Japan has a long history of a pescatarian diet, up until 1871 when the meat ban was lifted. These 25 recipes are great examples of how our ancestors built up a lot of wisdom and experience about all kinds of fish and seafood over the years.
1. Unagi Donburi (Grilled Eel Rice Bowl)
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“Loving this. This is the most comprehensive and step by step instruction for Unagi kabayashi. Loving it Ummm yummy”
– Francis
Grilled eel over rice might sound simple, but unagi donburi is a flavor explosion. This iconic Japanese dish features succulent eel glazed with a sweet, sticky sauce!
It’s the ideal recipe for home cooks looking to recreate a high-end Japanese delicacy. While it’s not common to make eel from scratch in Japan, the results are well worth the effort. Ready to wow your foodie friends with your skills?
2. Saba no Shioyaki (Grilled Mackerel)
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“I just made this, thank you! Marinate the fish in sake gives them extra oomph factor, nice!”
– Mentari
Have you ever wanted a dish that’s both simple and amazing? Saba no shioyaki might be your new favorite. This traditional Japanese recipe transforms mackerel with just a touch of salt and some precise grilling.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. Saba no shioyaki is a great example of Japanese fish cuisine—it’s got a few simple ingredients but a lot of flavor. If you’re looking to try something new with seafood, this is a great place to start.
3. Miso Glazed Salmon
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“Really love your recipes and especially this miso salmon. It’s a household favourite! Thank you so much :)”
– Kelly
Looking for a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make? Miso-glazed salmon is the answer. This recipe coats tender salmon in a rich, umami-packed sauce that’ll delight your taste buds. The best part? It’s all done in one pan.
It’s the ideal weeknight meal for busy professionals who want to level up their dinner game without all the fuss. If you’re ready to dip your toes into Japanese cuisine, this foolproof recipe is your ticket.
4. Sakana no Nitsuke
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“I made it with salmon, because that’s my family’s favorite fish. It was excellent. Will be making it again soon.”
– Sam
Sakana no nitsuke is a classic Japanese dish that’ll take you straight to a cozy Japanese home kitchen. It simmers fish in a sweet-savory broth, creating a flavor explosion that’s perfect with a steaming bowl of rice and a side of miso soup.
What’s the secret? This cooking method was originally developed to preserve fish, making it tender and covering up strong odors. I’ve simplified the recipe without losing its essence, making it easy for home cooks craving authentic Japanese flavors!
5. Tekkamaki
Ever wondered about the secret history behind your favorite sushi? Tekka maki, that classic tuna roll, has a past as rich as its flavor. It was born in gambling halls of Meiji-era Japan, where it became the go-to snack for high-rollers.
I learned the art of sushi-making from an 80-year-old Tokyo chef, and now I’m sharing those pro tips with you!
6. Shiozake
Are you looking for a simple yet exotic breakfast option? Try shiozake, a traditional Japanese morning meal. This salted, grilled salmon is packed with flavor and will delight your taste buds at the start of the day. Pair it with steaming rice, miso soup, and pickles for a complete experience.
I’ll show you how to salt the salmon from scratch. It’s a taste of authentic Japan that fits perfectly into the Japanese Fish Recipes theme.
7. Teriyaki Salmon
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“I have tried so many different teriyaki recipes and this one was 1000000/10! So delicious, simple and fast. Ticks all the boxes. Cant wait to try it with tofu, chicken and other proteins. Thank you for sharing it with us ♥”
– @sanctuarysight4181 (from YouTube)
On the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish with a Japanese twist? Look no further than teriyaki salmon. This tasty combination of teriyaki and salmon is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s not just a sauce — it’s a cooking method that creates a glossy, flavor-packed glaze.
My version puts a creative spin on tradition. I’ve transformed this classic into a one-plate wonder, pairing the teriyaki-glazed salmon with butter-sautéed veggies over rice. It’s a great way to try Japanese fish recipes if you’re looking for something new but still want to enjoy flavors you know and love!
