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Home » Recipes » Japanese Side Dishes

18 Best Japanese Side Dishes With Easy Recipes

Published: Jun 6, 2023 · Modified: Jun 16, 2023 · Auther: Juri Austin

5 from 4 votes
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Discover a collection of the 18 best Japanese side dishes, each with an easy recipe. Try them out today and savor the delicious flavors of Japan at your table!

4 Japanese side dishes with text.

I'm going to show you 18 delicious Japanese side dishes that you can make at home! From traditional favorites to my personal recommendations, this collection offers a variety of dishes to choose from. Plus, they are all easy to prepare, so go ahead and give them a try!

    This recipe is for you if:
  • You love Japanese food.
  • You are looking for Japanese side dishes.
  • You want to know how to prepare Japanese side dishes.

Let's get started!

Jump to:
  • Traditional Japanese Meal
  • 18 Delicious Japanese Side Dishes
  • 1. Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
  • 2. Goma-ae Recipe 4 Ways (Japanese Sesame Salad)
  • 3. Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Stir Fry)
  • 4. Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)
  • 5. Hijiki Seaweed Salad
  • 6. Easy Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe
  • 7. Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
  • 8. Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage
  • 9. Japanese Daikon Salad with Sesame Dressing
  • 10. Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)
  • 11. Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms
  • 12. Easy Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki Recipe
  • 13. Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)
  • 14. Tofu Misozuke (Miso Tofu Cheese)
  • 15. Tofu Salad with Seaweed
  • 16. Teriyaki Tofu with Mushrooms
  • 17. Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
  • 18. Natto Omelet
  • Looking for more?
  • Thanks For Stopping By!
  • More Recipes You Might Like
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 18 Best Japanese Side Dishes With Easy Recipes
  • 💬 Comments

Traditional Japanese Meal

Japanese meal with main, rice, miso soup, and sides.

When you visit Japanese restaurants, you'll notice that the meal is served with each part in separate dishes, just like in the image above. The main dish is typically accompanied by white rice, miso soup, and a selection of side dishes.

Japanese side dishes are an important part of a traditional Japanese meal, adding balance and harmony to the overall flavors. These dishes can include a wide variety of options, such as pickled vegetables (tsukemono), tofu dishes, steamed vegetables, salads, and more.

18 Delicious Japanese Side Dishes

6 Japanese side dishes.

Here is the collection of 18 delicious Japanese side dishes, and each dish comes with easy recipes using simple ingredients. Enjoy a variety of light and flavorful options, highlighting vegetables, tofu, and eggs!

Japanese Vegetable Side Dishes

  1. Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
  2. Goma-ae Recipe 4 Ways (Japanese Sesame Salad)
  3. Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Stir-fry)
  4. Simmered Kabocha
  5. Hijiki Seaweed Salad
  6. Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe
  7. Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
  8. Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage
  9. Japanese Daikon Salad With Sesame Dressing
  10. Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)
  11. Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms
  12. Easy Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki Recipe

Japanese Tofu and Egg Side Dishes

  1. Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)
  2. Tofu Misozuke (Miso Tofu Cheese)
  3. Tofu Salad With Seaweed
  4. Teriyaki Tofu With Mushrooms
  5. Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
  6. Natto Omelet

1. Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Sunomono Salad (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

This refreshing cucumber salad, seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, is a popular side dish, particularly enjoyed during the hot summer months. Its invigorating flavor and crisp texture make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Sunomono Salad Recipe (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
5 from 5 votes
Looking for a light and refreshing addition to your meals? Try this Japanese Sunomono Salad, also known as a cucumber salad! It's easy, healthy, and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare!
Make This Recipe
sunomono salad served on a bowl.

2. Goma-ae Recipe 4 Ways (Japanese Sesame Salad)

Goma-ae Recipe 4 Ways (Japanese Sesame Salad)

Goma ae is a classic and popular dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its delightful flavor derived from ground sesame seeds.

Although spinach goma ae, also known as Japanese spinach salad, is the most popular version, goma ae can be made with different kinds of vegetables. This recipe includes - spinach, green beans, broccoli, and asparagus - to give you a variety of options to try out!

Gomaae Recipe (Japanese Goma Salad)
5 from 3 votes
Gomaae (or Goma-ae) is a Japanese side dish that is tossed vegetables in sesame sauce. It's an easy and healthy plant-based salad.
Make This Recipe
Gomaae recipe

3. Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Stir Fry)

Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Stir Rry)

Kinpira gobo is a simple side dish made by stir-frying burdock roots and carrots seasoned with mirin and soy sauce.

With its satisfying crunch and delicious flavor, Kinpira gobo is a healthy and satisfying addition to any meal!

Kinpira Gobo (Japanese Burdock Stir Fry)
5 from 2 votes
Kinpira gobo is a delicious and healthy traditional Japanese side dish made with burdock root and carrot. Learn how to make this easy 10-minute dish!
Make This Recipe
kinpira gobo on a plate.

4. Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)

Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)

Simmered kabocha is a traditional Japanese dish that offers a sweet and delicious flavor.

If you're a fan of Japanese kabocha squash, I have more kabocha squash recipes for you to explore!

Simmered Kabocha (Kabocha Nimono)
5 from 2 votes
This Simmered Kabocha is an easy and delicious side dish made by simmering kabocha with sugar, mirin, and soy sauce. It's perfect if you are looking for a simple kabocha recipe.
Make This Recipe
simmered kabocha squash in a blue bowl

5. Hijiki Seaweed Salad

Hijiki Seaweed Salad

This hijiki seaweed salad is an easy side dish and perfect for anyone looking to explore Japan's flavors while enjoying this nutritious ingredient's many health benefits.

Hijiki Seaweed Salad (Japanese side dish)
5 from 2 votes
Hijiki seaweed salad is a classic Japanese side dish. Even if you are new to hijiki seaweed, this is a simple recipe that is savory, tasty, and full of nutrition.
Make This Recipe
Japanese hijiki seaweed salad(Hijiki no nimono)

6. Easy Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe

Easy Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe

Pickled daikon is a must-have for our family dinner, offering a refreshing taste that serves as an excellent palate cleanser after any meal.

If you appreciate the flavors of Japanese daikon radish, I have more daikon radish recipes for you to explore!

Easy Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe
5 from 3 votes
This Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish is an excellent side or accompaniment to any meal. It's crunchy, sweet, and refreshing, so it'll go well with any dish! Traditional pickles take time, but give this easy pickeled daikon recipe a try!
Make This Recipe
Japanese pickled daikon in a container

7. Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers

Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers

Japanese pickled cucumber is a simple dish that requires only cucumbers and shio kombu (flavorful kombu seaweed). This delightful side dish is a refreshing accompaniment, adding a burst of flavor to your meal!

Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
5 from 4 votes
The crunchy and refreshing Japanese pickled cucumbers are the perfect side dish when you're looking for fresh and light flavors. This recipe is incredibly easy and requires only two ingredients. Give it a try!
Make This Recipe
Cucumber asazuke on a plate with chopsticks

8. Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage

Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage

Another simple Japanese pickle dish! This napa cabbage pickle is a great side dish, offering a delightful crunch and umami flavor that complements a variety of meals.

Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage (Hakusai Tsukemono)
5 from 5 votes
It's easy and quick! This crunchy Japanese pickled napa cabbage takes only 5 minutes to prepare with just three ingredients.
Make This Recipe
Japanese pickled napa cabbage

9. Japanese Daikon Salad with Sesame Dressing

Japanese Daikon Salad With Sesame Dressing

This tasty and easy daikon salad is a great option, with crunchy and juicy raw daikon paired with a creamy sesame dressing.

Japanese Daikon Salad with Sesame Dressing
5 from 11 votes
This Daikon Salad is a quick and easy recipe with a creamy sesame dressing. If you're looking for a simple and delicious way to enjoy daikon, this recipe is perfect!
Make This Recipe
daikon salad

10. Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)

Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)

Wakame seaweed is a common ingredient in Japanese cooking. This popular salad, which you may have already tasted at your favorite Japanese restaurants, boasts a delicate texture and mild flavor that will surely be a hit.

Easy Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)
5 from 2 votes
Enjoy a quick, easy, and delicious wakame seaweed salad! It's a simple and healthy dish that is perfect as a light meal or a side dish!
Make This Recipe
wakame seaweed salad

11. Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms

Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms

This simple sautéed mushroom recipe can be served as a delightful side dish or used as a topping for rice or noodles. It's a versatile addition to any meal and provides a fantastic opportunity to savor the delicious flavor of shiitake mushrooms!

Easy Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms
5 from 2 votes
These Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms are an easy and simple recipe that requires only three ingredients! If you are looking for a delicious shiitake mushroom dish, try it!
Make This Recipe
sauteed shiitake mushrooms served on a plate.

12. Easy Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki Recipe

Easy Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki Recipe

The homemade teriyaki sauce offers a delectable blend of sweetness and saltiness that complements eggplant perfectly!

Easy Japanese Eggplant Recipe (Teriyaki Nasu)
4.86 from 7 votes
Get ready to enjoy this delicious glazed teriyaki Japanese Eggplant Recipe that can be prepared in just 10 minutes! Coat the eggplant with potato starch pan-fry, and toss it with a sweet teriyaki sauce for a tasty side dish.
Make This Recipe
Eggplant in a bowl topped with chopped green onion. Chopped eggplant is cooked with teriyaki sauce so this is brown savory tasty looking side dish.

13. Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)

Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)

If you're looking for a quick and light dish, there's nothing quite like a refreshing Hiyayakko. All you need is to prepare chilled tofu and topped with your choice of ingredients. Try this simple recipe ready in 5 minutes!

