Pork dishes are quite popular in Japan compared to Western countries, and it is one of the top two meats consumed, along with chicken. Pork is widely used in Chinese-inspired (Chuka) and Western-inspired (Yoshoku) Japanese cuisine, and has always been loved by many.
In this roundup, I will introduce 20+ Japanese pork dishes that I highly recommend!
1. Buta no Shogayaki (Japanese Ginger Pork)
Shogayaki (生姜焼き) is a traditional Japanese dish and is celebrated for its tender slices of pork bathed in a sweet, ginger-infused sauce.
This particular recipe adds a twist with grated apple and honey, enhancing the sauce’s natural sweetness, while garlic adds complexity. Simple to make and ready in 30 minutes, it fills your kitchen with aromatic scents and offers a taste of Japanese comfort food.
The blend of flavors and quick preparation make it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.
2. Authentic Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Yakisoba (焼きそば) is a beloved Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that combines chewy noodles with slices of pork and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy yakisoba sauce.
This authentic recipe captures the essence of street food-style yakisoba, usually found at Japanese festivals, and is designed for easy preparation at home.
Ready in just 15 minutes, experience the joy of creating a festival favorite in your kitchen!
3. Best Tonkatsu (Deep-fried Japanese Pork Cutlet）
Tonkatsu (とんかつ) is a popular Japanese dish that features a crispy, golden pork cutlet with succulent pork loin, coated in a thick layer of panko breadcrumbs.
This recipe enhances traditional tonkatsu with a homemade tonkatsu sauce that adds a unique tangy flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the cutlet. With this recipe, you can make tonkatsu at home, giving you the opportunity to experience a piece of Japanese Teishoku culture in your kitchen.
4. Japanese Style Mapo Tofu (Mabo Dofu)
Mabo Dofu (麻婆豆腐) is a Japanese version of the Chinese dish Mapo Tofu. It is made by combining ground pork and firm tofu in a savory and mildly spicy sauce.
This recipe is easy to prepare and takes just 25 minutes. One of the unique aspects of this recipe is the addition of miso paste, which provides a milder flavor compared to its Chinese version!
5. Authentic Osaka Style Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake)
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) is a delicious Japanese pancake that has a savory taste and is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cabbage and pork. It is topped with a rich okonomi sauce and mayonnaise.
This Osaka-style recipe emphasizes authenticity and uses a homemade batter and a unique sauce blend, offering a more genuine taste experience. Preparing this dish at home is a fun and engaging cooking experience and will remind you of the street food adventures in Japan!
6. Tonjiru (Butajiru) Japanese Pork Miso Soup
Tonjiru (豚汁) is a hearty Japanese soup made with pork and various vegetables, enriched with miso.
This recipe gives a unique touch by using butter for a richer flavor and thicker pork belly slices for a meatier texture. Making Tonjiru at home is a warm and comforting experience, perfect for chilly days.
The rich flavors and variety of ingredients create a fulfilling and nourishing dish that’s a delightful introduction to Japanese home cooking!
7. Katsudon (Japanese Pork Cutlet Bowl)
Katsudon (カツ丼) is a beloved Japanese dish that combines crispy pork cutlets (tonkatsu) with eggs and onions, served over a bowl of rice. This recipe emphasizes the importance of the egg and onion mixture, which complements the tonkatsu.
By following this recipe, you can expect a comforting, fulfilling meal that captures the essence of ultimate Japanese comfort food. The process of cooking and assembling the dish is an enjoyable experience that rewards you with a hearty bowl of Katsudon!
8. Crispy Pork Gyoza (Japanese Pan Fried Dumplings)
Japanese pork gyoza is a delicious dish made from a mixture of ground pork and aromatic ingredients such as green onions and garlic, wrapped in gyoza wrappers and pan-fried.
This recipe is unique as it focuses on creating juicy and flavor-packed gyoza, which is achieved by adding warm water to the filling and using a mixture of lard and sesame oil!
9. Chashu Pork (Braised Pork Belly for Ramen)
Chashu Pork (チャーシュー) is a popular ramen topping that features succulent braised pork belly.
You will learn how to pierce, roll, and simmer the pork, followed by a unique marinating step to infuse deep flavors. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Japanese-style chashu in your own home!
10. Subuta (Japanese Style Sweet And Sour Pork)
Subuta (酢豚) is a delicious Chinese-inspired Japanese dish made with crispy pork belly and vegetables in a homemade sweet and sour sauce. This recipe highlights a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a rich and tangy sauce and perfectly fried pork.
