Welcoming the idea of trying something new, traditional Japanese breakfast recipes offer a refreshing twist to your morning meal. From innovative dishes like fish waffles to street crepes, these recipes provide an exciting departure from the usual bland toast and cold cereal. Japanese breakfasts are often characterized as light, healthy, and well-balanced, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a nutritious start to their day.
While traditional Japanese breakfasts typically consist of a rice dish, protein, soup, and side dish, you don’t have to go through extensive preparations to enjoy a delightful morning meal. Today, I’ll introduce you to 20 creative Japanese breakfast recipes that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other Japanese classics. These fantastic recipes are sure to brighten up your day and put a smile on your face. So let’s dive in and explore these delicious options together!
Japanese Pancakes
Beyond its delicate appearance, Japanese pancakes boast an impressive texture that’s both fluffy and light, much like a soufflé. Topped with the sweet combination of maple syrup and melted butter, this dish is sure to delight even the most discerning pancake enthusiasts. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring only basic ingredients.
Nevertheless, achieving the perfect height, shape, and texture for these pancakes demands some specialized equipment – namely molds and a non-stick skillet.
Japanese Fish Waffle
Finding its roots in Tokyo’s culinary scene, Taiyaki – often referred to as Japanese fish waffles – has become a staple breakfast item for locals and visitors alike. Characterized by their delectable sweet flavor and enticing presentation, these unique treats are a delightful way to warm up on a chilly morning. The exterior of the waffle is remarkably light and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch before giving way to its fluffy interior, which is generously filled with sweet red bean paste.
While some may not be fond of traditional red beans, there’s no need to worry – you can experiment with different fillings such as creamy custard or rich Nutella for a personalized twist.
Onigri
Noting the monotony of traditional breakfasts, many people are seeking exciting alternatives to start their day off right. One such option is onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, which have gained popularity worldwide for good reason. These bite-sized treats consist of a variety of fillings carefully wrapped within triangular blocks of plain steamed rice, which are then sealed with dried seaweed sheets.
Japanese Street Crepes
Very few things are as delightful as enjoying a classic Japanese-style crepe at home, and even more convenient is being able to make them yourself in the comfort of your own kitchen. These deliciously thin crepes take on a lovely cone shape, perfect for holding all sorts of tasty fillings that you can choose from.
To make them even more appealing, it’s essential to roll them into a cone shape, allowing you to enjoy these breakfast treats on the go – making them an ideal choice for busy mornings when every minute counts!
Strawberry Sauce
Diners and dessert lovers alike will adore this strawberry compote recipe, which results in a thick and luscious mixture with generous chunks of fresh berries for added texture. This sweet sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a topping for cheesecake, but it also pairs beautifully with pancakes, waffles, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a breakfast dish or add a touch of sweetness to a dessert, this strawberry compote recipe has got you covered.
Rolled Omelette
Dotted with savory goodness, rolled omelettes have become a staple in Japanese cuisine. Whether it’s enjoyed as a standalone breakfast dish or used as a filling for sushi, their versatility is undeniable. The delicate layers of seasoned egg, carefully crafted to perfection, make this omelette a treat for the senses. Adding dashi soup stock to the mixture elevates its flavor profile, resulting in a rich and umami taste that’s impossible to resist!
Japanese Fruit Sandwich
Wrapped in layers of sweetness, this Japanese-inspired fruit sandwich has gained immense popularity in local fruit parlors. Weighing in on its charm are two slices of soft milk bread that provide a gentle cradle for the fresh fruits within. Whether you’re looking to start your day or satisfy an afternoon craving, this delightful combination is sure to hit the spot.
Japanese Rice Porridge
Understanding the simplicity of Japanese breakfast recipes is a great starting point for cooking enthusiasts. This rice porridge, in particular, is one of the most uncomplicated yet flavorful options available. If you’re looking to keep it plain, all you’ll need are three essential ingredients: rice, water, and salt. It’s almost too easy! To add more depth and interest to your dish, consider substituting stock for water. This simple switch will elevate the flavor profile of your porridge.
Furthermore, feel free to get creative with toppings such as sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pickled plums, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
Miso Breakfast Oats
Making mornings more delicious has become my passion, and this savory oatmeal recipe is a true hero of mine when it comes to breakfast ideas. The warm flavors and deep umami taste are a perfect combination that I just can’t get enough of. Plus, the added health benefits make it an even better choice for morning meals. The best part about this recipe? It’s incredibly easy to prepare! Simply cook the oats in an Instant Pot to save time and effort.
Then, stir in the miso paste, kale, and your preferred seasonings. Finally, add your desired toppings and voila – a nutritious and tasty meal is ready to be devoured!
