Japanese Dinner Recipes You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Japanese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious meal, here are some quick and easy Japanese dinner recipes that you can whip up in 30 minutes or less.

Sokuseki Soba (Quick Soba Noodles)

Ingredients:

  • 200g soba noodles
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the soba noodles according to package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes).
  2. In a pan, mix soy sauce, mirin, and chopped spring onions over medium heat.
  3. Drain the noodles and add them to the pan, tossing gently to mix.
  4. Serve immediately, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 500g chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sake, and honey to make the marinade.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned.
  4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, cooking until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.

Quick Vegetable Tempura

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, and zucchini)
  • 1 cup tempura batter mix
  • Cold water
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, prepare the tempura batter according to the package instructions using cold water.
  2. Heat oil in a deep pan.
  3. Dip the mixed vegetables into the batter and fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Drain on paper towels and serve with a dipping sauce.

Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Ingredients:

  • 2 bowls of cooked rice
  • 300g chicken thigh, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 tablespoons dashi or chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a skillet, combine dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. Bring to a boil and add chicken, cooking until done.
  2. In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
  3. Pour the eggs over the chicken in the skillet and let it cook until just set.
  4. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with green onions.

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add sliced cucumbers and toss well. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. Serve chilled, topped with sesame seeds.

These quick Japanese dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy