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Home » Recipes » Recipe Collections

15 Japanese Recipe Ideas Using Onion

Published: Jul 24, 2023 by Yuto Omura

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Whether you're an onion-lover or simply a fan of Japanese food who has found themselves with more onions than they know what to do with, here is a collection of delicious Japanese recipes that put those onions to good use!

Japanese onion recipes

Onions might not have a long-standing history in traditional Japanese cuisine. Still, they've become a staple in Yoshoku, which is Western-inspired Japanese cuisine, as well as in contemporary Japanese dishes.

Interestingly, as highlighted in my article on tamanegi, yellow onions are the most common type in Japan. In this article, we'll explore 15 recipe ideas that prominently feature these onions!

1. Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)

Sukiya style Gyudon beef bowl topped with red pickled ginger

Gyudon is a delightful harmony of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a flavorful dashi sauce, served atop a bed of rice. This creates an incredible blend of flavors as the beef absorbs the sauce, seeping into the rice, culminating in a truly delicious meal.

The dish is exclusively prepared with beef, but a pork variation, called "butadon," also exists. Typical toppings include red pickled ginger or "benishoga," green onion, a raw pasteurized egg or yolk, and a dash of "shichimi togarashi," a seven-spice blend, for an extra kick.

Sukiya Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
How to make homemade Sukiya style Japanese Gyudon. Thinly sliced beef cooked in a delicious dashi sauce with simmered onions served over a bed of fluffy Japanese white rice. (Recipe doesn't include cooking rice.)
Check out this recipe →
Sukiya style gyudon beef bowl featured img

2. Katsudon (Deep-fried Pork Cutlet Bowl)

Japanese katsudon served in a blue and white bowl side view

Katsudon, a beloved Japanese classic among both children and adults, is a delicious rice bowl dish crowned with a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet (tonkatsu) and onion, all simmered in a rich soy sauce and kombu dashi broth, then topped with a luscious drizzle of egg.

Regarded as the king of donburi dishes, Katsudon brings a harmonious blend of textures and tastes; Katsudon truly embodies the ultimate comfort dish.

Katsudon (Japanese Pork Cutlet Bowl)
How to make the ultimate donburi dish, Katsudon. Fluffy Japanese white rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, juicy onions and sweet dashi flavoured egg. (Doesn't include rice cooking time)
Check out this recipe →
katsudon featured img

3. Japanese-style Curry and Rice

Japanese Curry Rice

Japanese curry rice, or "kare raisu," is undoubtedly a beloved staple in Japan, savored at home, in restaurants, diners, and takeaways. This comforting dish is a breeze to prepare, particularly with the help of a premade roux. However, we aim to elevate your curry game from merely tasty to absolutely stellar, and this post will unveil secret tips and ingredients to craft the finest curry you've ever prepared.

In addition to the recipe using commercial curry roux, there are also homemade roux, beef curry from scratch, curry udon, and chicken katsu curry!

Japanese Curry Using Roux Cubes (Including Lots of Secret Tips)
How to make the ultimate Japanese Curry at home using roux cubes (recipe includes a few of my favourite secret ingredients to add depth of flavour and complexity).
Check out this recipe →
Japanese curry using roux thumbnail

4. Nikujaga (Japanese maet and potato stew)

Japanese Nikujaga Meat and Potato Stew with ingredients and cooking pot

Nikujaga is a classic Japanese one-pot dish that offers a comforting blend of thinly sliced meat and chunky vegetables simmered in a flavorful Japanese-style broth. Its name, "nikujaga," marries "niku" or meat, and "jagaimo," or potato, captures the essence of this humble yet delicious dish.

Though its ingredients might hint at a Western-style stew, the unique Japanese broth infuses the dish with an unmistakable Eastern character. Loved for its versatility, Nikujaga can star as a main course served with freshly cooked Japanese rice or complement grilled fish, miso soup, and pickles as a side.

Authentic Nikujaga (Japanese Meat and Potato Stew)
How to make warming and homely Japanese style meat and potato stew "nikujaga". Tender, thinly sliced meat, potatoes and vegetables simmered in a delicious Japanese-style broth.
Check out this recipe →
nikujaga thumbnail

5. Beef Udon Noodles Soup (Niku Udon)

cropped-beef-niku-udon-1.jpg

Niku Udon, translating to "meat udon," is a heartwarming dish featuring udon noodles in a hot dashi broth, topped with thin slices of beef or pork and onions. The choice of meat largely depends on regional preferences in Japan. While the Kanto region in the East often opts for pork, the Kansai region in the West leans towards beef.

Both variations bring their unique nuances to the dish. While the pork version carries its distinct flavor, beef udon offers a richer, meatier experience with a touch of elegance. Regardless of the choice of meat, Niku Udon serves up a comforting bowl of umami-rich goodness that's sure to satisfy.

