20 Easy Japanese Recipe For American Children Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
In today's fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find the time to cook a nutritious and delicious meal for our children. As parents, we want to provide our little ones with the best possible meals, but sometimes the thought of cooking can feel overwhelming. However, with the right recipes, cooking can be fun and exciting, even for our picky eaters. For American families looking to add some variety to their children's diet, Japanese cuisine offers a fantastic opportunity to introduce new flavors and ingredients. In this article, we will share an easy Japanese recipe that will have your kids asking for seconds!
If you're looking for a dish that's crispy, succulent, and packed with flavor, Japanese pork katsu is a must-try. This traditional dish features thin slices of pork that are breaded and deep-fried to perfection. The result is a golden brown cutlet that is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve it with a side of tonkatsu sauce for a truly authentic experience.
Move over, traditional pancakes. Japanese-style pancakes are here to steal the show. These fluffy, soufflé-like pancakes are made with a batter that incorporates whipped egg whites for added volume. The result is a stack of thick, fluffy pancakes that are sure to impress. Top them with fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.
If you're a fan of cheesecake, you have to try the Japanese version. This light and airy dessert is known as "cotton" cheesecake because of its fluffy, soft texture. The secret to its lightness is the addition of whipped egg whites and cornstarch to the batter. This delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. This versatile dish can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for using up leftovers. The batter is made with flour, cabbage, and egg, and then topped with a variety of toppings like pork belly, shrimp, or octopus. Finish it off with a drizzle of okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise for a truly unique and delicious meal.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This simple yet refreshing dish is the perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal. Sunomono is a crunchy cucumber salad that is dressed in a tangy and sweet vinegar-based dressing. It's a great way to add some freshness and balance to a meal that may be on the heavier side.
Ramen may have originated in China, but it has become a staple in Japanese cuisine. This hearty noodle soup is made with a flavorful broth, chewy noodles, and a variety of toppings like pork belly, soft boiled egg, and green onions. It's the ultimate comfort food and a must-try for any noodle lover.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan. These triangular-shaped snacks are made with sushi rice and can be filled with a variety of ingredients like pickled vegetables, salmon, or tuna. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a side dish to a meal.
Udon noodles are thick, chewy noodles that are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This comfort dish features the noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with tempura or meat, and garnished with green onions and nori. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza is a popular Japanese dumpling that is typically filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables. These dumplings are pan-fried until crispy on one side and then steamed to perfection. They are often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Eggplant may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it's a staple ingredient in many dishes. Japanese eggplant is often used in stir-fries, curries, and as a topping for okonomiyaki. Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a versatile and delicious addition to any meal.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin buckwheat noodles that are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. This dish features the noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce and topped with carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular Japanese street food that features skewered chicken that is grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. The result is tender and juicy chicken with a delicious charred flavor. It's the perfect snack or appetizer to enjoy with a cold beer.
Zucchini may not be a traditional Japanese ingredient, but it's commonly used in Japanese cooking. It's often stir-fried with other vegetables or added to soups and stews. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture make it a versatile and nutritious addition to any meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
If you're a meat lover, you have to try Japanese beef steak. This dish features high-quality Wagyu or Kobe beef that is seasoned and then grilled to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful steak that will melt in your mouth. It's a must-try for any steak enthusiast.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
Katsudon is a popular rice bowl dish that features a pork cutlet and egg cooked in a savory broth and served over a bed of rice. The combination of the crispy cutlet and runny egg yolk is truly irresistible. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any time of day.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, you have to try this Japanese twist on okonomiyaki. This version of the savory pancake features grated sweet potato in the batter, adding a subtle sweetness to the dish. Top it with your favorite toppings and finish it off with bonito flakes and mayonnaise for a unique and delicious meal.
Japanese curry is a popular comfort food that is served in households and restaurants all over Japan. It's made with a thick and flavorful curry sauce and often features meat, potatoes, and carrots. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold day.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're new to Japanese cooking, yaki udon is a great dish to start with. This simple stir-fry features udon noodles, pork, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's quick and easy to make, making it a great weeknight meal option.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
If you're not a fan of pork, try Japanese ramen with chicken instead. This version of the classic noodle soup features a chicken-based broth that is just as flavorful and satisfying as the pork-based version. Top it with your favorite toppings and slurp away.
Tonkatsu is a popular dish in Japan that features a pork cutlet that is breaded and deep-fried until crispy. It's often served with a side of cabbage salad and tonkatsu sauce for dipping. It's a delicious and indulgent dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Introducing: Teriyaki Chicken Bites
Teriyaki chicken is a staple in Japanese cuisine, loved by both kids and adults alike. This recipe is a simple yet flavorful twist on the traditional teriyaki chicken, perfect for introducing Japanese flavors to your children. The best part? It's a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to make the teriyaki sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
Serve with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pro Tip: For a healthier alternative, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast meat. You can also add in some veggies like bell peppers and onions to the pan with the chicken for added nutrition and flavor.
This easy Japanese recipe is a great way to introduce your children to new flavors and ingredients. They will love the sweet and savory taste of the teriyaki sauce and the bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for little hands. Plus, with the added bonus of being a quick and easy meal, it's a win-win for busy parents! So next time you're looking for a fun and tasty meal for your kids, give this teriyaki chicken bites recipe a try.