15+ Easy and Authentic Japanese Breakfast Recipes You Must Try

Every product is independently reviewed and selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

A traditional Japanese breakfast offers a perfect balance of flavors and nutrition, providing a nourishing start to the day.

From savory miso soup and grilled fish to delicate steamed rice and tamagoyaki, the variety of ingredients used in Japanese breakfasts ensures there’s something to suit every palate.

These meals are typically light yet hearty, combining fresh vegetables, rice, fish, and tofu, alongside other simple but flavorful components like pickles and soup. In this guide, we bring you 15+ Japanese breakfast recipes that you can easily prepare at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, these recipes will help you explore the authentic tastes of Japan, adding a new twist to your morning routine.

15+ Easy and Authentic Japanese Breakfast Recipes You Must Try

japanese breakfast recipes

Japanese breakfast recipes offer a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and ingredients into your daily routine.

From comforting bowls of miso soup to savory rice dishes and delicate omelettes, these recipes reflect the simplicity and balance that are characteristic of Japanese cuisine.

They are perfect for those looking to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful start to their day, and many can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.

By experimenting with these 15+ Japanese breakfast recipes, you’ll find an array of new dishes to enjoy, whether you’re seeking something light, hearty, or somewhere in between.

Try incorporating these meals into your breakfast rotation, and experience the wholesome and delightful flavors of Japan.

1. Classic Japanese Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)

Classic Japanese Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette)
seriouseats.com

Tamagoyaki is a sweet and savory Japanese omelette that’s a staple in many breakfast spreads.

This fluffy, rolled omelette is made by layering thin sheets of seasoned egg and rolling them up, creating a delicate texture with a subtle sweetness from mirin and soy sauce.

It’s perfect for serving with rice, miso soup, or just on its own as a satisfying protein-packed breakfast.

To make Tamagoyaki, you’ll need eggs, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and a little oil.

The trick is in the cooking technique—cooking each layer over low heat to get that perfect texture without burning.

This recipe is not just about flavor but also about the art of cooking it to perfection.

Try it with a side of pickled vegetables or steamed rice for an authentic Japanese breakfast experience.

Full Recipe

2. Japanese Rice Porridge (Okayu)

Japanese Rice Porridge (Okayu)
justonecookbook.com

Okayu is a comforting, warm rice porridge traditionally eaten in Japan for breakfast, especially on cold mornings or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Made by simmering rice with plenty of water or dashi, Okayu turns into a soft, creamy dish that can be customized with toppings like pickled plums (umeboshi), grilled fish, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Its mild flavor makes it a versatile breakfast option, and it’s easily digested, making it a great choice for anyone looking for something light but filling.

The base recipe only requires rice, water, and salt, but you can add ginger, green onions, or other seasonings to elevate the taste.

For a more savory twist, add some nori or a soft-boiled egg on top.

Whether you’re craving something simple or hearty, Okayu is a nourishing way to start your day.

Full Recipe

3. Miso Soup with Tofu & Seaweed

Miso Soup with Tofu & Seaweed
minimalistbaker.com

Miso soup is a beloved part of Japanese breakfasts, offering a savory and umami-rich start to the day.

Made with miso paste (fermented soybeans), tofu, and seaweed, this soup is simple to prepare but packed with flavor.

To make miso soup, you’ll need dashi (Japanese broth), which can be made from fish or seaweed, and then add your choice of miso paste (white, red, or mixed).

Tofu adds a creamy texture, while the seaweed (wakame or kombu) provides a burst of oceanic flavor.

You can also enhance the soup with vegetables like green onions, mushrooms, or radishes for added depth.

This warm and hearty soup is traditionally enjoyed with steamed rice, and together they form the heart of a classic Japanese breakfast.

Miso soup is not only comforting but also loaded with probiotics that benefit your gut health, making it both a delicious and nutritious start to your day.

Full Recipe

4. Japanese Grilled Fish (Shioyaki)

Japanese Grilled Fish (Shioyaki)
epicurious.com

Shioyaki, or grilled salted fish, is a simple yet delicious dish that’s a common feature in Japanese breakfasts.

Typically made with fish like mackerel (saba) or salmon (sake), the fish is lightly salted and then grilled until the skin is crispy and the flesh is tender and flavorful.

This dish is not only tasty but also provides a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, making it a perfect breakfast choice for energy and long-lasting satiety.

The key to perfecting Shioyaki is balancing the saltiness of the fish with the smoky char from grilling.

Traditionally, Shioyaki is served with a side of steamed rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables to round out the meal.

For a flavorful twist, you can garnish the fish with grated daikon radish or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.

Full Recipe

5. Japanese Pancakes (Dorayaki)

Japanese Pancakes (Dorayaki)
whattocooktoday.com

Dorayaki, a popular Japanese sweet, consists of two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste (anko).

