18 Japanese Meal Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation. One of the most popular and beloved dishes in Japanese cuisine is the bento box. A bento box is a traditional Japanese lunchbox that typically includes rice, a protein, vegetables, and pickled or preserved foods. It is not only a delicious and satisfying meal but also a work of art, with each ingredient carefully selected and arranged to create a balanced and visually appealing dish. In this article, we will take a closer look at the elements that make up a traditional Japanese bento box and provide a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for you to try at home. So let's put on our aprons and get ready to dive into the world of Japanese cuisine!
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, you have to try this mouth-watering recipe. Tender chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of curry spices and then cooked to perfection on the grill. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Chicken karaage is a popular Japanese dish that involves marinating chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before frying it to crispy perfection. This recipe takes it to the next level by serving it in a bento box, making it perfect for a picnic or lunch on the go.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Katsu curry is a delicious and comforting dish that combines crispy chicken cutlets with a rich and flavorful Japanese curry sauce. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good curry.
If you're in the mood for a hearty and filling breakfast, these Japanese-style pancakes are the perfect choice. Made with a fluffy batter and topped with bacon and eggs, they are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Japanese Fried Chicken Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Base, Mirin
Another bento box option for chicken lovers, this recipe features fried chicken coated in panko breadcrumbs and served with a side of rice and vegetables. It's a complete and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Japanese Curry Udon
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Kamaboko, Udon, Vegetable Oil, Ground Pork
Curry and udon noodles may seem like an unlikely combination, but trust us, it works. This recipe features thick and chewy udon noodles topped with a flavorful Japanese curry sauce and tender chicken. It's the ultimate comfort food.
If you're tired of the same old boring sandwiches, give this Japanese egg salad sandwich a try. Made with a creamy and flavorful egg filling and served between two slices of fluffy Japanese milk bread, it's a sandwich like no other.
Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese savory pancakes, is a popular street food in Japan. This recipe features a hearty and satisfying pancake filled with cabbage, bacon, and chicken. It's perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Japanese chicken curry with S&B Golden Curry sauce mix...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillet, Large Potato, Onion, Carrot
This recipe is a simplified version of the classic Japanese chicken curry, using a ready-made curry sauce mix for convenience. It still packs a ton of flavor and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
If you have a sweet tooth, you have to try this Japanese-style cheesecake. It's light, fluffy, and has a distinct cotton-like texture that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it's made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Another take on the popular chicken karaage, this recipe uses a different marinade and cooking method for a slightly different flavor. Serve it with a side of rice and some vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
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Japanese Farm-Style Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Main Ingredients: Teriyaki, Portobellos, Chicken Thighs, Shitake
Teriyaki chicken is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this recipe takes it to the next level by serving it over a bowl of rice and vegetables. It's a well-balanced and flavorful meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry Rice with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Similar to the previous katsu curry recipe, this one also features crispy chicken cutlets served over a bed of Japanese curry rice. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Meal Prep – Healthy Roasted Chicken and Veggies
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts Boneless Skinless, Broccoli Florets
If you're looking for a healthy and easy meal prep option, this recipe is for you. It features roasted chicken breasts served with a variety of vegetables, making it a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
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Japanese Curry Fried Rice with Chicken Katsu
Main Ingredients: Curry Roux, Curry Powder, Cocoa Powder, Cooked Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, and this recipe adds a twist by incorporating Japanese curry powder and crispy chicken katsu. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.
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JAPANESE SUSHI BOWL WITH CHICKPEA TOFU
Main Ingredients: Chickpea Flour, Water, Ginger, Salt, Spices, Cumin
If you're a fan of sushi, you have to try this deconstructed sushi bowl. It features all the classic sushi ingredients, including rice, seaweed, and fish, but with a twist – it uses chickpea tofu as a protein source. It's a unique and delicious dish that is also vegan-friendly.
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Tofu Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Carrots, Ginger, Curry Powder
For our vegetarian and vegan friends, this recipe is for you. It features crispy tofu katsu served with a rich and flavorful Japanese curry sauce. It's a great alternative to the traditional chicken katsu curry.
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Menchi Katsu Kare/ Hamburger Croquette with Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Apple, Unsalted Butter, Curry
This recipe combines two popular Japanese dishes – menchi katsu (a deep-fried beef patty) and katsu curry. It's a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
If you're a fan of udon noodles, you have to try this beef curry udon recipe. It's a one-pot meal that is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover veggies or meat you may have in your fridge.
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Babychili’s Italian Okonomiyaki (or...
Main Ingredients: Neutral Oil, All Purpose Flour, Ice Cold Water, Eggs
Last but not least, we have a fusion dish that combines Italian and Japanese flavors. This recipe features an Italian-style omelet filled with cheese and vegetables and topped with a savory Japanese-style sauce. It's a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
The Ingredients of a Japanese Bento Box
Rice
The foundation of any bento box is the rice. In Japanese cuisine, rice is the staple food and is typically served with every meal. Short-grain white rice is the most commonly used type of rice in Japan, but you can also use brown rice or a mixture of both for a healthier option. The key to perfectly cooked rice is to rinse it thoroughly before cooking and use the right amount of water to achieve a sticky yet fluffy texture.
Protein
Protein is an essential component of a bento box, and there are various options to choose from. Some popular choices include grilled fish, teriyaki chicken, or thinly sliced beef stir-fried with vegetables. Tofu is also a common protein in Japanese cuisine and is a great option for vegetarians.
Vegetables
Vegetables are not only a colorful addition to a bento box but also provide essential nutrients. Some popular choices include carrots, broccoli, green beans, and mushrooms. These can be served raw, pickled, or lightly cooked with a dash of soy sauce for added flavor.
Pickled or Preserved Foods
Pickled or preserved foods, known as tsukemono in Japanese, are a staple in a bento box. These foods add a burst of flavor and texture to the meal and also aid in digestion. Some common options include pickled plums, seaweed, and fermented soybeans.
Recipe for a Simple Japanese Bento Box
Now that we have an understanding of the key elements of a bento box, let's put it all together in a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of short-grain white rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of green beans
- 1 cup of pickled plums
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it according to package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, marinate the chicken breasts in soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey for 30 minutes.
3. In a pan, cook the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. While the chicken is cooking, lightly steam the carrots, broccoli, and green beans until tender.
5. Once the rice and chicken are done, let them cool for a few minutes.
6. In a bento box or a divided lunch container, add a layer of rice as the base.
7. Next, add slices of the cooked chicken on top of the rice.
8. Arrange the steamed vegetables and pickled plums in separate sections of the bento box.
9. Add some pickled ginger for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Serve and enjoy your homemade Japanese bento box!
In conclusion, a Japanese bento box is a well-balanced and satisfying meal that incorporates rice, protein, vegetables, and pickled or preserved foods. It is a perfect representation of the Japanese culture and their attention to detail in every aspect of life, including food. With this simple recipe, you can create your own bento box at home and experience the delicious flavors and beautiful presentation of Japanese cuisine. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills?
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