Featured Comment:
“I have tried many of these recipes and I just love them.”
– Tom V
Discover 20+ delicious Japanese breakfast dishes! The traditional “ichiju sansai” meal format includes rice, soup, and three side dishes. Stay at a Japanese-style hotel and you’ll be served a giant breakfast of rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and other sides. But there are also plenty of quick and easy breakfast options available.
Check out our list of traditional and modern Japanese breakfast ideas!
1. Tamago kake gohan (TKG)
Tamago Kake Gohan is a simple dish made of rice, raw egg, and toppings. One of my favorite Japanese breakfasts of all time.
In this post, I teach you about the history of this classic Japanese breakfast dish, how to make it, and 15 of the best toppings!
2. Natto
Love it or hate it, there are so many ways to enjoy fermented soybeans called “natto“. From how to eat it to popular brands and delicious toppings, in this post, I cover everything you need to know about this traditional Japanese superfood!
I love natto, and I cannot live without it. I even eat natto almost every day. In this post, you get to know how to eat it, different variations, and a whole range of topping ideas!
3. Authentic Homemade Japanese Miso Soup
Miso soup is a traditional soup dish made with dashi stock, soybean paste, and a range of ingredients that vary from region to region. It’s delicious and warming and makes the perfect side for any Japanese meal.
It’s one of the essential parts of Japanese breakfast. My grandmother has miso soup every morning. One of the beauties of miso soup is that you can mix it up by using different vegetables or even different kinds of miso paste. It’s a comforting way to start the day.
There are also recipes for mushroom miso soup!
4. Homemade Miso Soup with Ginger (Vegan)
Can miso soup be vegetarian/vegen friendly? Sure it can!
This easy and delicious plant-based miso soup is made with umami-rich kombu and shiitake dashi and then flavored with certified vegan awase miso paste and fragrant ginger. It’s warming, comforting, and can be enjoyed by almost anyone!
5. Kenchin Jiru (Traditional Japanese Vegetable Soup)
Want soup other than miso soup? Then you can try this traditional vegetable soup with a longer history than miso soup!
Kenchin Jiru is a filling and nutritious soup with tofu and various vegetables served in a soy sauce-flavored dashi broth. This traditional dish has roots in Buddhism, and it’s suitable for vegans too!
6. Tonjiru (Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup)
Looking for something more meaty than normal miso soup? Then try tonjiru instead!
Tonjiru is the ultimate miso soup packed with tender pork belly and a tonne of extra veggies to make it more filling and delicious! You’ve gotta try this warming home-style dish one morning!
7. Japanese Egg Drop Soup (Kakitamajiru)
Kakitamajiru is a clear Japanese soup made with fluffy egg ribbons, served in a delicious homemade dashi broth and seasoned with soy sauce and salt.
It’s a simple dish that is both light and packed with umami. Best of all, it’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
8. How to Make Japanese Rice (without a rice cooker)
As mentioned earlier, traditional Japanese breakfast always comes with freshly cooked rice. Japanese mums always set the timer on the rice cooker so that a fresh batch of rice is ready for tomorrow morning.
However, I know not everyone has a Japanese-style rice cooker, so I explain how to cook Japanese rice perfectly on the stove in this recipe. I also explain storing and reheating tips, ideal for mornings when you’re in a rush!
9. Japanese Salted Salmon (Shiozake)
Japanese salted salmon is a classic breakfast dish, commonly served with rice and miso soup. Made with fresh salmon and seasoned simply with salt, the fact that you only need two ingredients almost makes this dish too good to be true!
Salmon is accessible anywhere in the world, so this is a great way to enjoy an authentic Japanese-style breakfast without special ingredients!
10. Saba no Shioyaki (Japanese-style Grilled Mackerel)
If you are looking for other grilled fish ideas for Japanese breakfast, mackerel is a great option!
Japanese-style grilled mackerel with crispy skin and tender flesh, seasoned simply with salt. This easy recipe allows you to enjoy this delicious fish to the fullest in practically no time!
11. Dashimaki Tamago (Japanese Rolled Omelette with Dashi)
Do you like having eggs in the morning? Then, you might want to consider this recipe and enjoy your eggs with a Japanese twist!
