20 Japanese Side Dish Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
One of the most beloved aspects of Japanese cuisine is the wide variety of side dishes that accompany each meal. These dishes are not only delicious, but also showcase the country's rich cultural heritage and attention to detail. From crispy tempura to savory miso soup, each dish is thoughtfully prepared and adds depth and balance to the meal. In this article, we will share a traditional Japanese side dish recipe that will elevate any meal and leave your taste buds satisfied.
Main Ingredients: White Miso, Unsalted Butter, Japanese Turnips, Water
Japanese turnips are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, known for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Pairing them with miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, creates a delicious and unique side dish for any meal. To make this dish, simply slice the turnips into thin rounds and toss in a mixture of miso, soy sauce, and honey. Roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized, and serve as a tasty accompaniment to your favorite protein.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared in countless ways, but have you tried it Japanese-style? Thinly sliced and pan-fried in sesame oil, Japanese zucchini takes on a delicious nutty flavor. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce for a simple yet flavorful side dish. You can also add it to stir-fries or noodle dishes for a healthy and delicious twist.
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Japanese Garlic Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Garlic, Spring Onions, Eggs, Salt
Fried rice is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this garlic-infused version takes it to the next level. Start by cooking your rice and allowing it to cool. In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in sesame oil until fragrant. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry with soy sauce and mirin until heated through. Serve with your favorite protein and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
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Japanese Sesame Spinach (horenso No Gomaae)
Main Ingredients: Fresh Spinach, Sesame Seeds, Soy Sauce, Caster Sugar
Gomaae is a popular Japanese dish made with blanched greens and a sweet sesame dressing. To make this dish, blanch spinach in boiling water and then shock in ice water. Squeeze out excess water and toss with a mixture of sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and mirin. Serve chilled as a refreshing and nutritious side dish.
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Matsutake Gohan, Japanese Matsutake Rice
Main Ingredients: Water, Seaweed, Bonito Flakes, Matsutake Mushrooms
Matsutake mushrooms are a prized ingredient in Japanese cuisine, known for their unique flavor and aroma. They are often used in traditional dishes like matsutake gohan, a flavorful rice dish made by cooking rice with dashi, soy sauce, and sliced matsutake mushrooms. The result is a rich and fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Potato salad may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it is a beloved side dish in Japan. Japanese potato salad is made with Japanese mayonnaise, which is slightly sweeter and tangier than its American counterpart. Chopped hard-boiled eggs, cucumbers, and carrots are also commonly added for texture and flavor. Serve it as a side dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches.
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Sauteed Japanese Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Japanese Eggplant, Scallions, Shiitake
Japanese eggplant is a smaller and more slender variety of eggplant, known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. To prepare it, sauté sliced Japanese eggplant in a pan with garlic and ginger, and finish with a splash of soy sauce and mirin. This dish makes a great side dish or can be served over rice as a vegetarian main course.
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Japanese Salmon Rice
Main Ingredients: Japanese Rice, Sake, Stock, Green Onions, Meat
Salmon is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and this simple dish combines tender flaky salmon with fragrant rice. To make it, season salmon fillets with a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin, and bake in the oven until cooked through. Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chahan (Japanese Fried Rice)
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Leek, Green Onions, Fresh Ginger, Oil, Sushi
Chahan, or Japanese fried rice, is a popular dish in Japan and a great way to use up leftover rice. Sauté diced carrots, onions, and scallions in a large pan with sesame oil. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry with soy sauce, mirin, and beaten eggs until heated through. Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a more substantial meal.
Mushrooms are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this simple rice dish highlights their earthy flavor. Sauté a variety of sliced mushrooms in a pan with garlic and ginger. Add the cooked rice and stir in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin. Top with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Japanese Stir-fried Okra Vegetable
Main Ingredients: Okra, Rice Wine, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Shichimi Togarashi
Okra may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind in Japanese cuisine, but it is a popular ingredient in many dishes. Sauté sliced okra in a pan with garlic, soy sauce, and mirin until tender. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a simple and flavorful side dish. Okra is also commonly added to soups and stews in Japanese cooking.
