These recipes are easy to make at home
Japanese food tends to be pretty kid-friendly, thanks to its subtle yet rich flavors that aren’t too spicy. And with dishes like homemade sushi, ramen noodles, and gyoza, these Japanese food recipes are just as fun to make as they are to eat.
Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings)
Here’s a fun cooking project for the whole family. Everyday Washoku has photos and instructions on everything you’ll need to make gorgeous gyoza, pan-fried in the Japanese style.
Japanese Milk Bread
Also known as Hokkaido milk bread, this Japanese specialty is a soft and springy bread that has a slight sweetness. It’s the perfect weekend project since you’ll need to let it rise twice. Get the recipe from Simmer + Sauce.
Vegetable Noodle Soup
This delicious take on ramen packs plenty of veggies into a flavorful broth. Since it uses a normal pack of instant ramen (minus the flavor packet), it cooks up super fast. To get this Japanese food recipe, click here.
Tamagoyaki (Pan Fried Rolled Egg)
Tamagoyaki is a Japanese omelet made by rolling together thin layers of seasoned egg in a frying pan. It might take some mastery—it cooks up a little bit like a crepe but without the flipping. Get the recipe from Japanese Cooking 101.
Vegan Sushi
If you’ve never made sushi before, then this step-by-step guide on vegan sushi from Kindly Coconut is the perfect place to start. You’ll get the rundown on what supplies you’ll need and learn how to make tasty sushi with butternut squash, kimchi, pickled veggies, and more.
Japanese Curry
A guaranteed kid-favorite Japanese food recipe, this curry is comfort food at its finest. It’s not spicy (perfect for little ones!) and has a nice sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with a big scoop of rice. Visit Pickled Plum to see the recipe and a guide to the best store-bought curry mixes if you're short on time.
Vegan Tofu Nuggets
Switch things up from your standard chicken nuggets by making this dish from Chef Ja Cooks. Tofu is a popular staple in Japan, and kids are sure to love it when it’s fried up nugget style.
Related: 12 Terrific Thai Food Recipes for Families
Gyudon (Beef Rice Bowl)
Gyudon is a popular quick meal in Japan, made from thinly sliced beef, a sweet and salty sauce, and fluffy scrambled eggs. This version from The Floured Camera is just the thing for a busy weeknight meal that’s still hearty and healthy.
Omurice (Omelette Rice)
Omurice is an example of yoshoku—Western food that has been reinvented in a Japanese style. Rice is fried with ketchup, chicken, and veggies and then wrapped in an omelet. The kids are sure to love this one, courtesy of Sudachi Recipes.
Chicken Katsu Sandwich
This chicken katsu sandwich from Something About Sandwiches is every kid’s dream lunch—a super crispy chicken katsu is paired with tonkatsu (Japanese barbecue sauce) and shredded cabbage on fluffy white bread.
Andagi (Okinawan Fried Donuts)
Andagi, aka Okinawan fried donuts, are a simple and delicious treat that your whole crew will love. This version from Keeping It Relle is a Hawaiian-inspired take on the recipe, with baking powder added for additional fluffiness and milk and vanilla for an extra rich flavor.
Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatballs)
You might find meatballs like these at a yakitori restaurant, but they’re pretty easy to make at home, too. This version from Wandercooks uses seasoned ground chicken as a base and they’re basted with a sweet and savory sauce.
Related: 12 French Recipes for Little Foodies
Ginger Soy Glazed Edamame
For a fun appetizer or snack, try this take on edamame from K33 Kitchen. The sweet, sticky, salty glaze is a fun twist on the typical salted version, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds makes it feel extra fancy.
Kitsune Udon
This dish is a comfort food favorite, made with thick and chewy udon noodles and rich broth. The best part is that you can customize your recipe according to what the kids like. Get the details from Pacific Potluck.
Chicken Karaage (Fried Chicken)
This Japanese fried chicken is extra crispy—just the way we like it! It’s also marinated in a soy-based mixture for extra flavor and juiciness. Get the recipe from All Ways Delicious.
