Are you ready to experience the flavors of Japan without leaving your kitchen? With its rich culinary history and diverse regional specialties, Japanese cuisine offers a wide range of delicious and easy-to-make dishes that can be enjoyed with a simple bowl of steaming hot rice. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering Japanese recipes that feature rice as a main component, each with its unique flavors, textures, and presentation.
From classic teriyaki chicken to spicy tuna donburi, savory gyudon to comforting yakimeshi, these dishes showcase the versatility of Japanese cuisine and how it can be adapted to suit any taste or occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, we’ve got you covered with these 20 must-try Japanese recipes that pair perfectly with a bowl of warm rice.
Classic Japanese Rice Bowl with Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe brings together the simplicity of a Japanese-style rice bowl with the rich flavors of teriyaki chicken. A harmonious balance of sweet and savory, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using a 1:2 ratio of water to rice.
2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, sake, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken, garlic, and ginger to the teriyaki sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve chicken over cooked Japanese rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Gyudon (Beef Bowl) with Steamed Rice
Experience the rich flavors of Japan with this classic Savory Gyudon recipe, featuring tender beef and steamed rice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup steamed Japanese short-grain rice
– Sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pan or wok, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Serve hot over steamed Japanese short-grain rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Spicy Tuna Donburi with Sushi Rice
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this flavorful and easy-to-make Spicy Tuna Donburi recipe, featuring tender tuna, savory sushi rice, and a kick of heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/4 cup of sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1 cup of cooked sushi rice
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix together tuna, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the tuna mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. To assemble, place a scoop of sushi rice in a bowl, followed by the spicy tuna mixture on top.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Curry Rice with Tender Pork Cutlet
Experience the comfort of Japanese home cooking with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tender pork cutlets with a rich and creamy curry sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork cutlets (about 1/2 inch thick)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Japanese curry roux
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season pork cutlets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
5. Add curry roux and water/chicken broth mixture. Whisk until smooth and bring to a simmer.
6. Serve pork cutlets with curry sauce over cooked Japanese rice.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tamago Kake Gohan (Raw Egg over Rice)
A simple yet satisfying Japanese dish that’s perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice
• 1 large raw egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions and grated daikon radish for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook Japanese rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, beat the raw egg until it’s well mixed.
3. Place the cooked rice on a flat surface or in a bowl.
4. Pour the beaten egg over the rice, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Sprinkle soy sauce and salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and grated daikon radish if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just assemble!)
Enjoy your Tamago Kake Gohan!
Unagi Don (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl)
Experience the rich flavors of Japan with this simple and satisfying Unagi Don recipe, featuring grilled eel on a bed of fluffy Japanese rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 piece of unagi (Japanese eel), about 6 inches long
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.
3. Brush the eel with the marinade mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
4. Grill or broil the eel for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve the grilled eel on top of a bed of Japanese rice.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
A classic Japanese comfort food, Oyakodon is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines juicy chicken, savory sauce, and creamy eggs with steaming hot rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Crack in the eggs and scramble them into the pan with the chicken.
5. Serve the chicken and egg mixture over the cooked rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Takikomi Gohan (Mixed Rice with Seasonal Vegetables)
A simple and flavorful Japanese dish that celebrates the sweetness of seasonal vegetables paired with savory rice. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have on hand.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup mixed seasonal vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, corn)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. When the rice is cooked and fluffy, fluff with a fork and stir in soy sauce and salt to taste.
5. Combine the cooked rice and vegetable mixture in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Chirashi Sushi (Scattered Sushi Bowl)
This Japanese-inspired dish is a simple and satisfying meal that combines flavorful sushi rice with a variety of ingredients, all topped off with fresh fish or seafood.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sake (or substitute with mirin)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Various toppings (e.g. sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, or shrimp; cucumber slices; pickled ginger; carrot slivers; etc.)
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cooked rice with cold water to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, sake, sugar, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
5. Assemble the chirashi by placing a scoop of cooked sushi rice in a bowl, then topping with your choice of ingredients.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and soy sauce to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice)
A classic Japanese dish that combines fluffy omelette with savory rice, Omurice is a comforting meal perfect for any time of day. This recipe yields a creamy, flavorful omlette wrapped around a filling of warm Japanese rice and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese rice (preferably short-grain)
– 1/4 cup diced vegetables (e.g., carrots, green onions, bell peppers)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk eggs until frothy.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add sesame oil and pour in the eggs.
3. Cook the omelette until almost set, then add soy sauce and gently fold the edges towards the center.
4. Place cooked Japanese rice and diced vegetables along the edge of the omelette.
5. Fold the omelette over the filling to enclose.
6. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted (optional).
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yakimeshi (Japanese Fried Rice with Shrimp)
This classic Japanese dish combines savory shrimp with flavorful fried rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked Japanese rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Push the shrimp to one side of the pan; add a little more oil if necessary.