This version of fried rice is slightly different from chahan, as it incorporates Japanese-style ingredients like shrimp, crabmeat, and edamame. Sauté these ingredients with garlic and ginger, and stir-fry with cooked rice and a mixture of soy sauce and mirin. Top with scrambled eggs and green onions for a delicious and colorful meal.
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Japanese Style Grilled Corn
Main Ingredients: Corncobs, Butter, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Caster Sugar
Corn on the cob is a popular summer staple, and this Japanese-style version adds a delicious twist to the classic dish. Grill corn on the cob until slightly charred, and then brush with a mixture of butter, soy sauce, and mirin. Sprinkle with furikake seasoning for a savory and flavorful side dish.
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Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Butter, White Miso
Sweet potatoes are a staple in Japanese cuisine, and this dish takes them to the next level with a savory miso butter. To make it, roast sweet potato wedges in the oven until tender, and then toss with a mixture of miso, butter, and honey. Return to the oven until the butter is melted and the potatoes are glazed with the miso mixture. Serve as a side dish or as a snack.
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Japanese Potato Salad Croquettes (Korokke)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Red Onions
Korokke, or Japanese croquettes, are a popular comfort food in Japan and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. Mix mashed potatoes with chopped hard-boiled eggs, carrots, and onions. Mold into patties and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Deep fry until golden brown and crispy, and serve as a tasty side dish or appetizer.
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Korokke (Japanese Potato Croquettes)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Potatoes, Oyster Sauce, Vegetable Oil
This version of korokke is filled with ground beef and onions, creating a hearty and satisfying dish. Cook the beef and onions together until browned, and then mix with mashed potatoes. Mold into patties and coat with panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying until crispy and golden brown. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
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Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls) | Vegan
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Water, Sushi Rice, Rice Vinegar
Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack in Japan and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. To make vegan yaki onigiri, mix cooked rice with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Form into balls and grill until slightly crispy on the outside. Serve with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning for a flavorful and portable snack.
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Miso Glazed Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Japanese Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Freshly Ground
Sweet potatoes are a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and this simple dish highlights their natural sweetness. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges and brush with a mixture of miso, honey, and soy sauce. Bake in the oven until tender and caramelized, and serve as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
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Japanese Mushroom Rice (kinoko Gohan)
Main Ingredients: Sushi Rice, Shitake Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, Water
This dish is similar to matsutake gohan but uses a variety of mushrooms instead of just matsutake. Sauté a mixture of sliced mushrooms with garlic and ginger. Add cooked rice and a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin. Stir until heated through and serve with a sprinkling of green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
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Seasoned Japanese Rice with Furikake
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Rice Vinegar, Furikake, Brown Rice, Water
Furikake is a popular Japanese seasoning made with a variety of ingredients, including sesame seeds, dried fish, and seaweed. Mix furikake with cooked rice and add a splash of soy sauce for a simple and flavorful side dish. You can also sprinkle it over rice balls or use it as a seasoning for other dishes.
Ingredients:
Serves 4-6
4 cups of cooked rice
1 cup of edamame beans, shelled and cooked
1 cup of shredded carrots
1 cup of thinly sliced cucumber
1 cup of chopped scallions
1 tbsp of sesame seeds, roasted
1 tbsp of rice vinegar
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of sesame oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Once done, let it cool down to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until well combined. In a large bowl, add the cooled rice, edamame beans, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and chopped scallions. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently mix until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the rice mixture to a serving dish and sprinkle with roasted sesame seeds. This dish can be served at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy as a side dish to your favorite Japanese meal or as a light lunch option.
This traditional Japanese side dish not only adds vibrant colors to your meal, but also provides a healthy and flavorful addition to your plate. The combination of the crunchy vegetables, nutty sesame seeds, and tangy dressing creates a perfect balance of flavors. Impress your friends and family with this easy and delicious recipe that will transport them to the streets of Japan.