Ogura Toast
Similar to other Japanese delicacies, Ogura toast has gained immense popularity across the country, despite its origins in Nagoya. This delectable treat involves topping toasted bread with a generous helping of butter and sweet red bean paste. Interestingly, this simple yet mouth-watering combination can be elevated even further by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top, which I personally find to be the perfect finishing touch.
Japanese Green Tea Rice
Fresh and healthy, Japanese green tea rice is a comfort food that’s easy to prepare. This simple yet delicious dish pairs perfectly with various entrees, making it an excellent choice for any meal. Fortunately, it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic steps: simply pour the steamed green tea over your cooked white rice. For an extra nutritional boost, consider substituting brown rice, which offers even more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Japanese Scrambled Eggs
Keen foodies know that Japanese scrambled eggs stand out from their Western counterparts due to a single key ingredient: soy sauce. This distinct component elevates the flavor profile of the dish significantly, making it more tantalizing compared to average scrambled eggs. When indulging in this Japanese delicacy, you’ll find that it’s bursting with flavor, rendering the need for ketchup unnecessary.
Japanese Breakfast Skillet
Elevate your morning meal with this Japanese-inspired breakfast skillet recipe. While it may appear daunting at first glance, rest assured that the preparation process is relatively straightforward. All you need to do is chop the ingredients and perform a quick stir-fry. To make things even easier, consider blending your sauce in a matter of seconds. The finishing touch is adding a fried egg on top, which not only adds visual appeal but also provides an extra boost of protein.
Japanese Avocado Toast
Relying on a classic combination, this recipe for avocado toast takes it to the next level by incorporating some unique elements. A crispy toasted bread provides the perfect base, topped with creamy avocado that’s simply irresistible. The addition of roasted seaweed adds a delightful smokiness, while ikura brings a subtle yet distinctive fishy flavor. Furthermore, the sprinkle of sesame seeds contributes a nutty taste that complements the dish nicely.
Japanese Red Bean Pancakes
Often considered a staple in Japanese cuisine, the combination of fluffy pancakes and sweet fillings has gained popularity worldwide. This sweet treat is an exemplary representation of breakfast (or dessert) perfection, showcasing the harmonious union of textures and flavors. For those seeking other delightful variations, it’s also possible to create sandwich pancakes with matcha cream, chestnut, or custard cream filling, allowing for a wide range of creative expressions.
Japanese Milk Bread
Observing the simplicity of Japanese baked goods, one may be surprised by the complexity behind achieving their signature softness. One key component that contributes to this texture is the tangzhong, a type of roux made with water and flour. This mixture prolongs the fluffiness of the bread, making it an essential ingredient in many Japanese recipes.
The beauty of this milk bread lies in its versatility – you can enjoy it with a variety of spreads, or elevate it to new heights by turning it into a more substantial dish, such as a chicken katsu sandwich, perfect for a leisurely breakfast.
Japanese French Toast
Featuring the versatility of milk bread, you can repurpose it to create a delicious French toast. To achieve this, simply soak the bread in an egg mixture seasoned with your preferred spices for a custardy twist on the classic dish. If you’re looking for an extra fluffy treat, be sure to use thick slices of bread – its generous texture will hold up perfectly under the sweet toppings that follow.
Don’t forget to add some powdered sugar, syrup, and whipped cream to give it that extra je ne sais quoi!
Okonomiyaki
You can’t walk down the streets of Osaka without being tantalized by the savory aroma of Okonomiyaki, a delicious street food that’s both a staple of Japanese cuisine and a reflection of its regional diversity. This mouthwatering dish is essentially a pancake made with flour, eggs, cabbage, and your choice of meat – whether it be squid, shrimp, scallions, or just a variety of veggies.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match ingredients to create the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
Banana Muffins
Zeroing in on the ultimate breakfast treat, banana muffins made with caramelized bananas are truly exceptional. Beyond their impressive moisture levels, they also boast an unparalleled depth of flavor without being overly sweet. To add texture to these delightful treats, small banana chunks are incorporated into the batter, while a generous helping of Nutella is swirled on top before baking.
Best served warm and enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, these muffins are sure to become a new favorite.
20 Traditional Japanese Breakfasts
Making a switch from the ordinary Japanese breakfast options is simpler than you might think. Many of us tend to stick with what we know and love, but there’s a whole world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored. These traditional Japanese breakfast recipes offer a chance to upgrade your morning meal with unique dishes like fish waffles and street crepes that will add some excitement to your daily routine.
Instructions
Bring out your inner culinary artist by selecting your favorite recipe from our vast collection. Next, carefully organize all the essential ingredients to avoid any last-minute trips to the store. With a little planning and some basic kitchen skills, you can prep a delicious Japanese breakfast in 30 minutes or less.
