Category: Traditional Japanese Dishes
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Japanese Steamed Pork Buns – Nikuman (肉マン)
Nikuman (肉マン), or Japanese steamed pork buns, are one of my all-time favorite convenience store foods in Japan. They’re fluffy, pillowy buns filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground pork and other vegetables (typically onions, mushrooms, cabbage, bamboo shoots, etc.). Every single bite if juicy and flavorful! And with the steamed bun? To die… Read more
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Classic Tamagoyaki – 卵焼き (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
Tamagoyaki, the beautifully layered Japanese rolled omelet, is a staple in home-cooked meals and bento boxes. My mom used to pack these for me in my bento all the time when I was growing up, and they were always one of my favorite parts of lunch. “Egg” in Japanese is “tamago” while “grilled” or “cooked”… Read more
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Easy 5-Ingredient Japanese Purin (Caramel Custard Pudding)
I love getting Purin at cafés in Japan, but you can also find it in convenience stores and bakeries. Purin (プリン) is a Japanese-style custard pudding, similar to flan or crème caramel. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a lightly sweet egg custard base, topped with a rich, slightly bitter caramel sauce that adds depth to the flavor.… Read more
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5-Ingredient Ajitsuke Tamago (Japanese Soft-Boiled Flavored Egg)
Ajitsuke Tamago (味付け卵), often called ramen eggs, is a quintessential topping in Japanese ramen that elevates the dish with its rich flavor and perfect texture. These marinated soft-boiled eggs are known for their creamy, slightly runny yolk (although you can definitely cook it to your preferred texture!) and savory-sweet taste. The word “ajitsuke tamago” directly translates… Read more
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Traditional Japanese Yakisoba (焼きそば) – Stir-Fried Noodles
Yakisoba (焼きそば) is a beloved Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile. Despite its name, which translates to “fried buckwheat,” yakisoba is typically made with wheat-based noodles similar to ramen. The dish is stir-fried with a variety of ingredients, including pork or chicken, cabbage, carrots, onions, and bean sprouts, then flavored… Read more
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Udon Noodle Soup (Kake Udon)
Classic Kake Udon (pronounced kah-keh) is a simple, comforting Japanese dish made of thick, chewy udon noodles served in a warm, savory broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. The minimalist dish is typically garnished with toppings like sliced green onions, shichimi togarashi (seven-spice powder), or kamaboko (fish cake). Growing up in a Japanese household, kake udon was probably the noodle… Read more
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Quick & Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken
My Homemade Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Japan to your kitchen. The key to its appeal lies in the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, enhanced with garlic and ginger for extra depth. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick and… Read more
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3 Easy Japanese Donburi (Rice Bowls) to Make
Japanese donburi (丼ぶり) is a rice bowl dish topped with meat, seafood, or vegetables, often simmered in a flavorful sauce. The term don (丼) refers to rice served with toppings, symbolizing a complete meal in a deep bowl. Gyudon (牛丼) Gyudon features thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, served over rice. It’s a comforting and… Read more
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Cheese-Stuffed Nikomi Hambagu
My Cheese-Stuffed Nikomi Hambagu (煮込みハンバーグ) is a delicious twist on the classic Japanese hambagu steak, combining the comforting flavors of a juicy meat patty with the richness of melted cheese. This dish is made by enclosing cheese inside the ground meat mixture, then searing the patty before braising it in a flavorful sauce. The result is… Read more
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Classic Japanese Gyudon (牛丼) – Beef and Onion Rice Bowl
Gyudon (牛丼), or “beef bowl,” is one of Japan’s most popular types of donburi, a category of dishes that serve toppings over rice in a bowl. In gyudon, thinly sliced beef and onions are simmered in a savory-sweet sauce of soy sauce, dashi, and mirin, creating a satisfying, quick meal with rich flavors and comforting… Read more