Japan is one of the few countries that I aspire to visit soon! Who wouldn’t love its breathtaking scenery, top-notch craftsmanship, and hospitable people? To add, they have one of the most unique and exquisite foods among Asian countries. Fortunately, their foods are now available in various restaurants in many parts of the world. That said, did you know that you can recreate it? Sounds impossible and tedious, right? But nah, I will share with you now the easiest Japanese recipe ideas I have been preparing for many years.
Recipe Idea No. 1: Japanese Omelette
To start our list, let’s discuss Japanese Omelette also known as Tamagoyaki. You are probably making a face right now because an omelette has been known before and it seems not special anymore however, you can put a Japanese twist into it. A combination of flavorful ingredients, this one is simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon mirin (or sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Directions:
- Whisk the eggs with soy sauce and mirin (or sugar).
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it.
- Pour a thin layer of egg mixture into the pan, tilting to spread it evenly.
- Once the egg sets, roll it up, then pour more egg mixture into the pan and repeat, rolling as you go.
- Once all the eggs are cooked, cut the omelette into slices and serve.
Recipe Idea No. 2: Japanese Fried Rice
Our next dish is Japanese Fried Rice (Yakimeshi). Yes, just like an omelette, you can also put a Nihon spin on your day-old rice. Just as easily prepared as other fried rice versions, this recipe can contain Japanese condiments such as Nori to make it authentic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 5 Strips of Nori
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the peas and carrots and cook until tender.
- Push the vegetables to the side and scramble the egg in the same pan.
- Add the cold rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and stir-fry everything together.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp if using, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Recipe No. 3: Rice Balls
Speaking of authenticity, our next Japanese recipe idea is uniquely from the land of the rising sun, Onigiri. It is a simple rice ball filled with tuna or plum, covered with Nori. Perhaps it sounds hard to create, but this is actually one of the easiest recipes to try.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked short-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fillings (tuna mayo, pickled plum, or salmon flakes)
- Nori (seaweed) sheets
Directions:
- Mix the rice vinegar and salt into the cooked rice.
- Wet your hands with water and salt, then take a small portion of rice.
- Flatten the rice slightly and place your filling in the center.
- Mold the rice into a triangle or ball shape around the filling.
- Wrap a piece of nori around the base of the rice ball.
Recipe No. 4: Egg Sushi
One of my faves, Egg Sushi locally known as Tamago Sushi. This dish may look bland as you can imagine but this is such an underrated Japanese gem. Aside from it being simple and easy to prepare, its look can rival many other Japanese or even Asian dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon mirin (optional)
- 1 cup cooked sushi rice
- Nori (seaweed) strips
Directions:
- Beat the eggs, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin together.
- Heat a small pan, lightly oil it, and pour in a thin layer of the egg mixture.
- As it cooks, roll the egg from one side to the other. Repeat with more egg mixture to create layers.
- Once the omelette is fully cooked, cut it into strips.
- Form small balls of sushi rice, and place a strip of the omelette on top.
- Wrap a small strip of nori around the rice and egg to hold it together.
Recipe Idea No. 5: Udon Noodles
Another Nihon dish to add to your easy recipe ideas is the ever-yummy Udon Noodles! Of course, we would not end this list without noodles. If you want something legit Japanese, this dish is for you. Just like the noodles the soup that comes with it is also flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of udon noodles
- 3 cups dashi or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Tempura, tofu, or other toppings you prefer
Directions:
- Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, then drain.
- In a separate pot, heat the dashi or vegetable broth and soy sauce.
- Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked noodles.
- Serve the noodles in bowls, topped with chopped green onions and your chosen toppings.
Recipe Idea No. 6: Miso Soup
Ending the list on a sumptuous note is the infamous Miso Soup. A combination of savory flavors from its delicious ingredients, this is perfect in all seasons (not just in chilly weather conditions) where soup is preferred. Although popular as a side dish, you can actually consider it as a main course.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup tofu, cubed
- 1 tablespoon dried wakame (seaweed)
- 1 green onion, chopped
Directions:
- Heat the dashi broth in a pot over medium heat.
- Once it’s simmering, whisk in the miso paste until dissolved.
- Add tofu cubes and dried wakame seaweed to the soup, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Top with chopped green onions.
Flavorful Conclusion
There you have the easiest Japanese Recipe Ideas you can try right now!
These dishes offer the authentic Japanese experience you always wanted. Since these are simple you can always prepare them with little effort. Enjoy these gorgeous and yummy Japanese recipes in the comfort of your own home! Don’t forget to add a little spice and kick by including Wasabi! And Sake too.🍻😵💫
Umai!