOkonomiyakiKaiseki

Key ingredients: Dashi, Tofu, Yuba, Pickles...

Explore region

Hokkaido

Japan's northern frontier with dairy, seafood, and hearty dishes influenced by cold climate and Ainu indigenous traditions.

Sapporo miso ramenFresh seafoodDairy

Key ingredients: Fresh dairy, Crab, Salmon roe, Sea urchin...

Explore region

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