8. Temaki Sushi
Ever thought about making sushi at home? Temaki sushi is a great place to start. This hand-rolled dish lets you get creative, wrapping nori cones with sushi rice and an array of fresh fillings. It’s a fun, flexible meal, perfect for casual dinner parties or family night.
I’ve packed this guide with pro tips, from perfecting sushi rice to mastering the cone-rolling technique. You’ll find lots of filling ideas to satisfy every palate.
9. Hitsumabushi
Ready to level up your eel game? Meet hitsumabushi, Nagoya’s answer to unagi donburi. This dish takes grilled eel to a whole new level, chopping it finely and mixing it with rice in a special sauce.
What makes this so special? Its one-of-a-kind serving style in a wooden container, a nod to its innovative origins. Hitsumabushi captures the essence of Japanese fish cuisine, showcasing regional creativity.
10. Sashimi Salad
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“I tried this and mixed it with some sashimi I got from 99 Ranch here in Los Angeles. So delish! I was surprised how rich and tempting the dressing tasted!”
– Esther
If you’re craving sushi but short on time, sashimi salad is a great option. This quick dish combines crisp vegetables with buttery slices of raw fish, all jazzed up with a zingy wafu dressing.
The star of the show is a 30-second soy-based dressing! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of sesame oil that ties everything together. This salad is a fresh take on Japanese fish cuisine, ideal for health-conscious foodies looking to mix up their lunch routine.
11. Ponzu Salmon
If you’re craving teriyaki but want something with a bit more zing, try ponzu salmon! This dish takes pan-fried salmon and dresses it up in a citrusy ponzu glaze.
I’ve given this fusion creation a Western spin by plating it with mixed grain rice and sautéed vegetables, so it’s a complete meal!
12. Temari Sushi
Temari sushi is a delicious way to elevate traditional sushi into something more visually appealing. These bite-sized rice balls, adorned with vibrant toppings, are not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes. Legend has it that they were originally created for geisha apprentices to nibble elegantly without smudging their lipstick.
You don’t need to be a professional chef to create these impressive-looking bites. I’ve included tips for perfect sushi rice and a gallery of eye-catching variations. It’s a perfect dish for home cooks looking to impress at their next dinner party!
13. Miso Mackerel
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“I made this as directed and it came out awesome. One of my fave comfort foods, now I know how to cook it myself. Mahalo!”
– Ma’ata
Saba no Misoni is a great Japanese family favorite. Its perfect balance of rich umami and comforting familiarity makes it a perfect match for any meal.
This version of miso-simmered mackerel is all about the bold, rice-friendly seasoning. The mix of ginger, awase miso, and sake makes for a deeply satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy professionals craving a taste of Japan.
14. Chirashi Sushi
If you’re looking for a sushi dish that’s perfect for gatherings, then chirashizushi is the one for you. This vibrant dish is made up of an array of seafood, vegetables, and egg on a bed of seasoned sushi rice.
I’ve put together this recipe to bring out the best of the party spirit. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add a splash of color and flavor, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to impress. It’s perfect for those who love the flavors of sushi but prefer a more relaxed, deconstructed approach.
15. Teriyaki Yellowtail
Did you know that teriyaki yellowtail is more popular in Japan than chicken as a home-cooked meal? This classic dish is all about the perfect marriage of buttery yellowtail and a glossy soy-based glaze.
I’m all about honoring traditions while keeping things fresh. This recipe gets the balance just right, enhancing the fish’s natural taste without overpowering it.
16. Salmon Rice Balls
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“SO yummy! I made them in the morning so I could have a quick and easy lunch this afternoon. I couldn’t help but eat the small one right away 😂 One of my favorite Japanese dishes ❤️🇯🇵🍙”
– Cat (from Pinterest)
Salmon onigiri is a classic Japanese snack, and this recipe puts a gourmet spin on it. Imagine succulent salmon fillets sautéed in butter and soy sauce, with the richness of the salmon complementing the simplicity of the rice.
