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Easy Japanese Recipes

Juicy chicken breast teriyaki glazed with honey teriyaki sauce.

Japanese food may have an exotic image, but home cooking in Japan focuses on quality ingredients and simple techniques. These easy Japanese recipes are approachable, making creating authentic dishes at home simple. Whether you're craving a cozy bowl of noodles or planning an easy Japanese dinner for your family, these recipes will teach you the joy of making Japanese meals at home in under 30 minutes.

Rice Dishes

The Japanese word for rice is gohan, which also happens to mean "meal." Rice is at the heart of most easy Japanese meals, and whether it's a hearty oyakodon or a quick ground beef curry rice, these easy rice dishes are as simple as they are satisfying.

  • A savory drizzle of soy sauce pouring onto melting butter and hot rice, creating the ultimate bowl of comforting Japanese butter rice.
    Soy Sauce Butter Rice
  • A stunning close-up of gyudon captures tender slices of perfectly cooked wagyu beef glistening with a rich, savory sauce. The vibrant orange egg yolk rests at the center.
    Best Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
  • Japanese rice sandwich with Spam and Eggs.
    Spam Onigiri
  • Bowl of Japanese Oyakodon, highlighting the intricate interplay between the velvety egg and juicy chicken pieces all over a bowl of rice.
    Best Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)
  • Sobameshi is a delicious mashup of yakisoba and yakimeshi from Kobe. With noodles and rice stir-fried with vegetables it has a little of something for everyone.
    Sobameshi (Ramen Fried Rice)
  • Throw together a delicious Japanese fried rice that comes together in minutes from a handful of ingredients with this Yakimeshi recipe.
    Yakimeshi (Japanese Fried Rice)
  • This easy teriyaki chicken bowl comes together in about 10 minutes using just a handful of ingredients.
    Easy Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
  • With contrasting tastes, textures, and colors, Okinawa Taco Rice is an easy delicious 1-plate meal that comes together in minutes.
    Taco Rice (タコライス)
+ more rice recipes

Noodle Dishes

Noodles are Japan's ultimate comfort food, and most of them can be put together in minutes. From thick udon noodles in an umami-rich broth to quick ramen stir-fries, these easy Japanese meals make dinnertime stress-free and satisfying.

  • A plate of homemade Japanese yakisoba (stir-fried ramen noodles) with pork cabbage, onions and benishoga (red pickled ginger).
    Yakisoba
  • Thick chewy noodles glazed in oyster sauce stir-fried with beef and broccoli.
    Beef Yaki Udon
  • This easy bowl of Niku Udon (Beef Udon) is a comforting bowl of noodle soup topped with tender slices of beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with scallions.
    Beef Udon (Niku Udon)
  • Thick udon noodles in a rich and spicy chicken curry broth make this Japanese Curry Udon a modern classic.
    Curry Udon
  • Japanese-style pasta is a thing, and this mentaiko pasta (spicy cod roe) is an easy delicious fix that comes together in about 10 minutes.
    Best Mentaiko Pasta
  • Chicken egg and caramelized scallion udon noodle soup.
    Chicken Udon
  • The main ingredient may surprise you, but Spaghetti Napolitan is an easy Japanese-style pasta that comes together from just a handful of pantry staples.
    Spaghetti Napolitan
  • Yaki Udon, an easy udon noodle stir-fry made with cabbage, carrots, onions, and mushooms.
    Yaki Udon
+ more noodles

Quick Main Dishes 

Planning a Japanese dinner doesn't have to be intimidating-my collection of easy Japanese dinner recipes like juicy teriyaki chicken and crispy tonkatsu ensures you'll have delicious, fuss-free meals ready quickly.

  • Juicy chicken breast teriyaki glazed with honey teriyaki sauce.
    Honey Teriyaki Chicken
  • Closeup of a sliced A5 wagyu steak cooked to medium rare with a Japanese steak sauce and garlic chips.
    How to Cook Wagyu Steak
  • Sunny side up eggs glazed in savory sweet teriyaki sauce make for an easy delicious rice bowl that can be cooked up in 3 minutes.
    Teriyaki Eggs
  • Tender and juicy, these Japanese ginger marinated pork chops are glazed with a mouthwatering savory sauce and come together in just minutes.
    Shogayaki (Japanese Ginger Pork Chops)
  • Crispy tofu teriyaki lacquered in a thick layer of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
    Teriyaki Tofu
  • This savory Japanese cabbage pancake is called Okonomiyaki and can be made with whatever fillings and toppings you like.
    Okonomiyaki (Osaka Style)
  • This tender, juicy Japanese pork steak, or Tonteki, is glazed in a savory sweet sauce and topped with crispy fried garlic.
    Tonteki (Japanese Pork Steak)
  • Miso butter glazed salmon steamed on a bed of sweet vegetables.
    Miso Butter Salmon (Chan Chan Yaki)
+ more easy mains

