Japanese cuisine has a long and rich history, evolving over centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times when agriculture flourished, introducing staples like rice, beans, and vegetables. Alongside farming, hunting and fishing played an important role in shaping early Japanese diets.
The Middle Ages saw some big changes, including the introduction of Buddhism. This led to the development of shojin ryori, a sophisticated vegan cuisine that emphasized balance and seasonality.
In the next period, Japanese cuisine moved towards more fish and seafood dishes. This was also when some of the most important seasonings were invented, like sake, miso, and soy sauce.
In the modern era, the legalization of meat consumption opened up new possibilities, while influences from Chinese, French, and other Western cuisines broadened the Japanese gastronomic landscape.
While the term “traditional” can encompass various eras of Japanese culinary history, this article focuses on 30 classic, timeless recipes that are staples in Japanese households. These dishes represent the heart of Japanese home cooking, offering a glimpse into the everyday meals that have sustained families for generations.
1. Perfectly Cooked Rice
Japanese rice is the foundation of any classic Japanese cuisine. It has a unique texture and flavor that goes well with a lot of different dishes. Its sticky nature and subtle sweetness make it perfect for sushi, onigiri, and other Japanese staples.
While white rice is still a mainstay, multi-grain varieties like zakkoku-mai have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This shift reflects a growing interest in diverse textures and nutritional profiles among Japanese families.
2. Nikujaga
Nikujaga is the ultimate comfort food in Japanese cuisine. This hearty stew brings together tender beef, velvety potatoes, and sweet carrots in a savory-sweet broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that’ll take you straight to a cozy Japanese kitchen.
I’ve given this homestyle favorite a subtle twist to make it even more delicious. The umami-rich soy sauce and mirin are the perfect balance, while my technique ensures the vegetables soak up every bit of goodness.
3. 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 takes humble mackerel and turns it into a flavor powerhouse. This traditional dish simmers the fish in a bold miso broth, infused with ginger’s zing and the sweet notes of sake and mirin. My version cranks up the umami, creating a perfect foil for plain rice.
This is the perfect weeknight meal for busy professionals. Just one bite of this deliciously savory fish with fluffy white rice will show you why it’s a Japanese home cooking staple.
4. Oyakodon
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“Best oyakodon recipe hands down. I’ve been scouring the internet for different kinds of oyakodon recipe. But this really recipe stands above the rest.”
– Joel
Oyakodon is the ultimate Japanese comfort food in a bowl. This “parent and child” dish brings together tender chicken and silky eggs, simmered in a savory-sweet dashi broth. My version gets that perfect balance of flavors you’d find in a top-notch restaurant.
I’ve been working on creating that irresistible, custardy texture where the egg gently cradles the chicken and onions. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’ll take you straight to a cozy diner in Japan.
5. Japanese Potato Salad
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“I can’t even count the number of times I’ve made this recipe, and it never, ever gets boring. The only real change I make is to add tinned sweet corn to it.”
– Philippe
Japanese Potato Salad is a creamy, tangy twist on the classic. This version blends velvety potatoes with crisp vegetables, all bound in a zesty-sweet mayo dressing. I’ve given it a little something extra with smoky bacon and tangy parmesan, adding a bit of crunch and depth to this much-loved side dish.
If you’re an adventurous home cook looking to try something new beyond sushi and ramen, this is a great place to start. Pair it with a cold drink, and you’ve got the perfect way to kick off a relaxed evening with friends.
6. 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 transforms humble fish into a flavor-packed family favorite. This traditional Japanese dish simmers fish in a sweet-savory broth of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. My version streamlines the process, making it easy to recreate this authentic taste at home.
It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy professionals craving a taste of Japan. Serve it with steaming rice and miso soup for an instant transport to Japan.
7. Pork Miso Ramen
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“This ramen recipe was so good! It was easy to make, too. The miso got it close to tasting like my favorite local restaurant ramen. I’ll definitely be making it this way from now on.”
– Misty
Miso Ramen is Sapporo’s pride and joy, a warming bowl of umami-rich goodness. My 15-minute version captures the essence of this Hokkaido classic, featuring a savory miso broth and springy noodles. I’ve swapped traditional chashu for seasoned ground pork, adding a creamy twist with a dollop of peanut butter.
This shortcut ramen doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy food lovers craving authentic Japanese flavors without the fuss.
8. Buta no Shogayaki
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“Cooked this tonight. Reminded me of Japanese meals in better times!”
– Andy Mc
Shogayaki is a sizzling sensation of ginger-infused pork. This Japanese comfort food balances savory and zingy flavors, with thin pork slices bathed in a fragrant ginger sauce. My twist? I’ve added grated apple and honey for a subtle sweetness, plus a punch of garlic for depth.
Trust me, this dish might just become your new weeknight hero – it’s certainly one of mine!
9. Miso Soup
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“Soooo yummy, even when I cheated and used instant dashi stock!”
– danielle (from Pinterest)
Miso soup is the backbone of Japanese cuisine, a comforting staple that graces every meal. This umami-rich broth, infused with fermented soybean paste, cradles a medley of tender tofu and crisp vegetables.
