6 Delicious Japanese Rice Dishes You'll Love

If you're looking for something new to try in the world of Japanese cuisine, try experimenting with a Japanese rice recipe! Rice bowls (donburi), and mixed rice dishes are some of the most popular ways to enjoy this versatile grain, and there are endless variations. This blog post will introduce you to some of our favorite Japanese rice dishes. Keep reading to learn some new at-home staples!

Rice Bowls

Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl) 

Full of flavor and protein, this is one of the most beloved Japanese rice bowls. It is made by topping steamed white rice with a rich and savory chicken, egg, and green onion simmered mixture. You can add seaweed, pickles, or other toppings for added flavor and texture. This dish is found in every corner of Japan, making it a popular "fast food" choice for office workers and students on the go. If you're looking for a quick and filling meal to whip up after work—this is it!

Katsudon (Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl) 

This is a well-known classic of Japanese cuisine and for good reason! It's an incredibly delicious yet simple dish that starts with a crispy pork cutlet (katsu) served atop white rice. Next, the katsu (pork cutlet) is breaded in panko (Japanese bread crumbs) and deep-fried or baked until it gets crispy outside. The resulting tonkatsu is then simmered in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin to create the unique sweetness and flavor of katsu don. Topped with pickled ginger, a soft cooked egg, and onions, this is one dish you won't want to miss! 

Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowl) 

This dish is a seafood lover's dream! It features all the freshest catches of the day, such as squid, shrimp, tuna, salmon, scallops, and other seasonal favorites. These are served atop a bed of steamed Japanese rice, with finely chopped onions and pickles as garnish. Other typical toppings include shiso (Japanese basil), ginger, nori, cucumber, soy sauce, sesame seeds, wasabi paste, and onions. Feel free to have fun playing with these and any other Japanese condiments you have laying around your pantry. The result is an incredibly flavorful meal that will make your taste buds sing!

Mixed Rice Dishes

Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice) 

Omurice is a much-loved Japanese comfort food, perfect for lunch or dinner. It starts with fried ketchup rice made from chopped vegetables, meat, fish, and other ingredients of your choice. Get creative with the ingredients you throw into the fried rice—it's a great way to use any leftover veggies or protein in your fridge. This mix is wrapped inside a fluffy omelet and topped with ketchup or demi-glace sauce. You can serve your omurice with a salad or steamed veggies or eat it on its own. One thing we love about omurice is that it’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is really easy to make, making it an excellent choice for busy days.

Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice) 

Takikomi Gohan is made by mixing white Japanese rice with various ingredients such as mushrooms, carrots, and chicken. The combination is then cooked in dashi for added flavor. Takikomi Gohan can be eaten as is or served with a side dish such as miso soup. For an even more exciting meal, or to make this a complete meal, try adding other ingredients such as fish, beef, pork, and vegetables. If you have meat or fish as a main dish, you can also make this a vegetable fried rice dish to accompany it! 

Yakimeshi (Japanese Fried Rice) 

We've all experienced the deliciousness that is Japanese fried rice. But you'll be happy to know that you don't need to go to a fancy teppanyaki restaurant to enjoy this dish at home! Yakimeshi is a type of Japanese stir-fry made using day-old cooked white rice, which is then stir-fried with vegetables, meat, seafood, and egg. The result is a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will leave your tummy full of joy. Yakimeshi can be served as is or with other condiments for added flavor. Some of the most common ingredients include garlic, onion, carrot, lettuce, eggs, and soy sauce.

Get Creative with your Japanese rice dishes! 

If you're wondering how to experience your new Japanese rice from the rice factory NEW YORK, these are some of the easiest ways! With all these delicious options, you're sure to find a favorite. Whether it's something simple like omurice or a more elaborate seafood bowl, Japanese rice dishes are sure to please anyone who takes the time to make them. Visit our blog to learn more about Japanese rice hacks and how to incorporate them into your culinary adventures!