Beef Udon Noodles Soup (Niku Udon)
How to make flavourful Japanese Beef Niku Udon with thick udon noodles served in a rich and meaty dashi broth, topped with tender marinated beef and juicy sautéed onions.
Check out this recipe →
beef niku udon thumbnail

6. Buta Yasai Itame (Japanese Pork and Vegetable Stir fry)

Japanese pork and vegetable stir fry (Buta Yasai Itame)

Yasai Itame, commonly known as "vegetable stir fry," is a delightful Japanese dish that combines a colorful medley of vegetables with tender meat. Although it's formally referred to as "niku no yasai itame," translating to meat and vegetable stir fry, the spotlight is truly on the vegetables.

Often, thinly sliced pork is used to enhance the dish's flavors. However, the meat component is flexible as it is not the star of the show. You can easily substitute it with another protein or omit it altogether, making Yasai Itame a versatile dish catering to varying dietary preferences and needs.

Buta Yasai Itame (Japanese pork and vegetable stir fry)
How to make fragrant and delicious Japanese stir fry dish "Buta Yasai Itame" (pork and vegetable stir fry).
Check out this recipe →
Buta yasai itame featured img

7. Nagasaki Champon Ramen Noodles

Ringer Hut Style Nagasaki Champon served in a white and red ramen bowl made with pork, shrimps and vegetables in a rich milky broth

Nagasaki Champon, the soul food of Nagasaki City in Kyushu, Japan, sets itself apart from other ramen dishes with its diversity of ingredients. Including pork, seafood, and various vegetables, this dish strikes a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrition.

Served in a chicken or pork-based broth, Champon presents a colorful, soupy noodle dish topped with an array of sautéed ingredients. Its roots trace back to Fujian Province in China, inspired by the dish "tonniishiimen," embedding a rich cultural heritage in every bowl.

Nagasaki Champon Ramen Noodles (Ringer Hut Style)
How to make vibrant, colourful and delicious Ringer Hut Style Nagasaki Champon Noodles with thinly sliced pork, juicy shrimps and crunchy vegetables in a rich, milky broth.
Check out this recipe →
Ringer Hut Style Nagasaki Champon served in a white and red ramen bowl made with pork, shrimps and vegetables in a rich milky broth

8. Crab Cream Croquette (Kani Kurimu Korokke)

kani cream croquette on a white plate with salad and homemade sauce

A luxurious variant of Japanese croquette, the Crab Cream Croquette or Kani Cream Korokke, deviates from the traditional potato base, replacing it with a creamy béchamel sauce enriched with crab meat and onions. Crab, a winter delicacy, pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, enhancing the dish's richness. You can opt for fresh or canned crab as per preference.

In addition to crab cream croquettes, there are also recipes for korokke made with potatoes and ground meat and pumpkin variation!

Crab Cream Croquette (Kani Kurimu Korokke)
How to make delicious Japanese creamy crab croquette (kani kurimi korokke / カニクリームコロッケ)
Check out this recipe →
kani kurimu korokke thumbnail

9. Seafood Doria (Japanese Rice Gratin)

Japanese seafood doria

Seafood Doria is a comfort dish that's oven-baked, featuring succulent shrimp and seasoned rice beneath a velvety homemade béchamel sauce, finished with a layer of melted cheese. Each layer of this dish offers a burst of flavor, combining to create a sumptuous dining experience.

I also have a copycat recipe for Milano Doria, a signature dish of the popular Japanese family restaurant "Saizeriya."

Seafood Doria (Japanese Rice Gratin)
How to make Japanese-style seafood rice gratin with shrimp and vegetable pilaf topped with homemade béchamel sauce and melted cheese.
Check out this recipe →
seafood doria thumbnail

10. Beef Hayashi Rice

Japanese beef hayashi rice with garlic butter rice topped with fresh parsley

Hayashi Rice is a popular Western-inspired Japanese dish. It's a flavorful medley of tender, thin-sliced beef, soft onions, crunchy bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms simmered in a tasty demi-glace-like sauce.

Often found in yoshoku restaurants in Japan, it's also typically made at home using store-bought roux cubes. While traditionally served with rice, as suggested by its name, Hayashi Rice can also be paired with bread or mashed potatoes.

Beef Hayashi Rice (without roux packet)
How to make rich and tasty Japanese Style Beef Hayashi Rice. Tender beef simmered in a tangy sauce with bell peppers, button mushrooms and softened onions served next to fragrant garlic butter rice. 
Check out this recipe →
Japanese beef hayashi rice with garlic butter rice topped with fresh parsley

11. Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Chicken (Tori Kurozu An)

Ootoya style tori to yasai no kurozu an (Japanese black vinegar sweet and sour chicken and vegetables) on a blue plate

Ootoya is a renowned Japanese restaurant chain known for its comforting home-style dishes. One of its standout dishes is the "Tori to Yasai no Kurozuankake," or "Sweet and Sour Chicken and Vegetables with Black Vinegar."