Making Subuta at home is a great experience and a fantastic alternative to ordering take-out!
11. Tonteki (Japanese Pork Chop Steak)
Tonteki (トンテキ) is a delicious Japanese pork steak dish consisting of thick pork chops topped with a savory Worcestershire-based sauce and crispy fried garlic.
The recipe is known for its simplicity and quick preparation time, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.
12. Tantanmen (Tan Tan Ramen)
Tantanmen (担々麺) is a flavorful ramen dish that blends a spicy, nutty broth with seasoned pork and chewy noodles. I developed this recipe with a focus on authenticity and simplicity, aiming to replicate the restaurant-quality taste at home.
This tantanmen recipe is one of my personal favorites!
13. Pork Miso Ramen (Sapporo Style)
Pork Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン) is a delicious, rich, and creamy ramen dish featuring seasoned ground pork, which is different from the traditional chashu pork topping.
I aimed to simplify the recipe while still preserving authentic flavors. This approach results in a fulfilling, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for those who want a quick yet genuine Japanese ramen experience at home. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a quick option for busy days, this recipe is ideal!
14. Butadon Pork Rice Bowl (Tokachi Style)
Tokachi-style Butadon (豚丼) is a comforting rice bowl dish made with pork. It originates from Hokkaido and features pork coated in a soy sauce glaze. I specifically adapted the recipe for home kitchens to help you recreate this delicious dish easily.
This recipe lets you experience the unique flavors of Tokachi in the comfort of your own home. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a quick lunch!
15. Buta no Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork Belly)
“Buta no Kakuni (豚の角煮),” or Japanese Braised Pork Belly, is a rich, savory dish that features tender pork belly slow-cooked in a soy-based sauce. This particular recipe stands out for its addition of lager beer, which I chose to give the dish a unique depth of flavor.
My version of this classic is designed for those who appreciate the traditional taste but are also open to a contemporary twist. Cooking Buta no Kakuni is largely hands-off, yet it requires patience to achieve the melt-in-the-mouth tenderness!
16. Pork Udon Noodle Soup (Butaniku Udon)
Pork Udon Noodle Soup is a comforting, hot soupy noodle dish featuring thin slices of succulent pork belly, sautéed onions, and chewy udon noodles in a tasty dashi broth.
I developed this recipe to highlight the natural sweetness of pork, using white dashi for a light and subtle flavor.
This recipe is a cozy and straightforward lunch dish, blending the umami of pork with the simplicity of udon noodles!
17. Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Goya Champuru (ゴーヤチャンプルー) is a traditional stir-fry dish from Okinawa that is famous for its unique blend of ingredients, including bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and pork belly. This recipe is simple and authentic, staying true to the dish’s origins while being easy to make at home.
If you want to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Okinawan cuisine, this recipe is perfect for you!
18. Pork Shumai (Steamed Pork Dumplings)
Pork Shumai is a Japanese version of Chinese steamed dumplings. It consists of ground pork, aromatic seasonings, and finely chopped vegetables wrapped in thin, square wrappers.
This recipe has gone through multiple trials and adjustments to create an authentic shumai flavor, emphasizing the chunky texture and juiciness of the filling!
19. Nikuman (Japanese Steamed Pork Buns)
Nikuman (肉まん) is a popular Japanese steamed pork bun, similar to the Chinese baozi. The bun has a soft, fluffy texture and is filled with a savory mixture.
Making Nikuman can be a fun experience, especially on chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm and comforting!
20. Curry Flavor Age Gyoza (Deep-Fried)
Curry Age Gyoza is a unique fusion dish that combines Japanese gyoza with the bold flavors of curry. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that stands out with its distinct curry taste.
This recipe is perfect for adventurous food lovers or as a novel treat at gatherings and is sure to impress!
21. Pork Chop Teriyaki with Lemon
Teriyaki is a versatile cooking technique in which fish or meat is grilled and coated with a sauce called tare. It’s made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. I’ve tried this Japanese cooking method with pork chops and replaced sugar with honey to give it a unique flavor. The result is truly delicious!
This time, I created a unique recipe that combines pork chops with teriyaki glaze and lemon. Using the frying method from my Tonteki recipe, the result is delicious! Try it for a refreshing twist on classic flavors.
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