Looking to add a dash of excitement to your midday meals? In this roundup, I have collected authentic, easy, and quick-to-make Japanese recipes that I especially crave for lunch. Enjoy these 20 quick & easy Japanese lunch recipes!
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1. Authentic Yakisoba(Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Yakisoba is a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that combines chewy noodles, pork, and vegetables in a tangy sauce. Ready in 15 minutes, this yakisoba recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch and offers a taste of Japanese street food.
Authentic Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Yakisoba is a classic Japanese street food made with chewy noodles stir-fried with thin slices of pork and fresh vegetables in a tangy sauce. Enjoy authentic yakisoba at home with this 15 minute recipe!
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2. Chicken Yaki Udon (Garlic & Butter Soy Sauce Fried Noodles)
Yaki Udon is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish consisting of thick udon noodles. I used chicken breast and a mix of vegetables, all stir-fried in a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, and soy sauce.
I initially considered using mayonnaise as a base but later opted to enhance the dish with a combination of soy sauce, butter, and garlic, resulting in a quick and tasty meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
Chicken Yaki Udon (Garlic & Butter Soy Sauce Fried Noodles)
This tasty yaki udon is made with thick udon noodles, chicken breast, onions, bell peppers and cabbage stir fried in a delicious mixture of garlic, butter and soy sauce. It's easy to make and only takes 15 minutes!
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3. Okinawa Taco Rice And Cheese
Okinawa Taco Rice is a delicious fusion dish from Okinawa that blends Japanese and Tex-Mex cuisines. The dish consists of Japanese white rice topped with taco-style ground beef, salad, tortilla chips, and a soft-boiled egg.
I aimed to create a visually appealing and tasty dish that is easy to replicate in a café setting. This taco rice recipe is perfect for lunch, satisfying the eyes and the palate with its vibrant colors and rich flavors.
Okinawa Taco Rice And Cheese (Cafe Style)
Taco rice is a delicious and vibrant fusion dish that hails from Okinawa. Made with Japanese white rice topped with taco style ground beef, fresh salad, crispy tortilla chips and a soft boiled egg, taco rice is quick to make and every bite is packed with flavour!
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4. Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
Gyudon is a well-known Japanese beef bowl composed of thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a sweet and savory sauce and served over rice.
It’s perfect for those who are interested in enjoying the taste of Japanese fast food in the comfort of their own home!
Sukiya Gyudon (Japanese Beef Bowl)
This delicious gyudon beef bowl is based on the signature dish from a famous chain restaurant in Japan called "Sukiya," and now you can make it in your own kitchen! Thinly sliced beef cooked in a delicious dashi sauce with simmered onions served on a bed of fluffy Japanese white rice.
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5. Tonteki (Japanese Pork Chop Steak)
Tonteki is a delicious Japanese pork steak dish with thick and juicy pork chops topped with a rich Worcestershire-based sauce. The recipe is simple and quick, taking only 20 minutes to make.
It is a perfect one-pan meal for those who are looking for a quick yet satisfying lunch or dinner that combines the juiciness of pork with a tasty, easy to make sauce.
Tonteki (Japanese Pork Chop Steak)
Tonteki is a delightful dish made with succulent pork steaks topped with a rich, tangy sauce, and golden, crispy garlic chips. Not only does it taste amazing, but it only takes 20 minutes!
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6. Chahan (Ramen Restaurant Style Fried Rice)
Chahan is a delicious fried rice dish that combines rice with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and eggs, seasoned with soy sauce.
This recipe includes ingredients such as pork chashu, kamaboko fishcake, egg, and green onion. Secret ingredients like lard and chashu marinade are used to deepen the flavor. Japanese Chahan is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a speedy and satisfying meal using leftovers.
Chahan (Ramen Restaurant Style Fried Rice)
This ramen restaurant-style "chahan" uses typical ramen ingredients such as pork chashu, kamaboko fishcake, egg and spring onion to make the ultimate fried rice!
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7. Pan Fried Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
This recipe for Pan-Fried Teriyaki Salmon is a wonderful dish that brings together the delicious flavors of salmon with a homemade teriyaki sauce.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients, making it an excellent option for a quick and delicious lunch!
Pan Fried Japanese Teriyaki Salmon
Authentic Japanese pan fried teriyaki salmon is made with fresh salmon fillets coated in a sweet and sticky homemade teriyaki glaze. This versatile dish is quick and easy to make, and goes perfectly with rice and sautéed vegetables!
