16 Popular Japanese Food Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is one of the most well-known and beloved cuisines in the world. With its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautiful presentation, it's no wonder that Japanese food is so popular. While sushi and ramen may be the first dishes that come to mind, there are many other delicious and easy-to-make Japanese recipes that are perfect for a home-cooked meal. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Japanese food recipes that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Pork Katsu is a popular dish in Japan, and it's no surprise why. The crispy, breaded pork cutlets are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice and vegetables. To make this dish, you'll need thinly sliced pork, panko breadcrumbs, flour, egg, and oil for frying. The key to achieving the perfect crunch on your katsu is to use panko breadcrumbs, which are coarser and create a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. Serve with a side of tonkatsu sauce and shichimi togarashi for an extra kick of spice.
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Okonomiyaki – Japanese Cabbage Pancakes – Japanese Food
Main Ingredients: Japanese Mayonnaise, Regular Mayonnaise, Rice Vinegar
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage. Its name literally translates to "grilled as you like it," which is fitting since you can customize the toppings to your liking. Some popular additions include pork belly, squid, shrimp, and benishoga (pickled ginger). Okonomiyaki is often served with a drizzle of mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce, a thick and sweet condiment similar to Worcestershire sauce.
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Japanese Street Food - Chicken Karaage
Main Ingredients: Chicken Leg, Sake, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Potato Starch
Chicken Karaage is a popular street food in Japan that has gained popularity around the world. It's a simple yet delicious dish of bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then coated in potato starch or cornstarch and deep-fried until crispy. The result is a juicy and flavorful piece of chicken that is perfect as an appetizer or served with a side of rice and Japanese pickles.
If you're a fan of fluffy pancakes, then you have to try Japanese style pancakes. These pancakes are thicker and fluffier than traditional pancakes, thanks to the addition of baking powder and a little bit of mayonnaise in the batter. They are often served with a drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter, but you can also top them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or anmitsu (a sweet bean paste).
Japanese Cotton Cheesecake, also known as soufflé cheesecake, is a light and airy dessert that is a cross between a cheesecake and a sponge cake. The secret to its cotton-like texture is the addition of beaten egg whites to the batter, which creates a fluffy and delicate cake. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet treat that will leave you wanting more.
Similar to the cabbage pancakes mentioned earlier, Okonomiyaki can also be made with different ingredients to create different varieties. One popular version is Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which includes layers of noodles and cabbage in addition to the usual batter. The layers are topped with your choice of protein, such as pork or seafood, and then drizzled with okonomiyaki sauce and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) for a savory and satisfying meal.
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Omurice (オムライス) - Simple, Elegant Japanese Comfort Food
Main Ingredients: Butter, Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Cooked Rice
Omurice is a popular comfort food in Japan, and it's easy to see why. It's a simple dish of fried rice wrapped inside a thin omelette and topped with ketchup and sometimes tonkatsu sauce. It's a perfect dish for using up leftover rice and can be customized with your choice of protein and vegetables. Nori (seaweed) and shichimi togarashi are often used to add flavor and spice to this delicious and comforting dish.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Sunomono is a refreshing and light salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers and a tangy dressing. The dressing is made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, giving it a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Other ingredients, such as seaweed, daikon (Japanese radish), and wakame (seaweed) can also be added for extra texture and flavor. This salad is a great accompaniment to any meal and is especially popular during the summer months.
Ramen is a staple in Japanese cuisine and has gained popularity all over the world. It's a hearty and flavorful noodle soup that typically consists of broth, noodles, and various toppings such as pork, negi (green onions), and nori (seaweed). There are many different types of ramen, including shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. For an extra kick of spice, add some togarashi (Japanese chili powder) or rayu (spicy chili oil).
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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 staple in Japanese cuisine. They are made with cooked Japanese rice and often stuffed with various fillings, such as umeboshi (pickled plum), okaka (bonito flakes and soy sauce), or tsukemono (pickled vegetables). They are usually shaped into triangles or rounds and can be eaten as a snack or as part of a meal. For a twist on traditional onigiri, try using sushi rice and wrapping it in a piece of nori for an onigiri-sushi hybrid.
Udon noodle soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is popular in Japan. The noodles are made with wheat flour and are thicker and chewier than other types of noodles. They are often served in a hot broth made with dashi (Japanese soup stock) and topped with various ingredients such as kamaboko (fish cake), naruto (fish cake with a swirl pattern), and negi (green onions). For a heartier meal, add some sliced beef or pork to your udon soup.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza, also known as potstickers, are a popular appetizer or side dish in Japanese cuisine. They are made with a thin wrapper filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and other ingredients, then pan-fried until crispy on one side. Gyoza can be eaten on their own or dipped in a mixture of soy sauce and rayu (spicy chili oil) for some added heat.
