15 Easy Japanese Recipes for Weeknight Cooking

From curry udon to omurice to teriyaki, here are our easy Japanese recipes for a quick and reliable dinner you can make for the family!

What do you make on nights when you’re tired but still want something nourishing and healthy for the family? If you’re like me and love quick dinners most days, here are some family-friendly, easy Japanese recipes that are both tasty and simple to follow.

These recipes are perfect for weeknight meals, as they can be prepped in less than an hour! They’re part of my go-to rotation, and I hope they help you plan your meals too.

15 Easy Japanese Recipes for Weeknight Meals

1. Easy Fried Rice (Gluten-Free) 基本のチャーハン

When it comes to weeknight meals, you can always count on fried rice for a foolproof dinner. Bursting with flavor, this classic Japanese fried rice with ham, egg, and green onion is a delicious one-pan meal you can whip up in under 20 minutes.

2. Teriyaki Salmon 鮭の照り焼き

This easy homemade Teriyaki Salmon is cooked with soy sauce, sake, and mirin. The homemade teriyaki sauce is as authentic and flavorful as you can get. If you buy a whole salmon, you can fillet it the Japanese way, which helps it cook faster and absorb the flavors more quickly.

For variations, try Chicken Teriyaki or Beef Teriyaki or Teriyaki Tofu!

3. Yakisoba 焼きそば

A classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish is Yakisoba. You can add virtually any ingredients to create your own version of Yakisoba.

*Vegetarians/Vegans? Check out this veggie-filled version!

To change things up, we also have a Yaki Udon recipe here for you!

4. Easy Wafu Pasta with Shrimp 海老とアスパラの和風パスタ

Pasta is always a good call for a weeknight meal. Seasoned with soy sauce and flavorful dashi broth, this Japanese-style wafu pasta with shrimp and asparagus is a delicious alternative to the usual tomato-based pasta.

The best part is its adaptability! In addition to asparagus, you can use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

5. Stir-Fried Vegetables 野菜炒め

Loaded with plenty of vegetables and your choice of protein, this Stir-fried Vegetables (Yasai Itame) makes for a well-rounded weeknight meal. Not only does everything come together in less than 30 minutes, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftovers. You can easily serve this stir-fry as a main or as a side dish.

6. Omurice (Omelette Rice) オムライス

A popular Japanese Yoshoku (fusion) recipe, Omurice is one of my children’s favorite meals. The rice is pan-fried with ketchup and chicken, then wrapped in a thin layer of egg. When you have leftover rice, it’s the perfect single-plate meal to prepare the next day.

7. Salmon in Foil 鮭のホイル焼き

This Salmon in Foil recipe is packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the fish and healthy nutrients from the vegetables. It’s a healthy yet flavorful dinner dish that helps you power through a busy week. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and versatile to make.

8. Soba Noodle Salad 蕎麦サラダ

Enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this Soba Noodle Salad is a healthy choice when you’re looking for a quick, light meal. The dressing is made with simple ingredients such as soy sauce (or tamari), toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and honey.

Want to bulk it up? Simply toss in edamame, cucumber, carrot, kimchi, shredded nori seaweed, and a side of ramen egg.

9. Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Bowl) 親子丼

Oyakodon is one of the easy dishes I learned in a home economics class in middle school. If you have older children at home, this would be a fun dish to teach them. It’s a classic donburi dish where the beaten egg and chicken pieces are simmered in a sweet soy dashi sauce and served over white rice.

10. Gyudon (Beef Bowl) 牛丼

Gyudon (Beef Bowl) is a comfort food for the Japanese. Simple ingredients such as onions, sliced beef, and eggs are tossed into a hot frying pan for a quick cook. In 15 minutes, you’ll have a delicious rice bowl ready to serve for dinner.

11. Baked Tonkatsu 揚げないとんかつ

When you feel like you’re stuck in the usual dinner rut, this Baked Tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet) will shake things up a little. The best part is you don’t need to deep fry the meat to achieve the crispy crust and tender, juicy texture. The sesame tonkatsu sauce makes the dish extra tasty!

Or try Crispy Baked Chicken Katsu or Crispy Salmon instead of pork.

12. Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐

Craving for some spicy food on the weeknight? This Japanese-style Mapo Tofu is much milder than the Sichuan version, yet it is flavorful enough for both adults and children to enjoy.

13. Honey Soy Sauce Chicken はちみつ醤油チキン

Marinated in sake, soy sauce, and honey, this Honey Soy Sauce Chicken can be prepared the night before. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it into the oven while you prepare a simple salad or miso soup to serve alongside.

14. Ginger Pork (Shogayaki) 豚の生姜焼き

Ginger Pork (Shogayaki) is a simple dish to make at home. Use thinly sliced pork loin or sukiyaki meat for cooking. The sweet garlic-ginger sauce makes it a delicious savory dish that pairs well with shredded cabbage.

Serve the protein with a classic Japanese cucumber salad and a nourishing miso soup for a complete meal.

15. Curry Udon

This Japanese Curry Udon will satisfy your craving for noodle soup in an instant. You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together on a busy weeknight.

MORE EASY JAPANESE RECIPES

• 15 Easy Japanese Salad Recipes
• 26 Pantry-Led Japanese Recipes Everyone Can Make
• Meal Prep DIY Bowls
• Under 30-Minutes Recipes
• Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)

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