If you’re looking for a snack that’s familiar but with an unexpected twist, this butter soy sauce salmon onigiri is perfect!
17. Tekka Don
Tekka-don, a popular dish featuring sushi-grade tuna on vinegared rice, is a great example of this tradition. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that shows off the pure taste of fresh fish.
This version of tekka-don takes the classic and makes it better with a homemade marinade, which makes the lean akami tuna taste even more delicious. It’s a great place to start for anyone who’s curious about raw fish preparations!
18. Teriyaki Cod
Teriyaki cod is a tasty take on a traditional Japanese dish. I’ve given it a makeover to show off the subtle flavors of cod while keeping it authentic. The result is a delicious bite-sized fish in a rich, caramelized sauce.
By cutting the cod into small pieces and giving them a light coating of starch, I’ve made sure they’ll hold up to cooking!
19. Kaisen Don
Picture this: a bowl of oceanic treasures, nestled on top of fluffy white rice. That’s kaisendon, a Japanese seafood medley that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. From silky tuna to briny sea urchin, each bite offers a taste of the sea’s bounty.
My version of this dish is all about the versatility, so you can put together your perfect combination. It’s a great way to get to know Japan’s amazing seafood, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves trying new flavors.
20. Salmon Ochazuke
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“It was delicious and so easy to make. It tastes just like the delicious homemade ochazuke I had at a restaurant in Japan. Thank you!”
– Tran
Ochazuke is the ultimate comfort food, combining the simplicity of tea-soaked rice with the richness of salmon. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Japanese cuisine: subtle flavors, mindful preparation, and a deep respect for ingredients.
I’ve put this recipe together with busy professionals in mind. It’s a quick, tasty meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor for convenience. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
21. Salmon Donburi
Featured Comment:
“Very good recipe! The sauce has good flavor! Thank you for sharing your recipe. I didn’t have cucumbers and it was still yummy! This is a keeper for sure!”
– Shel
Salmon don is my go-to for effortless elegance. This dish pairs buttery sashimi-grade salmon with fluffy rice, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.
The star of this recipe is a special marinade that brings everything together. It’s a great example of how Japanese cuisine can take simple ingredients and make something amazing!
22. Sanma no Shioyaki
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“Pretty good! Cooked very well. Ate the whole fish, but the head was a little scaley in texture. Everyone saw I had eaten the head, and they gave me theirs to consume. Haha!”
– Richard S Ishikawa
Sanma shioyaki is a taste of Japanese autumn right on your plate. This Pacific saury, grilled with just salt, shows off the fish’s natural oily richness and subtle flavor. I’ve got a simple, foolproof way to clean and grill sanma at home, making this seasonal delicacy easier to enjoy.
It’s a great way to try traditional Japanese fish preparation!
23. Negitoro Don
Negitoro don takes less-prized tuna cuts and turns them into a luxurious bowl of minced raw fish on top of rice. My version adds a little something extra: I’ve incorporated salmon for extra richness and a pop of color.
It’s a great way to try raw fish for those who are new to sashimi.
24. Buri Daikon
Buri daikon is a winter comfort food. This classic Japanese dish combines tender yellowtail with mild daikon radish, all simmered in a rich soy-based broth. I’ve made the recipe easier to follow by adding a blanching technique to tame the fish’s robust flavor and pre-cooking the daikon for efficiency.
My version stays true to its home-style roots while making it easy for modern cooks to use. It’s a great way to get started with cooked Japanese fish dishes, showing how the cuisine can balance flavors so well!
25. Maguro Zuke Don
Maguro zuke don takes the humble tuna bowl to a whole new level. This dish features sashimi-grade tuna marinated in a perfectly balanced sauce, then nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice.
My version focuses on an easy-to-make yet flavor-packed marinade, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own kitchen!
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