6. Pour in the cooked rice and stir-fry with the shrimp, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
7. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using); stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)
This classic Japanese dish is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines crispy pork cutlets with fluffy rice and savory vegetables. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious Katsudon at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork cutlets
– 2 cups cooked Japanese rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bean sprouts, carrots, green onions)
– 1/2 cup sauce (see below)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pork cutlets by seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and cooked through.
3. Serve each pork cutlet on top of a scoop of Japanese rice.
4. Arrange mixed vegetables around the pork.
5. Drizzle the sauce (see above) over the pork and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Onigiri (Stuffed Rice Balls with Various Fillings)
Onigiri are traditional Japanese rice balls filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a perfect snack or meal. With this recipe, you can create your own delicious onigiri at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– Filling ingredients (choose one or more):
+ Salmon sashimi (smoked salmon)
+ Pickled plum (umeboshi)
+ Salted cod roe (ikura)
+ Grated daikon radish
+ Shredded carrot
+ Miso paste
– Water
– Rice vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling ingredients according to your preference.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and water. Mix until the rice is well combined with water and has a sticky consistency.
3. Divide the rice mixture into 6-8 equal portions, depending on the size you prefer for your onigiri.
4. Shape each portion into a ball by applying gentle pressure to the center and then gradually working your way outwards.
5. Flatten one half of each ball slightly and place your chosen filling in the center.
6. Fold the other half over the filling and press the edges together to seal the onigiri.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Japanese Mushroom Rice with Truffle Oil
Savor the umami flavors of Japan with this simple yet elegant rice dish infused with earthy truffle oil and sautéed mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, oyster), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake (or dry white wine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup truffle oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice and combine with water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, sake (or wine), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Combine with mushroom mixture and stir-fry over low heat for about 2 minutes or until well combined.
6. Drizzle truffle oil and stir-fry for another minute to infuse flavors.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sekihan (Red Bean Rice for Celebrations)
Sekihan is a traditional Indonesian dish served during celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. This sweet and savory rice dish is made with red beans, sugar, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup cooked red beans (mung beans or azuki beans)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and cook according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. In a separate pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the cooked red beans, sugar, garlic, cinnamon, and salt to the pan. Stir well.
4. Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the red bean mixture and stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chahan (Japanese-Style Chinese Fried Rice)
A classic Japanese twist on traditional Chinese fried rice, Chahan is a simple and flavorful dish that combines the comfort of rice with the excitement of Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables aside, then pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
5. Mix the vegetables and eggs together.
6. Add the cooked rice to the skillet or wok, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Salmon Ikura Don (Salmon and Salmon Roe Rice Bowl)
This recipe combines the rich flavors of grilled salmon and ikura (salmon roe) with a savory Japanese-inspired rice bowl. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 4 oz salmon fillet
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style short-grain rice
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup ikura (salmon roe)
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger slices
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Cook Japanese-style short-grain rice according to package instructions.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Assemble the rice bowl by placing cooked rice in a bowl, then topping with grilled salmon, ikura, sliced avocado, and pickled ginger slices.
5. Drizzle soy sauce mixture over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Garlic Butter Rice with Scallops
A flavorful and savory dish that combines the richness of garlic butter rice with the tender sweetness of scallops, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine (optional)
– 12 large scallops
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. If using sake or white wine, add it to the pan and simmer until reduced by half.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic butter mixture.
5. Pat dry the scallops and season with salt and pepper. Pan-fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Serve the scallops on top of the Japanese garlic butter rice.
Cooking Time:
– Rice: 18-20 minutes
– Scallops: 4-5 minutes total cooking time
Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup with Chicken and Egg)
Zosui is a hearty and comforting Japanese rice soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This simple recipe combines chicken, egg, and rice in a savory broth, making it a nourishing meal for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake (Japanese rice wine) or mirin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, combine the cooked rice, chicken, water or broth, soy sauce, and sake/mirin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Crack in the eggs and stir gently until they’re cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Kinoko Gohan (Mushroom Rice with Soy Sauce)
A classic Japanese side dish that combines the savory flavors of mushrooms, soy sauce, and rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari or Akita Komachi)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake (Japanese cooking wine) or dry white wine
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook according to package instructions using 2 cups of water.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and start browning (about 5 minutes).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and sake/wine. Pour the mixture over the mushrooms; stir to combine.
4. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the mushroom-soy sauce mixture.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time:
– Rice cooking time: 20-25 minutes
– Mushroom-soy sauce preparation time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to experience the flavors of Japan with these 20 mouth-watering recipes that feature rice as the star ingredient. From classic dishes like Teriyaki Chicken and Gyudon (Beef Bowl) to unique creations such as Spicy Tuna Donburi and Tamago Kake Gohan (Raw Egg over Rice), there’s something for every taste bud. These recipes showcase the versatility of Japanese cuisine, from savory bowls to sweet celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to try something new, this article has everything you need to start cooking up a storm with rice.