The dish's key component is Kurozu Ankake, a unique sweet and sour sauce made with black vinegar. This aged rice vinegar, characterized by its dark hue and mild flavor, closely resembles balsamic vinegar but is slightly less sweet. While premade Kurozu Ankake is readily available in stores in Japan, this recipe takes you through the fulfilling process of creating it from scratch.

Ootoya's Black Vinegar Sweet and Sour Chicken (Tori Kurozu An)
Learn how to make one of Ootoya's most popular dishes, "Tori to Yasai no Kurozuan". Delicious fried chicken with crunchy vegetables in a sweet and sour black vinegar sauce.
Check out this recipe →
Japanese black vinegar chicken and vegetables (Ootoya style tori to yasai no kurozu an) on a blue plate

12. "Subuta" Sweet And Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork "Subuta"

Subuta, the Japanese version of sweet and sour pork, is a beloved classic in many households. It features tender fried pork and crispy vegetables in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy sauce.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the use of easily accessible ingredients, making it a great homemade meal option.

"Subuta" Sweet And Sour Pork (酢豚)
How to make "Subuta" sweet and sour pork  (酢豚) Lightly coated pork and crunchy vegetables served in a sweet and tangy homemade sauce.
Check out this recipe →
subuta thumbnail

13. Jingisukan (Hokkaido-style Lamb BBQ)

Hokkaido Style Lamb BBQ "Jingisukan" with a fruity homemade sauce

Jingisukan, a specialty from Hokkaido, features lamb either raw or marinated, grilled alongside vegetables like onions, bean sprouts, peppers, and carrots on a distinctive pan.

This dish is widely enjoyed throughout Hokkaido and served in jingisukan restaurants across Japan. Paired with a homemade dipping sauce, rice, and possibly a refreshing Sapporo beer, it's a treat.

Jingisukan (Hokkaido style lamb BBQ)
How to make Hokkaido style lamb BBQ "Jingisukan" with crunchy vegetables and my own homemade fruity sauce.
Check out this recipe →
Hokkaido Style Lamb BBQ "Jingisukan" with a fruity homemade sauce

14. Chicken Yaki Udon

Chicken yaki udon served on a white plate, drizzled with Japanese mayo and topped with spring onions

Yaki udon is a Japanese stir fry featuring thick udon noodles. There's a lot of room for creativity with yaki udon, allowing you to experiment with different meats, vegetables, and sauces.

In my recipe, I highlight the flavors of soy sauce, butter, and garlic. It's a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish! Another recipe for lemon seafood yaki udon is also available!

Chicken Yaki Udon (Garlic & Butter Soy Sauce Fried Noodles)
How to make delicious, quick and easy Japanese Yaki Udon with tender chicken breast cooked in fragrant garlic butter, then stir fried with fresh vegetables, thick chewy udon noodles and soy sauce.
Check out this recipe →
Chicken yaki udon thumbnail

15. Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl "oyakodon"

Oyakodon is a rice bowl with pan-fried chicken, succulent onions and fluffy egg flavored with dashi and other Japanese condiments. The name is a nod to the chicken and egg used in the dish. This humble yet flavor-packed dish is believed to have been created during the Meiji period (1868-1912), making it one of the oldest donburi recipes.

The exact origin remains unknown, but it likely originated in Tokyo or Osaka. Regardless of its origin, its simplicity and satisfying flavors have made it a popular choice in Japan and beyond.

Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)
How to make classic Japanese "Oyakodon" chicken and egg rice bowl with fluffy Japanese white rice topped with pan-fried chicken thigh, simmered onions and silky egg. (Recipe doesn't include cooking rice).
Check out this recipe →
Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl "oyakodon"
Featured image Japanese onion recipes

15 Japanese Recipe Ideas Using Onion

Yuto Omura
A collection of some of the best and most popular Japanese recipes using onions (tamanegi)!
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Japanese

Ingredients
  

  • Gyudon - Japanese beef bowl
  • Katsudon - Deep-fried pork cutlet bowl
  • Japanese curry using roux cubes
  • Nikujaga - Japanese meat and potato stew
  • Beef niku udon
  • Buta no yasai itame - Japanese pork and vegetable stir fry
  • Nagasaki champon ramen noodles
  • Crab cream croquette
  • Seafood doria
  • Beef hayashi rice
  • Black vinegar sweet and sour chicken
  • Subuta - Sweet and sour pork
  • Jingisukan - Hokkaido-style lamb BBQ
  • Chicken yaki udon
  • Oyakodon
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  • Select recipes you want to try from the list above.
  • See the detailed instruction in each post.
  • Enjoy the recipe using onion for your lunch or dinner!
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