
Japanese cuisine is known for the direct simplicity of its dishes, as well as the striking beauty of their final presentation. Freshness is key, and light, healthy meals with a bold punch of flavor are the norm.
Typical Japanese Dishes
A list of typical Japanese dishes and foods. Use it to help you plan a Japanese-style meal, party or festival.
Appetizers
- Edamame (Steamed soybean pods)
- Gyoza (Steamed meat dumplings))
- Harumaki (Spring rolls)
Shirumono (Soups and Stews)
- Dashi (Basic stock)
- Shabu Shabu (Beef and vegetable hotpot)
- Misoshiru (Miso soup)
- Oden (Seafood and vegetable stew)
- Sukiyaki (Simmered beef soup)
- Su Udon (Noodles with broth)
Aemono (Salads)
- Goma-ae (Spinach salad with sesame dressing)
- Goma Wakame (Seaweed salad)
- Harusame (Glass noodle salad)
- Sunomono (Vinegared salad)
Eggs and Dairy
- Chawan Mushi (Savory egg custard)
Menrui (Noodles)
- Ramen (Thin soup noodles)
- Soba (Buckwheat noodles)
- Udon (Wheat soup noodles)
Tori (Poultry)
- Chikuzen-ni (Chicken simmered with vegetables)
- Kara-age (Deep-fried chicken in ginger sauce)
- Tori Dango (Chicken meatballs)
- Yakitori (Grilled, skewered chicken)
Niku (Meat)
- Gyuniku Misoyaki (Beef broiled with miso glaze)
- Nikujaga (Simmered beef and potatoes)
- Tonkatsu (Breaded pork cutlet)
- Teppanyaki (Griddled-cooked meat and vegetables)
- Teriyaki (Meat, fish or seafood with soy glaze)
Fish and Seafood
- Fugu-sashi (Thinly sliced raw blowfish)
- Nizakana (Sake-poached fish)
- Saba Shioyaki (Grilled mackerel)
- Sashimi (Raw fish and seafood)
- Tempura (Batter-fried shrimp and vegetables)
- Teriyaki (Meat, fish or seafood with soy glaze)
Vegetables and Beans
- Agedashi-Dofu (Deep-fried tofu)
- Daikon to Age no Itameni (Braised daikon and tofu)
- Dengaku (Grilled tofu with miso glaze)
- Ganmodoki (Fried tofu and vegetable patties)
- Hōrenso Ohitashi (Simmered spinach)
- Kabocha Nimono (Simmered pumpkin)
- Nasu (Steamed sliced eggplant)
- Satoimo Nikorogashi (Simmered taro)
- Satsumaimo (Sweet potato cakes)
- Shigiyaki (Broiled eggplant with miso glaze)
- Shiitake no Fukumeni (Simmered mushrooms)
- Tempura (Batter-fried shrimp and vegetables)
Rice and Grains
- Donburi (Rice bowl with toppings)
- Gohan (Steamed rice)
- Maki Zushi (Rolled seasoned rice)
- Sushi Gohan Seasoned rice)
Sauces
- Nihaizu Dressing (Simple vinaigrette)
- Nitsume (Sushi soy glaze)
- Ponzu (Citrus-soy dipping sauce)
- Tosa Joyu (Soy dipping sauce for sashimi)
- Wasabi (Japanese horseradish paste)
Tsukemono (Pickles and Preserves)
- Gari (Pickled ginger)
- Hakusaizuke (Cabbage pickle)
- Harihari Zuke (Daikon pickle)
- Misozuke (Miso pickle)
Desserts
- Mochi (Sweet rice cake)
- Zenai (Sweetened red beans)
Nomimono (Beverages)
- Biru (Beer)
- Cha (Green tea)
- Sake (Rice wine)
- Soy milk
- Ume-shu (Plum wine)
Japanese Recipes
Try these recipes from Japan.
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