About - Chef JA Cooks

Welcome to Chef JA Cooks!

Hi, I’m Juri! I’m here to help you cook simple, authentic Japanese meals at home. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to make Japanese dishes part of your everyday routine, you’ll find step-by-step recipes, helpful tips, and plenty of inspiration here!

What You Can Expect from Chef JA Cooks

You’ll find simple Japanese recipes—from traditional dishes to modern twists—that are easy to recreate at home.

Easy-to-Follow Recipes

Each recipe is designed with clear instructions to make cooking a breeze for beginners.

Minimal Ingredients

Most recipes use fewer than 10 ingredients, with just the right balance of seasonings for authentic flavor.

Authentic Flavors

Enjoy the true taste of Japan, along with insights into our food culture and traditions.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Many recipes here are vegetarian and vegan, making them perfect for anyone looking for plant-based Japanese dishes.

“That was so good, it instantly made my day better”

“Really refreshing and delicious! Fun for the kids to help prepare, too”

“Very well explained and easy. The taste was delicious!”

About Juri

Mom. Wife. Founder of Chef JA Cooks.

I’m the creator and photographer behind this site. As a mom of two with decades of cooking experience, I’m passionate about creating wholesome, nourishing meals that bring joy to my family’s table.

Growing up around my grandparents’ restaurant sparked my love for food. Over the years, I’ve explored vegan, vegetarian, raw, and macrobiotic diets, which ultimately inspired me to start this blog. While I’m not exclusively vegan, I’ve been a pescatarian for over a decade and deeply enjoy plant-based eating.

Certifications: I’m a certified food education instructor, green smoothie master, food hygiene expert, and I also hold a Koji Certification.
What I Enjoy: I love starting my mornings with a walk, aiming for 10,000 steps a day. Flamenco dance has been my passion for nearly 20 years! I also enjoy exploring kimono culture and Japanese crafts—lifelong interests that continue to inspire me. I’ve also been diving into food history, which adds even more depth to my love for cooking.
My Favorite Foods: I love fermented foods like natto and nukazuke, and I enjoy all kinds of veggies, especially kabocha and daikon!

Follow along

80+ simple recipes for home cooks.

From Japan with Flavor: Vegetarian

Order a Copy

Watch Chef JA Cooks Cooking Show!

I started my cooking show on YouTube in 2023! Each episode highlights a specific ingredient or dish, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and guides. Join me, and let’s learn Japanese cooking together!

4 Napa Cabbage Recipes

4 Cabbage Recipes

4 Eggplant Recipes

5 Amazake Smoothies

Japanese Breakfast

Omurice Obento

Your Questions Answered

Do you have a cookbook? I love your recipes!

I have a Vegetarian Cookbook available in print, along with several eBooks to explore, like the Vegetarian ebook and Onigiri eBook. Visit our shop page to browse them all!

How can I get in touch with you?

Feel free to message me from the Contact page or find me on YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook! If you enjoy watching videos, I post new cooking videos on YouTube every week, so don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

Why do you have advertisements on your website?

I completely understand that ads can sometimes be bothersome, but they play a crucial role in supporting Chef JA Cooks. These ads help cover essential blog expenses and keep the site running smoothly. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated!

Can I use your photos or recipes on my site?

Thanks for asking! You are welcome to share one of my photos with credit and a link back to the full recipe on my website.

Start Your Japanese Cooking Journey!

I hope my recipes inspire you to make simple, tasty Japanese meals at home. Want more ideas? Subscribe to my newsletter for easy recipes, tips, updates, and a free eBook. Let’s stay connected!

Explore Our Delicious Homemade Recipes

Discover our easy Japanese recipes featuring hearty onigiri, cozy miso soup, and simple yet flavorful tofu dishes. Most of the recipes contain less than 10 ingredients!

Recipe Index