Simple Japanese Side Dishes

The Japanese table is all about having a colorful array of vegetable side dishes. Round out your easy Japanese dinner with savory vegetables, simple salads, and tofu treats!

  • Mound of Japanese potato salad with ham, cucumbers, carrots and onions.
    Japanese Potato Salad
  • A wider shot of traditional Japanese Hiyayakko or cold tofu salad. In the background are two alternative versions - kimchi natto and Caprese Salad.
    Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Salad)
  • With blanched spinach tossed with a nutty Japanese sesame sauce, this easy side dish comes together from just 4 ingredients.
    Spinach Goma Ae
  • Chinese chives and eggs on a brown plate and beige napkin with a wooden spoon and glass full of shochu on the rocks.
    Niratama (ニラ玉)
+ more side dishes

Easy Snacks

Snack your way through these tasty, easy Japanese dishes that are great as appetizers or casual finger food. With my easy Japanese cooking tips, making delicious treats like fruit sando or tuna mayo onigiri has never been simpler.

  • Bacon and egg toasted together on a thick-cut slice of Japanese sandwich bread.
    Japanese Egg Toast
  • Easy onigiri rice ball recipe stuffed with a delicious mix of canned tuna, mayonnaise and soy sauce.
    Tuna Mayo Onigiri
  • Loaded with ripe fruit and vanilla-infused cream, fruit sandwiches are an easy snack or casual dessert that comes together in minutes.
    Japanese Fruit Sandwich (フルーツサンド)
  • Close-up of Matcha Latte Hot Chocolate in a clear glass mug, showcasing the vibrant green color and creamy foam layer on top.
    Matcha Latte Hot Chocolate
+ more snacks

