Cuisine: Japanese
Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes)
I made this Nikujaga (Japanese-Style Meat and Potatoes), and my Japanese stepmother said it’s the epitome of Japanese comfort food.
Nikujaga literally translates to "meat" (niku) and "potatoes" (jagaimo), this dish is the quintessential "mother's cooking" (ofukuro no aji) in Japan. It’s a savory, slightly sweet, and deeply soul-warming stew that relies on a few ingredients and a simple simmering technique.
Legend has it that Nikujaga was born in the late 19th century thanks to Togo Heihachiro, a Japanese naval commander. Having studied in England, he supposedly fell in love with British beef stew.
Upon his return, he ordered his naval chefs to recreate it. Lacking demi-glace and red wine, the chefs used what they had: soy sauce, sugar, and sake. The result wasn't a British stew, but it was so delicious that it became a staple of the Japanese Navy to combat vitamin deficiencies.
By - Prep: 20 mins
- Cook: 40 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie
My daughter Grace made this delicious Japanese Curry Chicken Pot Pie. It’s a harmonious marriage of two beloved comfort food icons. The filling takes the soul-warming essence of a traditional pot pie—juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and carrots—and smothers it in a velvety, rich Japanese curry sauce. Using a store-bought Japanese curry mix, which gives a gravy-like thickness, deepened by warm spices and a bright hint of fresh ginger. The entire concoction is then sealed under a buttery, store-bought puff pastry crust, which bakes to a beautiful golden crispness, ready to soak up every drop of that savory, spicy-sweet sauce.
- Prep: 30 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Japanese-Style Shrimp Salad
I felt like making a light and refreshing salad for dinner. Get ready for a delicious, lightning-fast dinner salad that's packed with flavor! This recipe combines crunchy romaine and cucumbers with juicy shrimp and a creamy, irresistible soy-mayo dressing. In just 15 minutes, you'll have a meal that feels anything but quick. In fact, you might find yourself reaching for that amazing dressing as a go-to dip for everything from veggies to grilled fish!
- Prep: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Japanese Shiitake-Butter Sticky Rice
Japanese Shiitake-Butter Sticky Rice is so easy to make because the shiitake mushrooms and carrots are steamed on top of the rice, infusing it with their flavor. The butter and miso add richness and umami.
It's a great side dish for meat, chicken, or seafood. We actually ate it on its own. You can also top it with a fried egg.
By - Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Miso Mayo Blistered Green Beans
These Miso Mayo Blistered Green Beans are so good and easy to make. I actually made these in an air fryer at 375° F for about 8 - 10 minutes, shaking it periodically. The recipe says to broil them in the oven. I also just stirred the miso mayo mixture instead of heating on the stove. You can serve them alongside your favorite Asian main course, chicken, pork, steak, etc. Trader Joe's has Miso paste in a convenient resealable pouch.
- Prep: 5 mins
- Cook: 25 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Rice Cooker Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
I saw this adorable kid @easypeasyjordan make this Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl) all in a rice cooker. It's so easy, hence his name Easy Peasy Jordon, I had to make it. Well, I have to tell you it totally works. I have tweaked his recipe slightly, but you can very easily tailor this to suit your taste. Have your kids give it a go.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Yields: 3 - 4 Servings
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Miso Ginger Scallion Butter
Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Miso Ginger Scallion Butter is a delicious and healthy side dish. The cabbage is roasted until tender and caramelized, and the miso ginger scallion butter adds a flavorful and savory touch. It's topped with roasted pistachios. Our guests went crazy for this and it's so easy to make.
- Prep: 10 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Spatchcock Chicken with Miso and Sesame Seeds
Spatchcock Chicken with Miso and Sesame Seeds is butterflied and roasted, so it cooks evenly. The miso glaze adds a rich, buttery flavor and it's finished with sesame seeds, which adds a nutty crunch. You could also just cut up the chicken instead of spatchcocking it to make it easier.
- Prep: 25 mins
- Cook: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yields: 4 - 6 Servings
Sweet Miso Steak with Ramen
This Sweet Miso Steak with Ramen is broth-less. It's a simple stir-fry recipe that is easy to make and satisfying. I have modified it and I think it needs a touch of chili to add a bit of spiciness.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 15 mins
- Yields: 4 Servings
Blistered Shishito Peppers with Soy-Ginger Sauce
Shishito peppers have become a popular appetizer. They are mostly mild, but about one out of ten are spicy, which adds an element of surprise. The person that gets the spicy one will have good luck! The other interesting aspect of this dish is when you add the bonito flakes (dried fish flakes) on top before serving they move and dance from the heat of the peppers.