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8. Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi (Rice Bowl)
This Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi is a comforting rice bowl dish that can be prepared in 25 minutes. It features pan-fried chicken thigh, which is cooked in a garlic-infused teriyaki sauce and served over white rice.
I have integrated grated garlic into the sauce to enhance the teriyaki glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch!
Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi (Rice Bowl)
Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Donburi is a delicious, comforting rice bowl dish that's quick and easy to make! Made with juicy pan-fried chicken thigh cooked in a garlic-infused teriyaki sauce served over a bed of fluffy white rice and then topped with chopped green onion and a soft-boiled egg, what's not to like?!
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9. Tantanmen(Tan Tan Ramen)
Tantanmen is a Japanese take on the classic Szechuan dish, Dandan noodles. This recipe aims to recreate the rich, spicy, and savory flavors of a restaurant-quality meal at home in 15 minutes.
It uses a blend of ground pork, sesame paste, and a mix of seasoning and sauces to achieve an authentic taste. This dish is perfect for a quick and delightful lunch, offering a rich and satisfying experience.
Tantanmen (Tan Tan Ramen)
Tantanmen is a delicious ramen dish made with chewy noodles served in a spicy, nutty broth and topped with seasoned pork and pak choi. You won't believe how quick and easy it is to make, so impress your friends and family with this restaurant-worthy dish!
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10. Yakiniku Don
Yakiniku Don is a delicious Japanese beef bowl dish that features BBQ-style thinly sliced beef, and a homemade yakiniku sauce served over rice.
The recipe is designed to be simple and quick, making it an ideal option for a satisfying lunch. By using a practical, home-cooked format, this dish captures the essence of yakiniku flavor!
Yakiniku Don (Japanese BBQ Style Beef Bowl)
Tender pieces of frying steak pan fried in a quick and easy Japanese-style BBQ "yakiniku" style sauce served over fluffy white rice. This yakiniku beef bowl is packed with flavor and only takes 10 minutes!
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11. Pork Miso Ramen (Sapporo Style)
This Pork Miso Ramen recipe is a delightful and hearty meal that embodies the essence of Sapporo-style ramen. It features a rich miso-based broth, tender pork, and satisfying noodles.
I especially put a unique spin on this traditional dish by incorporating peanut butter to add creaminess and depth. This recipe is perfect for a quick and restaurant-worthy lunch!
Pork Miso Ramen in 15 Minutes (Sapporo Style)
Make restaurant-worthy ramen at home with this amazing pork miso ramen recipe! Not only is the broth rich, creamy and delicious but the whole dish can be put together in just 15 minutes!
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12. Bukkake Udon Noodles with Easy Homemade Sauce
Bukkake Udon is a popular Japanese udon dish that is simple yet versatile. It consists of thick udon noodles served in a hearty sauce, topped with various ingredients, and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
I aimed to capture authentic flavors in a straightforward manner, with the sauce taking less than five minutes to make. The dish can be customized with different toppings according to one’s preferences, and its ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for a quick and refreshing meal!
Bukkake Udon Noodles with Easy Homemade Sauce
Bukkake Udon is a simple dish made with thick udon noodles served in a rich sauce and topped with various ingredients. It's easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold!
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13. Niku Yasai Itame (Japanese Vegetable Stir Fry with Pork)
Buta Yasai Itame is a delicious Japanese stir-fry dish prepared with pork and a variety of vegetables. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and quick preparation, making it a great option for a quick meal.
I seeked a balance between convenience and taste, ensuring that it can be easily incorporated into busy schedules. It is perfect for a quick and nourishing lunch!
Buta Yasai Itame (Japanese Vegetable Stir Fry with Pork)
Niku no yasai itame is a delicious and fragrant Japanese stir fry dish made with thinly sliced meat and a variety of vegetables cooked in a savory, umami-rich sauce. It's quick to cook, nutritious and tastes so good!
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14. Taiwan Mazesoba (Nagoya’s Spicy Brothless Ramen)
Taiwan Mazesoba is a popular noodle dish renowned for its rich flavors and varied textures from Nagoya. It is a soupless ramen, meaning it is served in a sauce rather than a soup.
The recipe emphasizes the importance of balancing the spicy, savory, and umami flavors to create a satisfying meal. Taiwan Mazesoba is perfect for a hearty lunch, offering a unique taste experience.