8 Ways To Enjoy Hiyayakko (Japanese Cold Tofu Recipe)
5 from 8 votes
Savor the refreshing and quick delight of Hiyayakko, a Japanese chilled tofu dish! Customize it with your favorite toppings and prepare it in just 5 minutes!
Make This Recipe
8 hiyayakko ideas

14. Tofu Misozuke (Miso Tofu Cheese)

Tofu Misozuke (Miso Tofu Cheese)

Enjoy the delightful flavor of this tofu misozuke as an appetizing start to your meal. The tofu is marinated with miso paste, making it a creamy texture and deliciously salty taste that will leave you craving more!

Tofu Misozuke (Tofu Cheese)
5 from 5 votes
Looking for a flavorful vegan appetizer? This tofu misozuke is simple and easy to make, with only two ingredients. Give it a try today!
Make This Recipe
tofu misozuke on a plate with two forks.

15. Tofu Salad with Seaweed

Tofu Salad With Seaweed

With its delicious homemade ginger dressing and nutritious ingredients, this tofu salad is ideal for satisfying your cravings while keeping you feeling great!

Easy Japanese Tofu Salad With Seaweed
5 from 4 votes
This Japanese Tofu salad with seaweed is a healthy and delicious side dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Enjoy it with a homemade ginger and soy sauce dressing to add a burst of flavor to the salad!
Make This Recipe
tofu and seaweed salad in a bowl

16. Teriyaki Tofu with Mushrooms

Teriyaki Tofu With Mushrooms

If you're a fan of teriyaki tofu and mushrooms, you're sure to love this recipe! The combination of the savory and sweet teriyaki sauce coating the crispy tofu and stir-fried mushrooms is a perfect match.

Easy 20-Minute Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
5 from 3 votes
This Teriyaki Tofu Recipe makes for a healthy and satisfying main dish, with the crispy tofu complementing the savory and sweet teriyaki sauce. Learn how to make it!
Make This Recipe
Japanese teriyaki tofu and mushrooms

17. Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)

Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)

Tamagoyaki, a beloved Japanese home-cooking dish, is a soft and fluffy rolled omelet that is perfect for breakfast or lunch. While this is a plain tamagoyaki recipe, you have the option to add various fillings, such as nori tamagoyaki, tuan and scallions tamagoyaki, and tofu and hijiki tamagoyaki.

How To Make The Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Omelet Recipe)
5 from 4 votes
Discover the secrets to making the perfect classic Japanese omelet - Tamagoyaki! The step-by-step instructions and helpful tips will have you mastering this delicious egg dish in no time.
Make This Recipe
fluffy tamagoyaki(Japanese omelette)

18. Natto Omelet

Natto Omelet

If you enjoy eating natto, you can try it with eggs. Mixing natto with eggs will make it fluffier and more fun to eat. If you have never heard of natto, see "What is Natto?", "How to eat natto" for more details.

Natto Omelet
5 from 3 votes
This natto omelet is packed with soybeans and rich in nutrients. If you don't know what to do with it, try this recipe -- it's an easy but tasty main dish!
Make This Recipe
Natto omelette

Looking for more?

If you're looking for more variations, check out these collections of healthy and simple Japanese side dishes below!

  • Side Dishes
  • Vegetable Dishes
  • Tofu Dishes
  • Egg Dishes

Thanks For Stopping By!

Kiriboshi Daikon(Dried radish) Salad

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡. If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.

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📖 Recipe

4 Japanese side dishes.

18 Best Japanese Side Dishes With Easy Recipes

5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Save Saved!
Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Cook: 5 minutes minutes
Total: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Author: JURI
Discover a collection of the 18 best Japanese side dishes, each with an easy recipe. Try them out today and savor the delicious flavors of Japan at your table!
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • Vegetables, seaweed, tofu, natto, and so on

Instructions

  • Pick a recipe from these Japanese side dish recipes
    Sunomono Salad (Japanese cucumber salad)
    Goma-ae Recipe 4 Ways (Japanese Sesame Salad)
    Kinpira Gobo (Japanese burdock stir fry)
    Simmered Kabocha
    Hijiki Seaweed Salad
    Japanese Pickled Daikon Radish Recipe
    Quick Japanese Pickled Cucumbers
    Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage
    Japanese Daikon Salad With Sesame Dressing
    Wakame Salad (Japanese Seaweed Salad)
    Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms
    Easy Vegan Eggplant Teriyaki Recipe
    Hiyayakko (Cold Tofu Recipe)
    Tofu Misozuke (Miso Tofu Cheese)
    Tofu Salad With Seaweed
    Teriyaki Tofu With Mushrooms
    Best Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelet)
    Natto Omelet
  • Follow the recipe instructions and enjoy the delicious dish!

Video

Notes

 
    •  
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: japanese side dishes
Did You Make this recipe?Please Leave a star rating!

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