Simple Japanese Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home

Japan is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, marked by fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and a beautiful presentation. You don’t need to visit a fancy restaurant to enjoy authentic Japanese dishes. With some simple recipes, you can whip up delicious Japanese dinners at home. Here are a few that are easy, quick, and sure to impress.

1. Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is a beloved Japanese dish that's easy to prepare at home. To make it, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup mirin, 2 tablespoons sake, and 2 tablespoons sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, glazing with the marinade until the chicken is fully cooked.
Slice and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.

2. Miso Soup

Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, featuring a savory broth that’s comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients: 4 cups dashi (Japanese soup stock), 3 tablespoons miso paste, 1 block of tofu (cubed), 1 cup of chopped scallions, and a handful of seaweed (wakame).

Instructions:

Heat the dashi in a pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk the miso paste with a little hot dashi until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
Add the tofu cubes and wakame, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

3. Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Yakisoba is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish that’s popular across Japan. It’s versatile and can feature any vegetables or proteins you have on hand.

Ingredients: 2 packs of yakisoba noodles, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1 carrot sliced thin, 1 bell pepper, sliced, and your choice of protein (chicken, pork, or tofu).

Instructions:

Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and sauté the protein until cooked through.
Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they're tender.
Add the yakisoba noodles and stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
Pour in yakisoba sauce to taste and mix well before serving.

4. Japanese Curry Rice

Japanese curry is mild, slightly sweet, and usually served with rice. It’s a great option for a hearty meal.

Ingredients: 1 lb of beef or chicken, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 potatoes, and Japanese curry roux.

Instructions:

In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
Add in the meat and cook until browned.
Add the diced carrots and potatoes, cover with water, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add the curry roux according to package instructions. Stir until dissolved and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Serve hot over rice.

5. Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Onigiri is a convenient and versatile dish, perfect for a simple dinner or lunch. They are made with sushi rice and can be filled with various ingredients.

Ingredients: 2 cups sushi rice, nori (seaweed), salt, and fillings such as pickled plum, tuna, or salmon.

Instructions:

Cook sushi rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
Wet your hands and sprinkle them with salt to prevent sticking.
Take a small handful of rice, flatten it slightly, place your filling in the center, and mold the rice around it, forming a triangle.
Wrap with nori and serve or pack for a snack.

These simple Japanese dinner recipes