Dashimaki tamago is a delicious rolled omelet flavored with dashi stock, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, this iconic dish is the perfect addition to any breakfast! Leftovers can be used in bento boxes or as a side dish too.
12. Simple Shio Onigiri (Salted Japanese Rice Ball)
You cannot avoid rice balls if you want the simplest and easiest Japanese breakfast. This is still our favorite fast breakfast to this day.
Shio onigiri is a basic rice ball made with sticky Japanese rice, salt, and crispy nori. Despite its simplicity, it’s filling, tasty and satisfying. It only requires 3 ingredients and is great for beginners!
13. Salmon Onigiri Rice Balls
Fish and rice ball in one? In that case, try this salmon rice ball!
Delicious salmon flakes fried in butter and soy sauce and mixed with spring onion and sesame seeds make this rice ball one of my favorites!
14. Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
Did you know Japanese rice balls can be grilled too?
Yaki onigiri is delicious, crispy grilled Japanese rice balls brushed with miso and soy sauce and fried in butter. With just a few typical Japanese pantry items, you can whip up this tasty snack in no time! They’re perfect for bentos too!
15. Lawson Style “Devil’s Onigiri” Rice Ball
You might wonder what on earth “devil’s onigiri” is. Devil in the food context is a modern Japanese term meaning “guilty pleasure”. Usually, something addictive falls into this category.
This Devil’s Onigiri is a recreation of a popular rice ball sold at the convenience store chain “Lawson”. It’s made with seasoned tempura bits and aonori. So simple yet so good!
16. Tamago Sando
In the mood for breakfast that’s both familiar and exotic? Let me introduce you to Tamago Sando, the Japanese egg sandwich that’s been making waves. This convenience store staple has become a cult favorite
I’ve given this classic a little twist by adding a touch of honey for sweetness and Japanese mustard for a subtle kick. It’s the perfect quick breakfast for those looking for something comforting with a unique Japanese twist.
17. Salmon Flakes
Featured Comment:
“This recipe is so easy to follow and quick! I used it to make a salmon and ikura rice bowl and it was perfect. My family loved it!”
– Erin
Salmon flakes are a great way to start the day. This fluffy, salty topping is a quick and easy way to turn plain rice into a delicious meal.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of Japan to their morning routine.
18. Chicken Miso Soup
Start your day with a bowl of Torijiru, and you’ll never regret it. This chicken miso soup is a game-changer for the Japanese breakfast.
This is a game-changer for anyone who loves miso soup and is looking for a breakfast that’s richer and more satisfying.
19. Zakkoku Mai
Have you ever thought about switching up your plain white rice for something a little more exciting? Let me introduce you to Zakko Mai.
This ten-grain wonder is a great way to add some extra nutrition to your Japanese breakfast!
20. Clam Miso Soup
Craving a breakfast that tastes like the sea? Let me introduce you to Asari Miso Soup.
If you’re looking to expand your Japanese breakfast repertoire beyond the usual fare, this is a great option. No dashi required – the clams do all the talking.
21. Onsen Tamago
Featured Comment:
“I tried this just now and this is the only method I’ve tried that WORKS and didn’t break my straight from the fridge eggs when I added them to the hot water. Thanks so much for sharing! Now I can make perfect onsen tamago everydayyyy”
– yakiimotional (from Instagram)
Onsen Tamago is a classic Japanese breakfast dish found in traditional ryokans. These eggs have a unique flavor and texture, with a semi-set yolk in firm whites.
It’s a great choice for anyone looking to start their day with a touch of Japanese elegance.
22. Sawaniwan Soup
Sawaniwan is the hidden gem of Japanese breakfast soups. This simple, soy-based broth is packed with julienned vegetables and thin strips of pork, making it a great way to start your day.
Take a look at this colorful bowl and find out what Japan’s best-kept breakfast secret is all about.
23. Ozoni
Ozoni is Japan’s classic New Year’s soup. It’s a comforting blend of dashi, vegetables, and chewy mochi that kicks off the year in style.
Get ready to sip your way through a truly authentic experience!
Thank you for these! I like Natto with egg! And I appreciate all the little recipes you included.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for your comment! I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed this post! 🙂
Yuto
I have tried many of these recipes and I just love them.
Thank you so much for trying these recipes, Tom!
Yuto