Tonkatsu (トンカツ) is one of the most beloved western style Japanese foods called yōshoku (洋食). It is a pork loin breaded with flour, egg, and Panko (bread crumbs), then deep fried. It’s not the healthiest Japanese food, but it is rather a comfort food which everybody can’t get enough of.
Chicken Karaage (唐揚げ) is a Japanese-style fried chicken, and it is one of the most popular Japanese dishes. It is a great appetizer to go with drinks, a family-friendly dinner entree, and a perfect item for a Bento lunch box. Chicken is marinated well before coated lightly with flour and starch, and deep fried. With simple ingredients you can find anywhere, it is very easy to make Karaage at home.
Chicken Udon (鶏うどん) is a simple yet satisfying dish made with Udon noodles and tender chicken thigh pieces simmered in a flavorful hot soup. It’s a light meal but hearty enough to enjoy on its own. While Chicken Udon is great any time of the year, it’s especially comforting and delicious during the colder months.
Katsudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl, Tonkatsu (deep-fried pork) and eggs cooked in a sweet and savory broth and placed over rice. It is a typical lunch dish you can get at casual restaurants everywhere in Japan. Udon noodle shops, small corner restaurants, and bento shops all have Katsudon on their menus.
Salmon flakes are pan-fried, moisture-reduced salmon that make a great topping for steamed rice. Strongly seasoned with salt, they resemble furikake rice seasoning and are not only perfect for rice but also for various dishes like pasta and salad. While not meant to be served as an entrée, salmon flakes are a convenient and versatile dish to prepare in advance and keep on hand.
Gyudon is a popular Japanese rice bowl dish featuring thinly sliced beef and onion cooked in sweet and savory sauce which is piled on top of steamed rice. The rice absorbs all the flavorful sauce from the beef cooked in umami-rich dashi and soy sauce. It is a lunch time staple both at home and in restaurants in Japan.
Mentsuyu (noodle sauce) is a very versatile savory sauce that gives many dishes a great Japanese flavor. This is perfect for dipping cold Soba or Somen noodles, tempura and more.
Onigiri (おにぎり), often called rice ball in English, is steamed rice that is formed into different for shapes with various fillings and wrapped with Nori roasted seaweed. It’s a quick light meal or satisfying snack you can make yourself or buy at many stores in Japan.