RECIPE / Rice

Chicken Nanban is a beloved Japanese fried chicken dish coated in a tangy-sweet sauce and topped with creamy tartar sauce. This dish is a popular bento choice, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal. The crispy chicken, paired with the richness of tartar sauce, makes it a hearty and delicious option—perfect for a filling lunch.

Nori Bento is a simple yet comforting Japanese lunch box featuring layers of cooked rice, seasoned Nori (seaweed), crispy fried fish, Chickuwa Isobe-age (Tempura style), and assorted side dishes. While it's not a fancy bento, its homely flavors make it a favorite for everyday lunches.

Bibimbap is one of the most well-known Korean dishes—a rice bowl topped with a variety of seasoned vegetables, meat, and a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg. This easy, one-pot version is made in a rice cooker, perfect for busy nights. Just add all the ingredients to the rice cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a flavorful, savory, and slightly spicy rice dish packed with textures and umami.

Sekihan, or Red Bean Sticky Rice, is a traditional Japanese dish made with glutinous rice and red beans. It is often served on festive occasions or special holidays in Japan. Instead of using mochi rice, this recipe incorporates Shiratama flour (glutinous rice flour) to create a delightfully sticky texture. To enhance the flavor, make your own Goma-shio (black sesame salt) and sprinkle it over the rice for a nutty, savory finish.

Chili Beans is a comforting stew that you can easily recreate at home and enjoy over hot rice. Hawaiian-style is traditionally made with Portuguese sausage, spices, and kidney beans, it’s a hearty and flavorful dish. In this recipe, we use Japanese Kintoki Mame beans from Hokkaido, which are similar to kidney beans and add a rich, comforting texture to the dish.

Okowa is a traditional Japanese sticky rice dish that's full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. This recipe simplifies the process by using Japanese short grain rice and adding a piece of mochi for extra stickiness. With the rich flavors of chicken, root vegetables, and a dashi-infused broth, it's an easy and hearty dish your whole family will love.

This comforting Red Bean Porridge is gently sweet and aromatic, making it perfect for warming the body in the winter time. In Japanese tradition, Azuki Gayu, or Red Bean Porridge is often enjoyed at the start of the year to ward off negative energy, and wish for good health throughout the coming months.

Chicken and Cucumber Salad is a lighter take on the classic Yurinchi chicken without frying, combined with the delicious scallion sauce. The chicken is steamed with minimal water, locking in all the savory goodness. This dish is equally delightful when made with chicken breast for a lighter touch, perfectly pairing with the freshly cooked rice.

The comforting combination of home-cooked pork and beans makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Using Japanese ingredients, this dish is elevated with a rich umami flavor. Ofuku-mame (white kidney beans) bring a sweet, nutty taste, a pleasing texture, and a substantial bite to the dish. It's perfect companion to freshly cooked rice. 

The classic Mapo Tofu, or Mabo Tofu, combines Tofu, ground pork, and a garlicky, spicy meat sauce, and it's served over a bed of steaming rice as a Donburi (rice bowl dish). Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and flavorful rice dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. 

Chuka Don is a comforting Japanese rice bowl topped with stir-fried vegetables, seafood, and meat. Packed with umami flavors and balance ingredients, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect savory and light meal to enjoy at home. 

Hayashi Rice is a comforting dish made with tender beef and onions simmered in a rice, savory sauce. This western-inspired Japanese favorite is typically served over freshly cooked rice. While store-bought roux can be used, this recipe shows you how to make it from scratch with simple, easily accessible ingredients.