15 Easy Japanese Lunch Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Looking for a quick and easy lunch option that is both delicious and healthy? Look no further than these simple Japanese lunch recipes. With their unique flavors and minimal prep time, these dishes are perfect for busy days or even meal prepping for the week ahead. In this article, we'll share some of our favorite easy Japanese lunch recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day.
If you're looking for a delicious and easy Japanese dish to add to your repertoire, look no further than Japanese Pork Katsu. This crispy, breaded pork cutlet is a classic comfort food in Japan and is sure to become a favorite in your household. The dish is typically served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of rice, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
2of 20
Japanese Mushroom Flatbread
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Brown Beech Mushrooms, Onion, Flatbread
For a twist on traditional pizza, try making a Japanese Mushroom Flatbread. This dish combines the umami flavors of various Japanese mushrooms, such as shiitake and enoki, with creamy mozzarella cheese and a savory garlic sauce. It's a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for a gathering with friends.
3of 20
Japanese Beef and Vegetable Hot Pot (Sukiyaki)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Japanese Soy Sauce, Mirin, Sugar
Sukiyaki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. This flavorful meal features thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu cooked in a sweet and savory broth. Each person can customize their own bowl of sukiyaki by dipping the ingredients in a raw egg before eating.
4of 20
Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Short Grain Rice, Black Sesame Seeds
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in convenience stores, train stations, and even at the dinner table. These simple yet delicious treats are made by shaping rice into a triangle or ball and filling it with various ingredients. One popular variation is Salmon and Black Sesame Onigiri, which combines the rich flavors of salmon and nutty black sesame seeds.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients. The base of the pancake is made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and then topped with your choice of meat, seafood, and vegetables. The finishing touch is a drizzle of okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
6of 20
Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. These flavorful bites are made with a filling of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, wrapped in a thin dough and pan-fried until crispy. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for a perfect balance of flavors.
7of 20
Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in convenience stores, train stations, and even at the dinner table. These simple yet delicious treats are made by shaping rice into a triangle or ball and filling it with various ingredients. One popular variation is Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri, which can be filled with your choice of meat, seafood, or vegetables.
8of 20
Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you're looking for a vegetarian option for okonomiyaki, try making Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki. This variation uses grated sweet potato as the base instead of flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor. It can be topped with your choice of ingredients, such as mushrooms, onions, and cheese, making it a delicious and filling meal.
9of 20
Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're new to Japanese cuisine, Yaki Udon is a great dish to start with. It's a simple and tasty noodle dish that is perfect for beginners. Udon noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, and seasoned with a savory sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that is sure to impress.
Ramen eggs, also known as ajitsuke tamago, are a popular topping for ramen noodles. These soft-boiled eggs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, giving them a rich and flavorful taste. They make a great addition to any ramen dish, or they can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-packed snack.
Gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling that is often served as an appetizer or side dish. These flavorful bites are made with a filling of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, wrapped in a thin dough and pan-fried until crispy. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for a perfect balance of flavors.
Sushi rolls, also known as makizushi, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are a must-try for any sushi lover. These rolls are made by wrapping sushi rice and various fillings in nori seaweed and then slicing them into bite-sized pieces. You can get creative with your fillings, whether it's raw fish, cooked seafood, or vegetables, making it a customizable and delicious dish.
13of 20
Japanese Pork Gyoza
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Egg, Soy Sauce, Green Onions, Pork, Wonton
Pork Gyoza is a classic dish in Japanese cuisine and is a great option for those who love meaty and flavorful dumplings. These gyoza are made with a filling of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, and then pan-fried until crispy on the outside. They can be served as an appetizer or paired with rice for a more substantial meal.
Japanese Vegetable Pancakes, also known as okonomiyaki, are a great option for those looking for a vegetarian or lighter alternative to traditional okonomiyaki. These savory pancakes are made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and onions, and then topped with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, mushrooms, and green onions.
15of 20
Easy Japanese Pickled Cucumber
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Japanese Cucumbers, Salt, Rice
Japanese pickled cucumbers, also known as sunomono, are a refreshing and tangy side dish that pairs well with various Japanese dishes. The cucumbers are thinly sliced and pickled in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, giving them a sweet and sour flavor. They are simple to make and can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to a bento box for a pop of flavor.
The Japanese Buddha Bowl, also known as a macro bowl, is a colorful and nutritious meal that is packed with various ingredients. The base of the bowl is typically brown rice or quinoa, and then it is topped with a variety of vegetables, protein, and a flavorful sauce. You can get creative with your toppings, making it a versatile and delicious meal option.
17of 20
How To Make Onigiri (Japanese rice balls)
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sushi Nori, Tuna Packed In Oil, Mayonnaise
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be found in convenience stores, train stations, and even at the dinner table. They are simple to make and can be filled with various ingredients, making them a customizable and delicious snack or meal option. Follow our step-by-step guide on How To Make Onigiri and impress your friends and family with your homemade Japanese rice balls.
18of 20
Dorayaki(Japanese pancakes with filling)
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Granulated Sugar, Honey, Cake Flour, Baking Soda
Dorayaki, also known as Japanese pancakes with filling, is a popular snack in Japan that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. These pancakes are made with a fluffy batter and filled with a sweet red bean paste, making them a delicious and indulgent treat. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
19of 20
Japanese pickled vegetables (tsukemono)
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Zucchinis, Turnips, White Miso Paste
Japanese pickled vegetables, also known as tsukemono, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and are served as a side dish or accompaniment to a meal. These pickles are made by soaking vegetables in a mixture of salt, sugar, and vinegar, giving them a tangy and salty flavor. They come in a variety of colors and flavors, making them a fun and tasty addition to any dish.
20of 20
Gyoza (Japanese Pan-fried Dumplings)
Main Ingredients: Gyoza, Oil, Water, Ground Pork, Cabbage, Ginger
Gyoza, also known as Japanese pan-fried dumplings, are a popular dish that can be found in Japanese restaurants and are often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer. These dumplings are made with a filling of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic, and then pan-fried until crispy on the outside. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil for a perfect balance of flavors.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 cup white rice, cooked
1 cup broccoli, steamed
1 carrot, sliced into matchsticks
1/4 cup edamame, shelled
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Slowly add to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
To assemble the bowl, place a scoop of rice in the bottom and top with steamed broccoli, carrot, edamame, and the teriyaki chicken.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is not only a delicious and filling lunch option, but it also provides a balance of protein, complex carbs, and veggies for a well-rounded meal. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce is much healthier than store-bought versions, making this dish a nutritious choice for your midday meal.
Ramen Noodle Salad
Ingredients:
8 ounces ramen noodles
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ramen noodles, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, green onions, and cilantro.
Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This Ramen Noodle Salad is a refreshing and flavorful option for a quick lunch. The combination of crunchy veggies, chewy noodles, and tangy dressing makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal. To add some protein, you can also top the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
These easy Japanese lunch recipes are just a taste of the many delicious and healthy options that Japanese cuisine has to offer. With their simple ingredients and quick prep time, they are perfect for anyone looking to add some variety to their lunch routine. Give them a try and enjoy a taste of Japan in the comfort of your own home!
![[Homemade] Japanese Ramen Egg (Ajitsuke Tamago) : food](https://external-preview.redd.it/7QJpLXHeAe8RGc2woSqOxwEpAaVvwAwBdTFFGFnFP7Q.jpg?auto=webp&s=1729fa74e26be95e372907392b2b90957e35e544)
![[Pro/Chef] Japanese pancakes : r/food](https://i.redd.it/b1dqtp3mwt3z.jpg)