Taiwan Mazesoba (Nagoya’s Spicy Brothless Ramen)
Despite the name, Taiwan Mazesoba is a delicious regional noodle dish that hails from Nagoya in Japan. Made with thick, springy ramen noodles topped with spicy ground pork, crispy nori, crunchy tempura bits, fresh spring onion and raw egg yolk, it ticks all the boxes in terms of taste and texture!
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15. Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Goya Champuru is a traditional stir-fry dish from Okinawa that combines bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and pork, creating a perfect blend of unique flavors. I made this recipe simple and authentic, honoring the dish’s roots while making it easy to prepare at home.
Goya Champuru is an excellent option for a quick meal that provides both simplicity and satisfaction.
Goya Champuru (Okinawan Bitter Melon Stir Fry)
Goya Champuru is a famous stir-fry dish made with Okinawan bitter melon. It's a popular home-cooked dish all across Japan due to its unusual bitter yet refreshing taste. It's also quick and easy to make!
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16. Easy Okayu with Egg (Japanese Rice Porridge)
“Okayu” is a Japanese rice porridge that offers a soothing and comforting meal. This recipe is simple and has gentle flavors of egg, dashi and rice, making it an ideal choice for a quick, easy, and nourishing lunch.
It is perfect for days when you crave something warm and satisfying. This dish provides a taste of traditional Japanese comfort food.
Easy Okayu with Egg (Japanese Rice Porridge)
Okayu is a comforting and warming rice porridge dish made with minimal ingredients, it's perfect for those days when you're feeling under the weather and looking for a simple dish to pick you back up!
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17. Miso Glazed Salmon (Pan-fried)
Miso Glazed Salmon is a popular Japanese dish that involves coating salmon fillets in a delicious miso sauce. This savory-sweet sauce lends the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.
The recipe is easy to make and quick to cook, making it an ideal quick and delicious lunch option.
Miso Glazed Salmon (Pan-fried)
This delicious Japanese-style miso glazed salmon is flavorful and can be whipped up in just 10 minutes! It's a perfect quick lunch or midweek dinner for salmon lovers. Learn how to make this super easy dish and serve it as part of a traditional Japanese "teishoku" set meal!
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18. Easy and Delicious Ponzu Chicken
Ponzu Chicken is an easy and delicious dish that combines crispy chicken thighs with a homemade tangy ponzu sauce. Unlike the common sweet and savory teriyaki flavor, this recipe stands out for its unique and bold sour kick.
The recipe is accessible, yet carefully developed to maximize the crispiness of the chicken skin and the flavor of the sauce. This dish offers a refreshing change from the usual chicken dishes and is perfect for a quick, yet delicious lunch!
Easy and Delicious Ponzu Chicken
Learn how to make this delicious Ponzu Chicken with crispy pan fried chicken thighs served with fluffy rice, sautéed vegetables and drizzled with a tangy homemade ponzu sauce. If you love citrus flavours or the umami rich taste of teriyaki, you're sure to love this dish!
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19. Teriyaki Tofu Donburi (Vegan Rice Bowl)
Teriyaki Tofu Donburi is a Japanese-style vegan rice bowl with crispy tofu glazed in homemade teriyaki mixture. It’s served over steamed rice with green onions, bell peppers, and chili oil.
The quick and easy recipe emphasizes texture and nutrition through sautéed vegetables. It’s a fusion of traditional Japanese cooking and modern plant-based ingredients, perfect for a quick lunch!
Teriyaki Tofu Donburi
This delicious tofu donburi is made with crispy cubes of firm tofu coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze and served with pan-fried green onions and bell peppers over a bed of fluffy rice. It's seriously satisfying and ready in just 20 minutes!
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20. Chicken Udon Noodle Soup (Tori Nanban Udon)
Chicken Udon Noodle Soup, also known as Tori Nanban Udon, is a comforting Japanese dish of succulent chicken thigh pieces, charred leeks, and twice-fried tofu pouches, served over chewy udon noodles in a rich dashi broth.
It’s straightforward to prepare, emphasizing the warmth and simplicity of the dish, and is ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch!
Chicken Udon Noodle Soup (Tori Nanban Udon)
Chicken Nanban Udon is a delicious Japanese noodle dish made with made with succulent pieces of chicken thigh, charred spring onion and twice fried tofu served over chewy udon noodles in a rich dashi broth. Learn how to make this flavourful dish from scratch with this easy recipe!
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More Japanese Recipe Collections
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- Must-Try Japanese Beef Recipes