More Easy Japanese Recipes

  • Takenoko Gohan (Bamboo Rice)
  • Soft, springy grilled rice dumplings glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. These traditional Japanese Mitarashi Dango make for a delicious snack.
    Mitarashi Dango (Sweet Soy Glazed Rice Dumplings)
  • Simple Japanese shrimp spaghetti with nori cream sauce and watercress.
    Japanese Shrimp Pasta
  • Asari Miso Soup
  • Cream stew is a delicious Japanese-style chicken and vegetable stew that comes togehter from just a handful of basic ingredients.
    Cream Stew
  • Niku Miso
  • Shabu Shabu Salad with nutty Japanese sesame dressing is a quick yet satisfying meal for a hot summer day.
    Japanese Sesame Sauce (Goma Dare)
  • Tender, flavorful and loaded with fragrant ginger, this 4 ingredient Japanese ginger pork is easy and delicious!
    Ginger Pork (Shogayaki)
  • Creamy uni pasta with spaghetti, garnished with fresh uni and green shiso.
    Uni Pasta (Japanese Sea Urchin Spaghetti)
  • A hand holding an irresistible strawberry sandwich half, displaying vibrant strawberries surrounded by velvety whipped cream and soft, cloud-like bread—ready to enjoy.
    Strawberry Sandwich (Ichigo Sando)
  • Easy stove top Japanese roast beef rice bowl with pan roasted A5 grade wagyu, an onion glaze, and tangy wasabi cream.
    Roast Beef Donburi
  • Ohagi, also known as Botamochi, is a traditional Japanese sweet made with mochi rice, and anko is served here with matcha.
    Ohagi (Botamochi)
  • A one pot Japanese meal of flavorful rice and barbecued eel.
    Unagi Kamameshi
  • Chocolate filled mochi balls are like the Japanese version of chocolate truffles.
    Chocolate Filled Mochi
  • Pillowy butter mochi ricecakes make for a delicious mid-afternoon snack.
    Butter Mochi
  • Burnt Basque Cheesecake is a ridiculously simple dessert that comes together from a handful of ingredients. Matcha (green tea powder) gives this one its vibrant green hue and fragrant flavor.
    Matcha Basque Cheesecake
  • Grilled hanger steak marinated with ginger and garlic and glazed with a simple 3 ingredient teriyaki sauce.
    Teriyaki Steak
  • Buta Kimuchi (Pork & Kimchi Stir-fry)
  • Intensely flavorful and only mildly spicy this Japanese-style ground meat dry curry is topped with a golden yolk.
    Keema Curry (Japanese Dry Curry)
  • Although it comes together in about 30 minutes, this quick Japanese curry from scratch tastes like it took hours to make.
    Japanese Ground Beef Curry
  • A spread for bread and vegetables made with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and mascarpone cheese.
    Creamy Mentaiko Bread Spread
  • A glossy mirrorlike shine is the hallmark of any great Japanese chicken teriyaki, and this one comes together from just 4 simple ingredients.
    Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Authentic Japanese )
  • Perspective shot of a table setting showcasing Ginger Miso Dressing with a baby green salad, and the variety of dishes it pairs with, like cold noodles and poached Salmon.
    Ginger Miso Dressing
  • Ogura toast made with toasted japanese sandwich bread topped with sweet red bean paste and butter.
    Ogura Toast
  • Ultra-crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside these Crispy Tofu Bites are glazed with a savory sweet sauce that's loaded with ginger, garlic and black pepper. The perfect plant-based appetier.
    Crispy Tofu Bites
  • Easy shrimp rice bowl with plump juicy shrimp glazed with a decadent garlic butter-soy sauce on a bed of rice.
    Shrimp Rice Bowl
  • Breaking a raw egg over a bowl of golden Tamago Kake Gohan (raw egg on rice).
    Tamago Kake Gohan (Raw Egg On Rice)
  • Crisp Chicken Karaage with green beans and a wedge of lemon.
    Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
  • Teppanyaki (a.k.a. hibachi) style Japanese Garlic Fried Rice, with a double dose of garlic including crispy garlic chips and garlic butter.
    Japanese Garlic Rice
  • Tonjiru is a simple Japanese soup/stew loaded with tender pork and vegetables in a savory miso broth. It's so easy and satisfying; it's a favorite in homes around Japan in winter.
    Tonjiru (Japanese Pork Soup)
  • This easy teriyaki chicken sandwich with a fried egg comes together from just a few ingredients in a matter of minutes.
    Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich
  • Japanese tofu steak topped with sauteed mushrooms and crispy garlic chips.
    Japanese Tofu Steak Recipe
  • With spaghetti and spicy cod roe in a creamy sauce, this Mentaiko Pasta is a classic Japanese-Italian mashup that's as easy to make as it is delicous.
    Creamy Mentaiko Pasta
  • This protein packed Japanese egg salad sandwich recipe has a triple dose of eggs, packed with medium boiled eggs, egg salad, and mayonnaise.
    Tamago Sando (Japanese Egg Sandwich)
  • If you have butter, soy sauce, and spaghetti in your pantry, you can make this mouthwatering Japanese pasta.
    Butter Shoyu Pasta
  • Shiromiso Tonjiru (Pork and White Miso Soup)
  • Nikujaga (literally "meat and potatoes") is an easy Japanese stew that comes together in under 30 minutes form just a handful of ingredients that get thrown in a pot together and simmered until flavorful and delicious.
    Quick Nikujaga (Meat and Potato Stew)
  • This frugal bento costs just $1.80 to make, and is loaded with fresh vegetables and fruit, along with Ginger Chicken and Rice.
    Ginger Chicken Bento
  • This Japanese beef bowl is loaded with tender beef, sweet scallions and creamy egg cooked in a sweet and savory broth.
    Tanindon (Beef & Egg Bowl)
  • Japanese beef bowl recipe or gyudon with thinly sliced beef simmered with onions in a savory broth, topped with sesame seeds, scallions and red pickled ginger over a bowl of rice.
    Yoshinoya Beef Bowl
  • Close-up of a donburi bowl bursting with glossy salmon zuke, sprinkled with sesame and scallions, nestled against vibrant green shiso leaves.
    Salmon Sashimi Donburi
  • Authentic salmon teriyaki requires only a handful of basic ingredients, but the trick is in the technique.
    Teriyaki Salmon

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Marc Matsumoto

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I'm Marc Matsumoto, a former chef and dad in Tokyo. I believe anyone can cook great food. I share clear techniques and practical tips to unlock your inner chef. Together, we'll turn everyday ingredients into delicious meals you'll make again!

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