Ready for the world of Japanese dinner cuisine? Here are some of the best recipes out there when that craving strikes! From chicken and salmon to pork or side dish options, you’ll be able to craft up the best Japanese dinner in no time.
PS – My all time FAVORITE Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is listed at the bottom of this post. I make it all the time! Whether it’s with hibachi chicken or sushi, it’s a fantastic addition to basically any of these dishes.
1. Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)
This dish is essentially a fried pork cutlet cooked in a delicious sauce with green onions as garnish. I often forget about pork when meal planning so this is a great opportunity to throw in another type of protein besides chicken or beef.
Plus, this option is high protein with the pork and egg mixed into the savory sauce. It would be an ideal meal to make extras of and use for lunch leftovers.
2. How To Make Sushi: A Beginner’s Guide
Craving a classic roll of sushi? This beginner’s guide is the best tutorial we’ve found! It’s so easy to follow and this sushi looks amazing.
Once you invest in a bamboo sushi mat you’ll be creating all kinds of combinations with raw fish!
3. Miso Honey Salmon Bites
Salmon is an incredible protein source and this recipe looks delish. I love the bite size pieces so each one gets a little crispy on the edges.
Give this easy reicpe a try for a weeknight dinner.
4. Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Need a Japanese side dish? These Japanese style sweet potatoes are perfect. Pair it with the salmon dish above or any other main dish.
They are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and totally delish!
5. Japansese Chicken Katsu with Tonkatsu Sauce
Is chicken more your thing? You’re in luck! We found an easy Japanese style chicken recipe. This chicken with tonkatsu sauce is great for white rice bowls and so simple.
6. Hibachi Steak
Inspired by your favorite Japanese takeout, this hibachi steak is a must try! It’s great for picky eaters and is a hearty, filling dish. It’s a classic soy sauce based recipe that would go fabulously with our favorite yum yum sauce recipe (the yum yum recipe we recommend is at the bottom of this post!).
Make extras for save for lunch tomorrow!
7. Japanese Miso Ginger Pork Bowl
This pork bowl is a great Japanese rice bowl. The ground pork is mixed in with a sweet and savory sauce topped with scallions. Yum!
It’s better than anything you can find at Japanese restaurants.
8. California Roll Recipe
If you’re a California roll lover, this is the recipe for you! It’s one of those easy traditional Japanese dishes you’ll make over and over.
Perfectly seasoned, stuffed with avocado, and toasted with sesame seeds. What’s not to love?
9. Japanese Hamburg Steak
This Japanese style steak dish is juicy and tender. Served with a sweet tangy ketchup based sauce, it’s a no brainer! It is perfect for any time of day your craving a sweet taste of Japan.
10. Beef Rice Bowl
We’re all for quick and easy weeknight meal ideas. It’s all made in one pan and couldn’t be easier. You take some shortcuts here (like using pre-shredded meat) which makes for such an efficient dinner for the family.
11. Broiled Miso Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are just YUM! Pair them with a side of broccoli and rice for the easiest dinner idea.
12. Japanese Broccoli Gomaae
Something about broccoli just screams Japanese! It fits in with any chicken or steak recipe. If you’re looking to up your veggie intake, add this to your meal.
If you need vegetable dishes to pair with entrees, this is a great one.
13. Japanese Meatball Bowls
Use up those ramen noodles in a delicious way with these Japanese meatball bowls! It’s a Japanese meal I know you’ll love. Get ready for a Japanese dinner culture experience you’ll love.
14. Easy Salmon Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Salmon and teriyaki sauce? YUP! This recipe features flaky salmon with glazed teriyaki sauce. It’s so simple but wonderful. Serve it over fluffy rice and veggies for one of the most popular dishes.
15. Onigiri With Tuna
Use up that canned tuna for this variation of sushi! It’s unique and quite Japanese-forward for your dinner tables
16. California Roll Bowl
It’s a California roll.. in a bowl! Featuring an imitation crab with a sriracha mixture sauce, it’s one of the best. The addition of cucumber and avocado takes it over the top.
17. Easy Hibachi At Home
This is THE hibachi recipe for at home hibachi night! We’re talking traditional Japanese chicken and veggies over rice with an incredible yum yum sauce.
18. Japanese Teriyaki Meatballs
These meatballs are a great way to use up that ground beef in the freezer. These teriyaki inspired meatballs are a must try.
19. Hibachi Fried Rice
Save this hibachi fried rice recipe for the perfect side dish to all your Japanese dinners.
20. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
This chicken bowl is a must try Japanese recipe. The teriyaki sauce is out of this world! It’s one of the best rice dishes.
21. Easy Japanese Spicy Tuna Onigiri
This traditional japanese food item is a great dinner recipe. It’s a delicious Japanese rice bowl!
22. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
If you need a side salad or Japanese appetizers, these cucumbers are a great option! They might quickly become your most popular snack, too.
23. Sweet Chili Sauce Meatballs
Sweet chili sauce meatballs have made the dinner lineup! Add this to your weekly rotation. You’ll love the flavors!
24. Japanese Grilled Chicken Skewers
Chicken skewers are a great idea for an awesome Japanese dinner night. These have a Japanese marinade that you’ll just love.
25. Poke Bowls with Sriracha Mayo
Hellooo poke bowls! If you’re a fan of poke bowls, this is one we’d recommend trying.
26. Instant Pot Japanese Curry
Curry lovers unite! This recipe is made in the instant pot for a quick dinner idea that is sure to impress.
27. Crispy Honey Soy Chicken with Rice
One of the best chicken dishes is this crispy honey soy chicken with rice! This meal is a great one to prep ahead as well.
28. Japanese Spinach Salad with Sesame Dressing
Another side salad you’ll love to pair with chicken and rice is this spinach salad.
29. Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Fried rice with chicken is a complete meal! Try this option for a classic take on Japanese food for the ultimate dining experience.
30. Hibachi Shrimp Recipe
Hibachi shrimp? Yes, please! This shrimp is so yummy and has a classic hibachi flavor. It’s best paired with homemade yum yum sauce for a lunch time delight.
31. Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Last but not least, the BEST yum yum sauce recipe. I’ve tried QUITE a few. A lot have awfully similar ingredients to this one except the addition of butter which is what I think makes this one special, because it’s got a flavor that outshines the rest.
Yum Yum dipping sauce is just one of those traditional japanese dinner staples, no? It goes with any and all main dishes!
And there you have it, the best Japanese recipe ideas we could find on the internet! They all have either a unique flavor, ease about them, or are just plain delicious. Let us know if you give on a try.
Add some Japanese desserts to your collection and you’ll be all set.