Japanese eggplant, also known as nasu, is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It has a thinner skin and a sweeter flavor compared to other types of eggplant. It can be prepared in many ways, such as grilling, stir-frying, or roasting. To add some extra flavor, try marinating the eggplant in a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and mirin (sweet rice wine) before cooking.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made with buckwheat flour. They have a nuttier flavor and are considered a healthier alternative to other types of noodles. In this dish, the noodles are served cold and topped with a creamy peanut sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular type of Japanese skewered chicken that is often served as an appetizer or snack. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sake (rice wine), then grilled until tender and slightly charred. Yakitori can be made with various parts of the chicken, such as thigh meat, breast meat, or even chicken hearts and liver, for those who are feeling more adventurous.
Zucchini, also known as zuke, is a versatile vegetable that is used in many Japanese dishes. It can be stir-fried, grilled, or sautéed and is often used in soups, stews, and tempura (battered and deep-fried). Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals and is a tasty addition to any meal.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
Japanese beef steak, also known as Gyūniku, is a popular dish that is often served in high-end restaurants. The beef is usually a high-quality cut, such as Wagyu, and is cooked to perfection on a hot grill or teppanyaki plate. It is often served with a side of vegetables, rice, and a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and wasabi (Japanese horseradish).
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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 consists of a breaded and fried pork cutlet, tonkatsu, served over a bed of rice and topped with a sweet and savory sauce and a beaten egg. The egg is cooked until slightly runny and creates a delicious sauce when mixed with the rice. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
Sweet potato is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often used in both sweet and savory dishes. In this version of okonomiyaki, grated sweet potato is added to the usual batter, creating a slightly sweeter and denser pancake. It can be topped with your choice of protein and vegetables and is often served with a drizzle of kewpie mayonnaise and okonomiyaki sauce for a delicious and hearty meal.
Japanese curry, also known as kare raisu, is a popular dish in Japan that has its roots in Indian cuisine. It is a thick and flavorful stew made with a roux of curry powder, flour, and oil, and can be served with a variety of meat, vegetables, and toppings. Some popular additions include tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) or chicken katsu (breaded chicken cutlet), carrots, potatoes, and fukujinzuke (pickled vegetables). It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a chilly day.
Udon Noodle Soup
Overview
Udon noodle soup is a classic Japanese dish that is perfect for a chilly day. It consists of thick, chewy noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with various toppings such as sliced meat, vegetables, and green onions. The key to a delicious udon noodle soup is the broth, which is usually made from a combination of dashi (fish stock) and soy sauce. This comforting and hearty dish is a staple in many Japanese households and is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- Udon noodles: These thick, wheat-based noodles are the star of the dish and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
- Dashi: This is the base for the broth and can be made from scratch using dried bonito flakes and kombu (dried kelp) or can be purchased in a powder form.
- Soy sauce: This adds a rich umami flavor to the broth.
- Meat or protein: Sliced beef, chicken, or tofu are common protein options for udon noodle soup.
- Vegetables: Common toppings include sliced mushrooms, green onions, and spinach.
- Optional toppings: Other toppings such as tempura, fish cakes, or boiled eggs can be added for extra flavor and texture.
Instructions
1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a pot, combine the dashi and soy sauce and bring to a boil.
3. Add the sliced meat or protein and cook until it is fully cooked.
4. Add any vegetables and cook until they are tender.
5. Divide the cooked noodles into bowls and pour the broth over them.
6. Add any optional toppings and garnish with green onions.
7. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade udon noodle soup!
Why it's Popular
Udon noodle soup is a popular Japanese food recipe for several reasons. Firstly, it is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. It is also a versatile dish, as you can use a variety of proteins and toppings to make it your own. The thick, chewy noodles and flavorful broth make it a comforting and satisfying meal. Additionally, it is a healthy option, as it is low in fat and can be packed with vegetables. With its delicious and simple flavors, it's no wonder that udon noodle soup is a go-to dish for many Japanese households.
In Conclusion
Udon noodle soup is just one example of a popular Japanese food recipe that you can easily recreate at home. Its simple yet delicious flavors make it a staple in Japanese cuisine and a favorite among many people. So next time you're craving a warm and comforting meal, give this udon noodle soup recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of Japanese cooking in your own kitchen.
