When someone says Japanese cuisine, the first thing that usually pops into our minds is sushi. And why wouldnt it? The delightful rolls of vinegared rice, combined with fresh seafood or vegetables tucked neatly in a sheet of seaweed, are not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious.
However, sushi is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Japanese food. Theres so much more on the menu, from savory depth and umami flavors to delicate textures and colorful presentation.
So, bid Sayonara to sushi for now and whip up these delicious Japanese recipes at home. Youll love the wholesome and comforting flavors of these dishes, and who knows, you might find your new favorite cuisine.
-
Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
The fluffiness, the airiness, the melt-in-your-mouth texture – these irresistible pancakes will become your new breakfast favorite.
You need:
- Flour
- Butter
- Milk
- Baking powder
- Egg yolk and egg whites
- Sugar
- Salt
- Almond extract
- Tartar cream
- Syrup
Take three bowls. Whisk flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt in the first bowl and stir dairy milk, almond extract, melted butter, and egg yolk in the other. Now, for the third bowl – whip the egg whites and cream of tartar. Stir the milk mixture into dry ingredients and gently fold in beaten egg whites.
Follow this recipe for Japanese pancakes to get the perfect soufflé-like texture, and serve them hot with syrup and powdered sugar.
-
Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles
When hunger strikes, ditch the instant noodles and prepare savory Yakisoba instead. Its so street-style delicious that youll go back for seconds.
You need:
- Yakisoba noodles
- Pork or chicken
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Mirin
Start by boiling the noodles until theyre al dente. Next, stir-fry your choice of meat and veggies in a pan. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and mix in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin. Toss everything together until well combined and hot. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add other ingredients you love.
-
Katsudon
This crispy, savory, and slightly sweet combination of a pork cutlet and egg over rice will be your new go-to comfort meal.
You need:
- Pork loin
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Dashi stock
- Onions
- Rice
Start by pounding the pork loin to make it thinner, then coat it in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté onions before adding the mirin, soy sauce, and dashi stock to make a broth. Place the fried pork on cooked rice and pour the broth over it.
-
Wagyu Beef
This wonderfully flavorsome, tender, and juicy dish is a must-try for beef lovers.
You need:
- Wagyu beef fillet
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
Start by tenderizing the meat. Then, season it generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet on high heat and sear the beef fillet on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat. Once seared, lower the heat and add some butter to the skillet. Baste the beef with the melted butter for an extra layer of flavor. Cook until desired doneness is achieved.
Let the beef rest for some minutes before slicing it into thick cuts. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Wagyu beef.
-
Yakitori
Are you craving for some grilled kebab-style chicken? This recipe will hit the spot.
You need:
- Chicken thighs
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sake
- Sugar
So, first, cut the chicken thighs into small pieces, then marinate them in soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar mixture. Let that sit for at least half an hour. Next, skewer the marinated meat onto bamboo or metal sticks.
Now, grill the chicken skewers. While grilling, brush the chicken with the remaining marinade to infuse it with more flavor and maintain its juiciness. Remember to rotate the skewers for even cooking. Serve the hot and delicious skewers with rice or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
-
Kare Raisu
Enjoy the aromatic, flavorful Japanese curry with rice and feel the warmth of homely goodness with every bite.
You need:
- Vegetable oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken or beef
- Curry powder
- Flour
- Chicken or beef broth
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Honey or sugar (optional)
Heat oil in a pot and cook chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add protein and cook until browned. Next, stir in curry powder and flour until you have a paste-like consistency. Slowly add chicken or beef broth and simmer for 15 minutes. Add diced potatoes and carrots. Cook until the vegetables are tender. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar for some sweetness. Serve over steamed rice for a hearty and flavorful meal.
-
Melonpan
This recipe is so temptingly delicious that all your sweet cravings will disappear with just one bite.
You need:
- Bread flour
- Sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Milk
- Butter
- Egg
- Salt
- Cookie dough
Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, milk, butter, egg, and salt to prepare bread dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest for an hour. In the meantime, prepare the sugary crust. Roll out the cookie dough into a thin sheet and wrap it around the bread dough once it has risen. Roll the combined dough into a ball and wait for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut slits on top of the dough in a criss-cross pattern. Bake until golden brown. Enjoy the crispy, sweet cookie crust with the soft and fluffy bread. Perfect for a mid-day snack or a dessert treat.
Conclusion
The world might know Japanese cuisine for its iconic sushi and ramen dishes, but there is much more to explore beyond these popular foods. Prepare the melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, indulge in the crispy yet soft melonpan, and whip up the comforting Japanese stir-fry noodles for a tasty meal. Are you looking for a wholesome breakfast? Try the Japanese soufflé pancakes and enjoy the fluffy, airy, and oh-so-yummy morning treat. Katsudon and yakitori are other must-try, easy-to-make Japanese dishes youd love to add to your recipe book.
