There’s something magical about a bowl of rice that can instantly make you feel at home. Japanese cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, offers a delightful array of rice dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Get ready to explore these heartwarming recipes that promise to bring joy to your table and warmth to your soul!
Onigiri: The Iconic Rice Balls
Onigiri are adorable rice balls that can be packed with savory fillings like pickled plum, grilled salmon, or even spicy tuna. Shaped by hand or molded with a special tool, they are often wrapped in nori (seaweed) for that extra crunch. What makes onigiri so special is how versatile they are—perfect for a picnic, lunchbox, or a late-night snack!
Japanese Fried Rice (Chahan)
Chashu chahan (Japanese fried rice with pork belly) from Caroline's Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Soy sauce, chashu, sesame oil, short grain rice, spring onions Total Time: 12 min.
Chahan – Japanese Fried Rice from Food.com
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Bacon, soy sauce, white rice, carrots, olive oil Total Time: 25 min.
Japanese Chahan or Fried Rice from The Foodie Takes Flight
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Soy sauce, green peas, shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, sesame seeds Total Time: 15 min.
This dish is a tasty twist on the classic fried rice you might know. Made with leftover rice, Chahan is stir-fried with colorful veggies, eggs, and your choice of protein, like chicken or shrimp. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the soy sauce and sesame oil, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to whip up.
Mochi Rice: Chewy and Sweet
Plain Mochi from Food52
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Sweet potato starch, coconut milk, sweet rice, baking powder Total Time: 1 hr 25 min.
Homemade Brown Rice Mochi 玄米もち from Scratch Eats
Ingredients: Rice cooker cups, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, fresh ginger
Grilled Chewy Rice Cake (燒餅) from Constellation Inspiration
Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: Coconut milk, glutinous rice flour, vegetable oil
Mochi rice, known for its sticky and chewy texture, is used to make delightful treats that you won’t forget. Whether you enjoy it plain, filled with sweet red bean paste, or topped with fresh fruit, mochi brings a unique experience to your palate. This recipe captures the essence of Japanese tradition, making it a beloved favorite during festivals and celebrations.
Takikomi Gohan: Savory Mixed Rice
This is not just any rice dish; Takikomi Gohan is packed with umami goodness! It’s made by cooking rice with various ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, and chicken, all simmered together in dashi broth. The result is a fragrant, hearty meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during cozy gatherings.
Yaki Onigiri: Grilled Rice Balls
Crispy Yaki Onigiri Recipe (Grilled Rice Balls) from What Great Grandma Ate
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Ball) from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) 焼きおにぎり from Drive Me Hungry
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5 min Total Time: 5 min.
If you thought onigiri was amazing, wait until you try Yaki Onigiri! These grilled rice balls get a beautiful char on the outside while remaining soft and delicious on the inside. Brushed with soy sauce or miso, they create a smoky flavor that takes snacking to the next level. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick lunch!
Kinoko Gohan: Mushroom Rice
Japanese Mushroom Rice from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Rice cooker cups, japanese mushrooms, soy sauce, ginger, garlic Total Time: 1 hr.
Japanese mushroom rice (kinoko gohan) from Caroline's Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Sushi rice, oyster mushrooms, soy sauce, rice wine Total Time: 20 min.
Kinoko Gohan Recipe from The Spruce Eats
Rating: 3.4. Ingredients: Brown rice, soy sauce, sweet, dried shiitake mushrooms, maitake mushrooms Total Time: 50 min.
Kinoko Gohan is a fragrant dish that celebrates the earthiness of mushrooms. Made by cooking rice with a variety of mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce, this dish is incredibly comforting. The mushrooms add a rich, savory flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out.
Oyakodon: Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl
Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, white rice, dashi powder Total Time: 40 min.
Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, short grain rice, chinese rice wine, shichimi togarashi Total Time: 25 min.
Oyakodon (Japanese Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl) Recipe from Serious Eats
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, white rice, dashi, eggs Total Time: 20 min.
