3 Easy Japanese Recipes For Beginners

Did you know that the global popularity of Japanese cuisine has skyrocketed over the last decade, with sushi alone becoming a favorite for many? If you’re eager to explore this vibrant culinary world, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through 3 easy Japanese recipes for beginners, featuring delicious options like Simple Teriyaki Chicken, Quick Miso Soup, and Easy Sushi Rolls, empowering you to whip up these delightful dishes in no time!

Simple Teriyaki Chicken

Simple Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Japan to your dinner table. With its sweet and savory flavors, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with friends.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Begin by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a simmer.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture to thicken it. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until you achieve a glossy consistency. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.

Next, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over it in the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak in the flavors. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your meal!

Quick Miso Soup

Quick Miso Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that you can prepare in just 15 minutes. This versatile soup can be enjoyed as a light meal or a warming starter, making it perfect for any occasion.

• 4 cups of water
• 3 tablespoons of miso paste (white or red)
• 1 cup of tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
• 1 cup of seaweed (wakame), rehydrated
• Optional: mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables

To begin, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to simmer, ensuring the water does not boil vigorously, which will help preserve the delicate flavors.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of miso paste with a ladleful of the hot broth. This step is important to dissolve the miso paste smoothly, preventing it from clumping in the pot.

Once the miso paste is completely dissolved, pour the mixture back into the pot with the simmering water. Add the cubed tofu and rehydrated wakame. If you are including any optional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, you can add them at this stage as well.

Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, so the flavors meld and the tofu warms through. Finally, stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped green onions just before serving.

Serve the Quick Miso Soup hot and enjoy its rich, savory flavors! This soup can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a delightful twist.

Easy Sushi Rolls

Easy Sushi Rolls are a fun and delicious way to explore Japanese cuisine right in your own kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or an adventurous meal, these rolls can be customized with your favorite fillings.

• 2 cups sushi rice
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
• 1 small cucumber, sliced into thin strips
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 8 ounces imitation crab meat or fresh fish (like salmon or tuna)
• Soy sauce, for serving
• Wasabi and pickled ginger, optional

Start by rinsing 2 cups of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and results in a better texture. Once rinsed, place the rice in a rice cooker or a pot, adding 2 ½ cups of water and let it cook until all the water is absorbed.

While the rice is cooking, prepare the sushi vinegar mixture. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the rice is finished cooking, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture using a spatula. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

Now, lay a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean surface. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then take a handful of sushi rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top edge. Press down gently to create a uniform layer.

Next, arrange your fillings across the center of the rice. Place a few strips of cucumber, slices of avocado, and some imitation crab meat or your chosen fish. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make rolling difficult.

Begin to roll the sushi away from you using the mat, applying gentle pressure to keep it tight. Roll until you reach the bare edge of the nori, then use a little water to seal the edge down. Let the roll rest seam side down for a minute before slicing.

To serve, use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 6-8 pieces. Wet the knife between cuts for cleaner slices. Enjoy your Easy Sushi Rolls with soy sauce, and add wasabi and pickled ginger on the side if desired!