It’s the perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore Japanese cuisine at home!
10. Tonjiru
Tonjiru is the heavyweight champion of miso soups. This hearty pork and vegetable stew packs a flavorful punch, with tender pork belly swimming in a rich, umami-rich broth.
It’s the ultimate comfort food for cold nights. Forget delicate side dishes-this hearty soup is a meal in itself! I also have a recipe for chicken miso soup as well!
11. Gyudon
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“While visiting Japan with my partner last year, sukiya became a breakfast staple for us, upon returning to Australia the lack of a good gyudon became depressingly clear.. then I discovered this recipe. it is almost a perfect recreation. you are a god among men, thank you so much.”
– Callum
Gyudon is Japan’s fast-food royalty, a savory symphony of tender beef and sweet onions. This one-bowl wonder simmers in a rich dashi broth before cascading over a bed of steaming rice. My version channels the iconic Sukiya flavor, perfected through countless taste tests and tweaks.
It’s the perfect comfort food for busy nights when you crave something hearty and homemade. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine and want to recreate authentic flavors at home!
12. Yakisoba
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“We tried this recipe last night because it has been a hot minute since my boyfriend and I have had a good yakisoba and I have to say, everything about it was fantastic! For sure a new favorite in our home. Thank you for sharing this!”
– Ashley
Yakisoba is the Japanese version of Chinese chow mein. The noodles are springy, the pork tender, and the veggies crisp. All of this is coated in a homemade tangy-sweet sauce that’ll make you ditch the bottled stuff forever.
My version nails that authentic festival flavor, bringing the lively atmosphere of a Japanese matsuri to your kitchen. I also have a recipe for a lemon-flavored version with seafood!
13. Niku Udon
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“Great recipe and walkthrough, tried this many times with diffrent meat and it tastd great with all.”
– Karl-Henrik
Niku Udon is a hearty, satisfying bowl of noodles. Thick, chewy noodles swim in a rich dashi broth, topped with tender slices of beef and sweet onions.
One bowl, and you’ll understand why udon has been warming Japanese hearts for centuries.
14. Teriyaki Chicken
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“Finally, the perfect teriyaki recipe! It’s AUTHENTIC, simple teriyaki without any extraneous ingredients and with the perfect ratio. It’s absolutely delicious! Thank you so much, we’ve made this many times now and love it.”
– Laura
Teriyaki Chicken is a global icon of Japanese cuisine, second only to sushi. My version stays true to its roots, without using marinades. Instead, I use the authentic “teriyaki method,” which creates a glossy, caramelized glaze during cooking.
The result is juicy chicken thighs with crispy skin, enrobed in a sweet-savory soy glaze that’ll make you forget all about bottled sauces.
15. Zaru Udon
Zaru Udon is the perfect summer noodle dish. Chilled, chewy udon nests on a bamboo mat, ready to plunge into a savory Mentsuyu dipping sauce.
Pair it with crispy tempura for the ultimate hot-day meal. If you use buckwheat noodles, it becomes Zaru Soba!
16. Oden
Oden is Japan’s ultimate winter warmer—a simmering pot of comfort and flavor. This one-pot wonder features a variety of ingredients, from bouncy fish cakes to tender vegetables, all basking in a light, savory dashi broth.
It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with flavors and want to experience the authentic taste of Japanese home cooking.
17. Dorayaki
Featured Comment:
“Delicious, they taste just like the ones I’d buy in Japan! Such an easy recipe to follow too, these will be a staple in my house from now on!”
– Harri
Dorayaki is Japan’s answer to the sandwich cookie, but it’s even better. Two fluffy, honey-kissed pancakes embrace a generous dollop of sweet red bean paste, creating a handheld treat that’s pure comfort.
It’s perfect for snackers looking to expand their sweet horizons beyond the usual cookies and cakes.
18. Dashimaki Tamago
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“This is amazing! Have been making these for sushi and always felt that it never tastes quite the same- never knew a little dashi could bring this such a long way! Thank you! x”
– Kristin
Ever had that iconic rolled omelette from your favorite Japanese spot? Well, meet dashimaki tamago, the star of breakfast tables and bento boxes across Japan.
Just a heads-up: mastering the perfect roll takes practice, but it’s worth it!
19. Sanma no Shioyaki
Featured Comment:
“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
Have you ever seen that thin, sword-like fish on Japanese menus in the fall? It’s called sanma, or the “Autumn Sword Fish.” It’s a Pacific saury with a flavor that’s similar to mackerel but milder and more nuanced.
My recipe brings this traditional delicacy to your kitchen, no fancy equipment required. I’ll show you how to clean and grill sanma perfectly, capturing its rich, fatty essence.
20. Karaage
Featured Comment:
“If you follow the recipe you will be rewarded with the most delicious Karaage chicken. I used a meat and candy thermometer to make sure I had the oil at the correct temp. I also opted for the hail ball affect. It was excellent.”
