Mame Gohan, or seasoned steamed rice with green peas, is a classic Japanese dish that celebrates the arrival of spring. Traditionally enjoyed when green peas are in season, this simple yet flavorful dish brings the freshness of spring to the table.
Chicken Karaage (唐揚げ) is a Japanese-style fried chicken, and it is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. It is a great appetizer to go with drinks, a family-friendly dinner entree, and a perfect item for a Bento lunch box. Chicken is marinated well before coated lightly with flour and starch, and deep fried. With simple ingredients you can find anywhere, it is very easy to make Karaage at home.
Kinoko Gohan (きのこご飯) is a type of Takikomi Gohan, a Japanese mixed rice dish in which ingredients such as vegetables and meat are cooked together with rice. In the case of Kinoko Gohan, the primary ingredients—aside from rice and seasonings—are mushrooms (kinoko), making it a vegan-friendly dish. The umami-rich flavor and aroma from the mushrooms are absorbed into the rice as it cooks, resulting in a wonderfully savory and aromatic dish.
Traditionally, Kinoko Gohan is enjoyed in the fall when mushrooms are in season. However, with a variety of fresh mushrooms available year-round, you can enjoy this delicious rice dish anytime.
Yakitori is grilled, skewered chicken, often dipped in a teriyaki-like sauce. It’s a very popular appetizer at yakitori bars and other bar-style restaurants in Japan.
Matcha green tea-flavored desserts are now popular worldwide, and matcha ice cream seems to be just as beloved in the U.S. as it is in Japan. Since matcha pairs well with dairy, it’s a naturally delicious choice for ice cream. In fact, matcha ice cream has become a well-known Japanese dessert in the U.S., extending its appeal beyond just Japanese cuisine.
Hiyayakko (冷奴) is a cold tofu salad with some toppings and soy sauce or ponzu. It is fresh and cold, and perfect for hot summer. Hiyayakko can be a great side dish or an appetizer to go with any Japanese meal throughout the year.
Japanese Potato Salad may look similar to its American counterpart, but its flavor is distinctly different. Made with cooked and mashed potatoes, it’s mixed with crisp, thinly sliced vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and occasionally brown onion. The key to its unique taste lies in the use of tangy Japanese mayonnaise, which adds a rich, savory depth. This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with Western-style mains like Hamburger Steaks or Tonkatsu, makes a delicious addition to a bento lunch box, and even works as a flavorful filling for sandwiches.
Omurice (オムライス), short for “omelet rice,” is a dish made of ketchup-flavored fried rice wrapped in a thin, crepe-like egg. It’s a type of yōshoku—Western-style cuisine developed in Japan—and was first created in the early 1900s. For over 100 years, it’s been a favorite comfort food in Japan, especially loved by kids!
Spinach Ohitashi is a popular Japanese side dish made with blanched spinach soaked in a light, flavorful dashi-based sauce. Spinach is an incredibly nutritious vegetable, making it a great addition to your meals as often as possible. Since it cooks almost instantly, this dish is perfect for when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.