Shower your mom with love this Mother’s Day! From fluffy souffle pancakes to elegant spring pasta and decadent desserts, your mom will enjoy these delicious dishes that you make for her. 

Mother's day recipes and menu ideas for breakfast, brunch, dessert and dinner

Ah, Mom. She gives and loves unconditionally, asking for nothing in return. For many of us, she’s also the person we turn to in times of happiness, trials, troubles, and success.

On Mother’s Day, we can all agree that homemade food is one of the best ways to show our appreciation for this very special person in our lives. Whether it’s breakfast in bed, brunch, tea time, or dinner, something simple and delicious is always the most thoughtful gesture. Here, we’ve rounded up 10 delightful recipes that are sure to make her day—because food is love.

To all the wonderful moms, mothers-to-be, and mother figures in the world—we thank you!

Breakfast or Brunch

1. Souffle Pancakes

A white plate containing Japanese souffle pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, fresh mixed berries, and whipped cream.

Wake up a little earlier and surprise her with these dreamy, fluffy Japanese Souffle Pancakes!

Serve them with any fresh fruits you have on hand, maple syrup, or homemade whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to say THANK YOU to Mom.

2. French Toast

A plate containing French toast, strawberries, and blackberries.

Breakfast in bed is always a wonderful way to pamper Mom. Make a bottomless coffee and treat her with these amazing French Toasts.

They’re by far the best we’ve ever tasted in Japan, and we think your mom will love them too.

3. Matcha Latte

White cup and saucer containing Matcha Latte with tulip latte art.

Sometimes a simple gesture like serving your mom a warm cup of frothy Matcha Latte is enough to bring tears of joy to her eyes.

Sit down and spend some quality time with her while sipping this healthful, delicious drink together—and tell her that you love her. She’ll treasure this special moment more than any expensive gift.

4. Dim Sum Style Brunch

A bamboo steamed basket containing pork shumai (steamed pork dumplings).
A blue dish containing Steamed Pork Buns (Nikuman).

Skip the crowd at the dim sum restaurant and treat mom with a homemade spread instead!

Mix and match homemade treats like shumai, nikuman (steamed pork buns), shrimp balls, red bean soup dessert with store-bought items for a relaxing morning in the comfort of your own home.


Lunch or Dinner

5. Japanese Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus

A plate containing Japanese-style Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus.

The combination of shrimp and asparagus makes this Japanese-style pasta an extra special spring dish for the occasion. Light yet full of flavor, it’s so delicious that Mom might just ask for a second serving.

6. Korean Pancake (Pajeon)

A white plate containing Korean Pancake (Pajeon) served with a dipping sauce.

This korean pancake (pajeon) with scallion and shrimp is perfect for moms who enjoy K-dramas and a little fun street food snack!

7. Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu)

A white and blue plate containing Cheese Stuffed Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu) stuffed with cheese and slathered in demi-glace sauce.

For an elegant dinner, this Japanese Hamburger Steak is sure to impress. You can easily cook it in a frying pan or on the grill. The meat is so juicy, it melts in your mouth.

Served with a red wine reduction sauce and a side of roasted vegetables, you won’t miss the burger buns at all.

8. Spicy Shoyu Ramen

Ramen bowls containing Spicy Shoyu Ramen topped with chashu, marinated egg (ajitama), fish cake, scallions, and nori.

Instead of taking her out to a ramen joint, why not surprise Mom with a bowl of homemade Spicy Shoyu Ramen? She’ll be so happy—especially if you follow her adage: “Homemade is always better.”

9. Teriyaki Salmon

A Japanese meal consisting of small dishes or bowls, each plating Teriyaki Salmon, steamed rice, miso soup, pickles, tamagoyaki, and green bean gomaae.

If Mom favors a homey dinner, make her this classic salmon dish along with steamed rice, miso soup, and a side of seasonal grilled asparagus. Nothing brings the family closer than a classic, cozy meal like this.

10. Mosaic Sushi

A Japanese lacquer box containing colorful Mosaic Sushi that's made of checkerboard pattern of various sashimi, tamago, and cucumber laid over sushi rice.

This colorful sushi features sashimi, rolled omelette, and vegetables arranged in a checkerboard pattern over sushi rice, but you can also use Mom’s favorite toppings. She’ll be impressed by the exquisite presentation.

11. Chawanmushi (Japanese Savory Steamed Custard)

Chawanmushi cups containing matsutake mushrooms, shrimp, and fish cake slices in a savory steamed egg mixture.

You’ll get a big nod from Mom if you begin the meal with Chawanmushi. Whether you serve the steamed egg custard in a pretty teacup or a simple ramekin, they’ll both look just as lovely and tasty.

12. Mentaiko Pasta

A white plate containing Classic Mentaiko Pasta.

May I suggest Mentaiko Pasta for a classy theme? Made with preserved spicy cod roe, milk, cream, and spaghetti noodles, this pasta is simple yet elegant.

Start the meal with a bright salad, followed by a light soup and the pasta. To round out the dinner, don’t forget Mom’s favorite rosé or red wine and a decadent dessert.

13. Shio Ramen

A white bowl containing Shio Ramen, topped with Chicken Chashu, Ramen Egg, bamboo shoot, white negi, and green onion.

For a mom who loves her noodle soup, she’ll appreciate a comforting bowl of Shio Ramen. The broth is light yet full of flavor. It’s a soulful bowl that will warm her heart and belly.


Desserts or Tea Time 

14. Plum Cake

A whole plum cake on the glass cake stand.

We know that mom loves the idea of coffee and cake for an afternoon hang. Why not make this Plum Cake and spend some quality time with her over a cup of coffee or tea? The recipe works with any seasonal fruit as well.

15. Chocolate Gateau (Chocolate Cake)

A large plate containing Chocolate Gateau (Chocolate Cake) dusted with powdered sugar and decorated with whipped cream and strawberries.

Rich and moist, this chocolate cake is sure to melt her heart! Topped with strawberries and fresh whipped cream, it’s the perfect way to end your Mother’s Day dinner.

16. Japanese Cheesecake

A white and gray rim plate containing a slice of Japanese souffle cheesecake. A cake stand behind containing the whole cake.

A combination of creamy cheesecake and airy soufflé, this Japanese Souffle Cheesecake makes a delicious treat for mom.

It’s not as heavy as the usual cheesecake, so Mom will happily indulge in it for the next few days.

17. Royal Milk Tea

A Royal Copenhagen cup containing Japanese Royal Milk Tea.

This Royal Milk Tea couldn’t be any more fitting for the occasion! Invite Mom for a special tea time and enjoy the pleasure of afternoon tea. To make this delicious tea, simply simmer black tea leaves with milk in a pot.

Enjoy it with homemade Matcha Cookies, Butter Cookies, or light Japanese Sandwiches.

We hope you enjoy relaxing, quality time with your mom this Mother’s Day. If you plan on making any of the recipes above for Mom, let us know!


More Mother’s Day Recipe Ideas

Introducing JOC Goods

JOC Goods, our new online shop, offering Japanese tableware and kitchenware, is now open. It is a natural extension of Just One Cookbook’s mission to teach home cooks how to prepare and enjoy delicious Japanese meals. We believe that beautifully plated food can bring joy and happiness to people’s lives.

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