– Miki
Karaage has always been my favorite dish. This Japanese-style fried chicken is more than just comfort food. It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with umami.
My recipe strikes gold with the perfect marinade and a potato starch coating for ultimate crunch. I’ve spent years perfecting this bad boy, blending tradition with modern Japanese flair. This recipe is made with chicken thigh, but I have a chicken breast version, too!
21. Shiozake
Have you ever wondered what a traditional Japanese breakfast looks like? Imagine this: a perfectly grilled fillet of shiozake, or salted salmon, right there in the center of the table. It’s a simple yet iconic dish that’s been a part of Japanese breakfast tables for generations.
If you’re a fan of savory breakfasts or looking to explore authentic Japanese cuisine, shiozake is your ticket to a taste of tradition.
22. Buta no Kakuni
Featured Comment:
“All your recipes are absolutely SMASH HITS. I’ve cooked your gyudon, oyako-don, yakitori don, Japanese dry curry and today, This recipe right here. You keep on producing hit after hit after hit of good quality recipes that are sure to tantalize the tastebuds! Please keep up the good work!”
– Joel
Buta no Kakuni is a Japanese classic that takes humble pork belly and transforms it into melt-in-your-mouth magic through slow, gentle simmering. The meat absorbs a sweet-savory sauce, becoming so tender it barely needs chewing.
I’ve given this comfort food favorite a twist by swapping traditional sake for lager beer, which adds a whole new depth of flavor. It does take a bit of time to cook, but the hands-off process is great for busy home chefs who want to impress with an impressive meal.
23. Takikomi Gohan
Are you looking for a rice dish that’s a bit more exciting than your usual plain rice? Let me introduce you to takikomi gohan. This Japanese classic is a great way to transform plain rice into a flavor-packed dish by cooking it with meat, veggies, and savory seasonings all in one pot.
My version of takikomi gohan is foolproof, even for those without a rice cooker. I’ve put together a detailed guide to help you nail this tricky dish on your first try!
24. Saba no Shioyaki
Featured Comment:
“I just made this, thank you! Marinate the fish in sake gives them extra oomph factor, nice!”
– Mentari
Ever thought about how to take a humble mackerel and turn it into a delicious masterpiece? Let me introduce you to saba no shioyaki. This traditional Japanese dish takes salt-seasoned mackerel fillets and turns them into a grilled delicacy that’s both simple and tasty.
My recipe for saba no shioyaki captures the essence of Japanese home cooking in under 30 minutes!
25. Shrimp Tempura
Featured Comment:
“Many steps and some waiting make this recipe feel difficult, but the result is SO worth it! The shrimp has great flavor, isn’t fishy tasting, and the batter crisps up perfectly.”
– Brettled
Shrimp tempura, or “ebiten,” is the best of the best when it comes to Japanese tempura. Plump shrimp encased in a light, crispy batter—it’s a textural dream.
My recipe takes the secrets of tempura masters and brings that specialty restaurant experience right to your kitchen. I’ve cracked the code on achieving that perfect crunch without heaviness!
26. Chirashizushi
Chirashizushi is more than just sushi—it’s an edible work of art. This vibrant dish is topped with an array of colorful seafood, crunchy vegetables, and shreds of egg crepe on a bed of seasoned rice.
My recipe captures the essence of celebration, making it perfect for turning any meal into a festive occasion. I’ve carefully curated each ingredient to create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!
27. Kake Udon
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“I will come back to this simple and easy-to-follow recipe if the occasion to make kake udon arises again for me. Thank you.”
– Jamin Hanna
Kake udon is my go-to when I’m in the mood for something simple yet satisfying. Think thick, chewy noodles swimming in a delicate dashi broth. It’s the epitome of less-is-more cooking, letting each ingredient shine.
If you’re looking to get to grips with traditional Japanese udon, this is a great place to start!
28. Agedashi Tofu
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“This recipe makes the most tasty agedashi tofu ever! I used to buy the premade agedashi tofu from Nijiya, but making it at home is much better. Thank you for this recipe, I wouldn’t change a thing!”
– S Yoshimi
Agedashi tofu is a much-loved appetizer that’s a staple in izakayas and homes across Japan. This deep-fried tofu strikes the perfect balance between crispy outside and silky inside, all bathed in a savory soy-based broth.
My version of this classic recipe has an extra-crispy batter and a rich dashi, which makes it a foolproof way to bring authentic Japanese flavors to your table.
29. Goya Champuru
Goya Champuru is Okinawa’s soul on a plate. This vibrant stir-fry combines bitter melon, tofu, and eggs in a flavorful fusion.
If you’re an adventure-seeking home cook, you’ll love this authentic recipe that brings a slice of Japan’s tropical south to your kitchen.
30. Temaki Sushi
Temaki Sushi brings the sushi bar to your dining table. It’s a build-your-own sushi party where everyone gets to play chef. No special equipment is needed, just your hands and imagination.
I’ve curated a mix of traditional and modern filling options to keep things interesting. Temaki Sushi captures the essence of Japanese home cooking: simple, fresh, and adaptable!
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