This comforting rice bowl is a staple in Japanese home cooking. Oyakodon features tender pieces of chicken and fluffy eggs simmered together in a savory broth, served over a steaming bowl of rice. The name “Oyakodon” translates to “parent-and-child,” which makes it even more special as it combines chicken and egg in a heartwarming way!
Nikujaga: Meat and Potato Rice
Nikujaga – Japanese Beef And Potatoes from Tiger Corporation
Ingredients: Snow peas, soy sauce, cooker, potatoes, carrot
Nikujaga meat and potato stew from Japan Centre
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Soy sauce, potato, carrots, japanese rice, sukiyaki beef Total Time: 40 min.
Nikujaga (meat and potato stew) Recipe from Japanese Cooking 101
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Snow peas, soy sauce, potatoes, carrot, sugar Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.
Nikujaga is a classic Japanese comfort food that combines juicy slices of beef, potatoes, and onions, all simmered in a sweet-savory broth. Served over rice, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. What makes it special is the balance of flavors, making it a beloved recipe that many people cherish as a taste of home.
Chirashi Sushi: Scattered Sushi
Colorful Chirashi Sushi Recipe (Scattered Sushi) from Kikkoman Corporation
Ingredients: Nessuna recensione
Scattered Sushi (Chirashizushi) from RecipeTin Japan – RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.
How to Make Chirashi Sushi (Scattered Sushi) from Japanese Taste
Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.
Chirashi Sushi is a colorful and festive dish that celebrates the beauty of sushi without the fuss of rolling. It features a bed of vinegared rice topped with a variety of fresh sashimi, vegetables, and garnishes. Perfect for special occasions, this vibrant dish not only looks stunning but also bursts with flavors that make every bite a celebration!
Zosui: Japanese Rice Soup
Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup) from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup) from RecipeTin Japan – RecipeTin Eats
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.
10 Minute Zosui – Quick Japanese Rice Soup from Wandercooks
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 10 min Total Time: 10 min.
When you need a warm, comforting bowl of goodness, Zosui is the answer. This rice soup is made by simmering leftover rice in a flavorful broth, with added veggies and proteins like chicken or seafood. It’s soothing and light, making it the perfect dish for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Hayashi Rice: Beef Stew over Rice
Hayashi Rice is a delightful fusion dish that combines rich beef stew with fluffy rice. The beef is simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a popular choice in many households, beloved for its comforting flavors and the joy it brings when served hot on a chilly evening!
Shiraae: Silken Tofu and Rice Salad
Shiraae (Japanese Mashed Tofu Salad) from Pickled Plum
Ingredients: White miso paste, sesame seeds, baby spinach, firm tofu, sugar Total Time: 15 min.
Shira ae Mashed Tofu Salad 白和え from Chopstick Chronicles
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Tofu, hijiki, white sesame seeds, carrot, konnyaku Total Time: 25 min.
Shiraae (白和え) Mixed Tofu Salad from Emi Cooks
Ingredients: Green beans, gluten free, tahini, dashi powder, sesame oil Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Shiraae is a light and refreshing dish that combines silken tofu with seasonal vegetables and creamy sesame dressing. Served over a bed of rice, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal while enjoying the unique texture of tofu alongside perfectly cooked rice!
Sweet Rice with Red Bean Paste (Sekihan)
Sekihan (Red Bean Rice) from Just One Cookbook
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Rice cooker, black sesame seeds Total Time: 2 hr 15 min.
Osekihan | Japanese Red Bean Rice from Bebe Love Okazu
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Glutinous rice, black sesame seeds, red azuki beans, white rice, rock salt
Sekihan (Red Bean Sticky Rice) from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 4. Ingredients: Dried adzuki beans, glutinous rice, black sesame seeds, sea salt Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
Sekihan is a vibrant dish made from glutinous rice and adzuki beans, often served during celebrations and special occasions. The red color of the beans symbolizes happiness and good fortune, making it a must-have for festivities. A sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!