Looking to add a dash of excitement to your midday meals? In this roundup, I have collected authentic, easy, and quick-to-make Japanese recipes that I especially crave for lunch. Enjoy these 20 quick & easy Japanese lunch recipes!
1. Authentic Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Yakisoba is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that combines chewy noodles, pork, and vegetables in a tangy sauce. Ready in 15 minutes, this yakisoba recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch and offers a taste of Japanese street food.
2. Chicken Yaki Udon (Garlic & Butter Soy Sauce Fried Noodles)
Yaki Udon is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish consisting of thick udon noodles. I used chicken breast and a mix of vegetables, all stir-fried in a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and soy sauce.
I initially considered using mayonnaise as a base but later opted to enhance the dish with a combination of soy sauce, butter, and garlic, resulting in a quick and tasty meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
3. Okinawa Taco Rice And Cheese
Okinawa Taco Rice is a delicious fusion dish from Okinawa that blends Japanese and Tex-Mex cuisines. The dish consists of Japanese white rice topped with taco-style ground beef, salad, tortilla chips, and a soft-boiled egg.
I aimed to create a visually appealing and tasty dish that is easy to replicate in a café setting. This taco rice recipe is perfect for lunch, satisfying the eyes and the palate with its vibrant colors and rich flavors.
4. Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
Gyudon is a well-known Japanese beef bowl composed of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over rice.
It’s perfect for those who are interested in enjoying the taste of Japanese fast food in the comfort of their own home!
5. Tonteki (Japanese Pork Chop Steak)
Tonteki is a delicious Japanese pork steak dish with thick and juicy pork chops topped with a rich Worcestershire-based sauce. The recipe is simple and quick, taking only 20 minutes to make.
It is a perfect one-pan meal for those who are looking for a quick yet satisfying lunch or dinner that combines the juiciness of pork with a tasty, easy to make sauce.
6. Chahan (Ramen Restaurant Style Fried Rice)
Chahan is a delicious fried rice dish that combines rice with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce.
This recipe includes ingredients such as pork chashu, kamaboko fishcake, egg, and green onion. Secret ingredients like lard and chashu marinade are used to deepen the flavor. Japanese Chahan is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a speedy and satisfying meal using leftovers.
7. Pan Fried Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
This recipe for Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon is a wonderful dish that brings together the delicious flavors of salmon with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients, making it an excellent option for a quick and delicious lunch!
8. Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi (Rice Bowl)
This Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi is a comforting rice bowl dish that can be prepared in 25 minutes. It features pan-fried chicken thigh, which is cooked in a garlic-infused teriyaki sauce and served over white rice.
I have integrated grated garlic into the sauce to enhance the teriyaki glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch!
9. Tantanmen (Tan Tan Ramen)
Tantanmen is a Japanese take on the classic Szechuan dish, Dandan noodles. This recipe aims to recreate the rich, spicy, and savory flavors of a restaurant-quality meal at home in 15 minutes.
It uses a blend of ground pork, sesame paste, and a mix of seasoning and sauces to achieve an authentic taste. This dish is perfect for a quick and delightful lunch, offering a rich and satisfying experience.
10. Yakiniku Don
Yakiniku Don is a delicious Japanese beef bowl dish that features BBQ-style thinly sliced beef, and a homemade yakiniku sauce served over rice.
The recipe is designed to be simple and quick, making it an ideal option for a satisfying lunch. By using a practical, home-cooked format, this dish captures the essence of yakiniku flavor!
11. Pork Miso Ramen (Sapporo Style)
This Pork Miso Ramen recipe is a delightful and hearty meal that embodies the essence of Sapporo-style ramen. It features a rich miso-based broth, tender pork, and satisfying noodles.
I especially put a unique spin on this traditional dish by incorporating peanut butter to add creaminess and depth. This recipe is perfect for a quick and restaurant-worthy lunch!
12. Chilled Udon with Assorted Toppings
This is a popular Japanese udon dish that is simple yet versatile. It consists of thick udon noodles served in a hearty sauce, topped with various ingredients, and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
I aimed to capture authentic flavors in a straightforward manner, with the sauce taking less than five minutes to make. The dish can be customized with different toppings according to one’s preferences, and its ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for a quick and refreshing meal!
13. Niku Yasai Itame (Japanese Vegetable Stir Fry with Pork)
Buta Yasai Itame is a delicious Japanese stir-fry dish prepared with pork and a variety of vegetables. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and quick preparation, making it a great option for a quick meal.
I seeked a balance between convenience and taste, ensuring that it can be easily incorporated into busy schedules. It is perfect for a quick and nourishing lunch!
14. Taiwan Mazesoba (Nagoya’s Spicy Brothless Ramen)
Taiwan Mazesoba is a popular noodle dish renowned for its rich flavors and varied textures from Nagoya. It is a soupless ramen, meaning it is served in a sauce rather than a soup.
The recipe emphasizes the importance of balancing the spicy, savory, and umami flavors to create a satisfying meal. Taiwan Mazesoba is perfect for a hearty lunch, offering a unique taste experience.
15. Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Goya Champuru is a traditional stir-fry dish from Okinawa that combines bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and pork, creating a perfect blend of unique flavors. I made this recipe simple and authentic, honoring the dish’s roots while making it easy to prepare at home.
Goya Champuru is an excellent option for a quick meal that provides both simplicity and satisfaction.
16. Easy Okayu with Egg (Japanese Rice Porridge)
“Okayu” is a Japanese rice porridge that offers a soothing and comforting meal. This recipe is simple and has gentle flavors of egg, dashi and rice, making it an ideal choice for a quick, easy, and nourishing lunch.
It is perfect for days when you crave something warm and satisfying. This dish provides a taste of traditional Japanese comfort food.
17. Miso Glazed Salmon (Pan-fried)
Miso Glazed Salmon is a popular Japanese dish that involves coating salmon fillets in a delicious miso sauce. This savory-sweet sauce lends the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.
The recipe is easy to make and quick to cook, making it an ideal quick and delicious lunch option.
18. Easy and Delicious Ponzu Chicken
Ponzu Chicken is an easy and delicious dish that combines crispy chicken thighs with a homemade tangy ponzu sauce. Unlike the common sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, this recipe stands out for its unique and bold sour kick.
The recipe is accessible, yet carefully developed to maximize the crispiness of the chicken skin and the flavor of the sauce. This dish offers a refreshing change from the usual chicken dishes and is perfect for a quick, yet delicious lunch!
19. Teriyaki Tofu Donburi (Vegan Rice Bowl)
Teriyaki Tofu Donburi is a Japanese-style vegan rice bowl with crispy tofu glazed in homemade teriyaki mixture. It’s served over steamed rice with green onions, bell peppers, and chili oil.
The quick and easy recipe emphasizes texture and nutrition through sautéed vegetables. It’s a fusion of traditional Japanese cooking and modern plant-based ingredients, perfect for a quick lunch!
20. Chicken Udon Noodle Soup (Tori Nanban Udon)
Chicken Udon Noodle Soup, also known as Tori Nanban Udon, is a comforting Japanese dish of succulent chicken thigh pieces, charred leeks, and twice-fried tofu pouches, served over chewy udon noodles in a rich dashi broth.
It’s straightforward to prepare, emphasizing the warmth and simplicity of the dish, and is ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch!
Leave a rating and a comment