Last updated on March 13, 2025
Last week, we had a craving for Japanese food but didn’t feel like waiting for takeout (again!).
That’s when we decided to try making it ourselves—and honestly, we were SHOCKED.
Did you know some of the most iconic Japanese dishes can be made in under 30 minutes?
What started as a quick experiment turned into a lineup of recipes we can’t stop talking about.
Want to bring a little bit of Japan to your kitchen without breaking a sweat?
These 13 recipes are fun, flavorful, and SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE. Let’s dive in!
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[1] Teriyaki Chicken
We decided to publish a dish that is very well known in Japan—teriyaki chicken!
This recipe seems complicated, but the truth is that it only takes about 15 minutes to whip up.
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce? Believe us, it’s even more delicious than it looks!
Pair it with steamed rice for the perfect meal.
Check out the full recipe here
[2] Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)
This dish has it all: noodles, veggies, protein, and that irresistible tangy-sweet sauce.
Yakisoba is like a Japanese street festival in a bowl.
We made it with leftover cabbage and carrots, and it turned out so colorful and tasty!
A quick stir-fry, and dinner was ready in 30 minutes flat.
Check out the full recipe here
[3] Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Confession: We didn’t expect rice balls to be THIS fun to make.
Onigiri is the Japanese version of a grab-and-go snack.
Shaping the rice, adding fillings like salmon or pickled plum, and wrapping it in nori felt oddly therapeutic.
Plus, they’re adorable—perfect for lunchboxes or quick bites.
Check out the full recipe here
[4] Miso Soup
This miso soup was like a warm hug on a cold day.
We prepared a very detailed step-by-step guide, with tips to make sure your dashi broth comes out just right.
Add some tofu, seaweed, and green onions, and you’ve got a simple, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in soup form.
Check out the full recipe here
[5] Korokke (Japanese Croquettes)
Korokke might just be the most satisfying thing we’ve fried all year.
Picture this: creamy mashed potato patties coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, served with a drizzle of tangy tonkatsu sauce.
We added a pinch of curry powder for a fun twist—it was a total game changer!
Check out the full recipe here
[6] Tamago Sando (Egg Salad Sandwich)
You’ve probably seen this sandwich trending on social media, and for good reason.
The creamy egg salad, fluffy milk bread, and buttery Japanese mayo make tamago sando feel like a hug between two slices of bread.
Bonus: It’s ridiculously easy to make.
Check out the full recipe here
[7] Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)
Think of it as a savory pancake filled with shredded cabbage, your choice of protein, and topped with flavorful sauces and bonito flakes.
Trust us, flipping this pancake is half the fun!
Check out the full recipe here
[8] Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Making gyoza from scratch sounded intimidating—until we realized how fun it is to fold those little dumplings!
We made a big batch (because who doesn’t love extras?) and froze half for later.
Crispy on the bottom, juicy inside—these dumplings are pure magic.
Check out the full recipe here
[9] Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Golden, crispy, and tender on the inside, tonkatsu is a dish that feels fancy but is secretly so simple.
Serve it with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce for a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Check out the full recipe here
[10] Chicken Katsu Curry
This dish is the ultimate comfort food.
Crispy chicken katsu paired with rich, mildly spiced Japanese curry—it’s a match made in heaven.
The curry smells so good while it’s simmering, you might not even wait for the rice to finish cooking!
Check out the full recipe here
[11] Tempura
Our tempura game improved dramatically once we learned a key tip: keep the batter ice-cold!
Light, crispy, and perfect for dipping, tempura makes even simple vegetables feel like a treat.
We used shrimp and sweet potatoes, but honestly, anything goes!
Check out the full recipe here
[12] Matcha Ice Cream
When dessert looks this fancy and tastes this good, no one has to know it’s ridiculously easy to make.
Matcha ice cream’s creamy, slightly bitter flavor pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce—or enjoy it plain!
It’s an elegant ending to any meal.
Check out the full recipe here
[13] Hiyayakko (Chilled Tofu)
The easiest dish on this list, hiyayakko is perfect for hot days or light meals.
Simply top silken tofu with grated ginger, soy sauce, and green onions.
It’s refreshing, healthy, and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare.