TOP 5 Easy & Healthy Japanese Recipes

Easy & Healthy Japanese Recipes

The beginning of a new year is a moment of reset and renewal. Once it comes to preparing and eating better, the Japanese believes that everything should be in balance. The balance we make an effort for not only pleasing hunger, but also adding nourishment to each of the five senses -- taste, smell, texture, color and audio.

Personally, I believe 'homestyle cooking' (家庭料理 ) is a method to manage myself and my loved ones. It's not about a specific diet, but a sustained, varied diet with satisfactory vitamins and nutrients.

If you are looking for inspiring quality recipes to get started on the New Season, I've gathered some of my favorite cake tested recipes that you can prepare and enjoy with your loved ones. May these wholesome, healthy meals make their happy appearance at your dining room table!

1.  生姜の炊き込みご飯 Ginger Rice

Cooked with ginger, fried tofu skin, and soy sauce base sauce, this Japanese Ginger Rice recipe is so fragrant that you would enjoy it on its own.  Known for its many anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has the unique power to keep you warm and ease digestion.  When you need a warm healthy meal, this ginger rice is perfect to start a hectic week.  Enjoy it with miso salmon and a bowl of miso soup.

2. 味噌サーモン  Miso Salmon

The heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids in salmon get most of the attention, but this delicious fish also provides a high source of vitamin D.  Marinated in a sweet and savory miso sauce, this Miso Salmon is an easy and elegant recipe to serve.

3.  抹茶スムージー Green Tea Smoothie

Start your day with a nutrient packed breakfast with this Green Tea Smoothie made with banana, almond milk and matcha powder.  Matcha not only adds all the beneficial antioxidants from green tea, but it also gives you an extra kick in your step in the morning.

green tea smoothie

4. 炊き込みご飯 Takikomi Gohan 

Basically a one-pot meal; Takikomi Gohan is a flavorful & comforting Japanese mixed rice cooked with seasonal ingredients.  To achieve the perfect texture for the rice, don’t forget to read the important tips and technique I shared in the recipe when you make Takikomi Gohan.

5. けんちん汁 Kenchinjiru 

Highly restorative with its origin as a Buddhist temple cuisine, Kenchinjiru is a clear soup cooked with root vegetables, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and kombu stock.  If you’re looking for a meatless meal on a cold night, this flavorful soup will warm you right up!