While traditionally enjoyed as a snack, it can also be served as a fun breakfast treat.

The pancakes are soft and slightly chewy, made from a batter of eggs, sugar, honey, and flour.

The sweet red bean paste, often made with azuki beans, provides a rich and comforting sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the light pancakes.

Dorayaki is often served with a cup of green tea, making it a balanced combination of flavors to start your day.

You can also experiment by adding fruit or whipped cream between the pancakes for a more modern twist on this beloved classic.

Dorayaki brings together the sweetness of Japan’s favorite confection and the heartiness of breakfast to create a memorable morning treat.

Full Recipe

6. Japanese Sweet Potato and Rice Breakfast Bowl

Japanese Sweet Potato and Rice Breakfast Bowl
inspiralized.com

This Japanese breakfast bowl featuring sweet potatoes and rice is both hearty and wholesome, offering a comforting, nutritious meal to start the day.

In Japan, sweet potatoes (called satsumaimo) are often enjoyed in the cooler months, and they are prized for their natural sweetness and rich texture.

To make this breakfast, you’ll cook sweet potatoes until tender, then combine them with steamed rice, a dash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

You can even top it with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein.

The combination of sweet potatoes and rice creates a balance of starch and fiber, making this a filling and energizing breakfast option.

For additional flavor, add some sautéed spinach or a few slices of pickled ginger.

This dish is perfect for those who want a simple yet satisfying meal that’s naturally sweet and savory.

Full Recipe

7. Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri)

Japanese Rice Balls (Onigiri)
allrecipes.com

Onigiri, or Japanese rice balls, are a portable and versatile breakfast option in Japan.

Made with freshly steamed rice, these simple rice balls are typically wrapped in seaweed (nori) and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pickled plum (umeboshi), grilled salmon, or even tuna mixed with mayonnaise.

The rice is seasoned with salt, and sometimes sesame seeds or furikake (a Japanese rice seasoning) are sprinkled on top for added flavor.

Onigiri is a satisfying, hand-held meal that’s perfect for busy mornings when you need something quick but fulfilling.

You can easily make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prepping.

Whether you’re looking for a light breakfast or something more filling, onigiri can be adapted to suit your tastes.

Serve it alongside miso soup or some fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.

Full Recipe

8. Japanese Steamed Egg Custard (Chawanmushi)

Japanese Steamed Egg Custard (Chawanmushi)
justonecookbook.com

Chawanmushi is a delicate, savory steamed egg custard that’s often served as part of a traditional Japanese breakfast.

The custard is made by whisking eggs with dashi (Japanese soup stock), soy sauce, and mirin, then steaming the mixture until it forms a silky, smooth texture.

It’s typically served in small bowls and often contains additional ingredients like shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, or small slices of chicken.

The dish is light yet comforting, and the subtle umami from the dashi gives it a depth of flavor.

Chawanmushi is a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, and it pairs wonderfully with a bowl of rice and miso soup for a traditional Japanese breakfast spread.

For a fun twist, you can experiment with adding your favorite ingredients or try making it vegetarian with tofu or vegetables.

Full Recipe

9. Japanese Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono)

Japanese Pickled Vegetables (Tsukemono)
funkyasiankitchen.com

Tsukemono, or Japanese pickled vegetables, are a common side dish in a traditional Japanese breakfast.

These tangy and flavorful pickles offer a great balance to the richness of rice and other dishes. Tsukemono can be made with a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, daikon radish, cabbage, and carrots.

The vegetables are typically pickled in a brine made from rice vinegar, salt, and sugar, with optional additions of mirin or soy sauce for extra depth.

Tsukemono is both refreshing and healthy, offering a burst of flavor and aiding digestion.

It’s also very easy to prepare—simply slice the vegetables and let them sit in the brine for a few hours or overnight for a quick pickling process.

Serve Tsukemono alongside rice, grilled fish, and miso soup for a balanced, authentic Japanese breakfast.

Full Recipe

10. Japanese Dashi Soup with Rice (Zosui)

Japanese Dashi Soup with Rice (Zosui)
justonecookbook.com

Zosui is a comforting Japanese rice soup made with a simple, flavorful dashi broth.

It’s a versatile dish, often prepared using leftover rice, making it a perfect meal for using up what you have on hand.

The base is a delicate broth made from dashi (a traditional Japanese stock made from bonito flakes and seaweed) and seasoned with soy sauce and a touch of salt. The cooked rice is then added to the broth and simmered until soft and creamy.

Toppings such as sliced green onions, mushrooms, a raw egg, or a little bit of grilled fish can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Zosui is light yet filling, offering a balance of protein and carbs to start your day, and it’s perfect for those looking for a warm, nourishing breakfast.

You can also make it with seasonal vegetables like spinach or carrots for an even more wholesome meal.

Full Recipe

11. Japanese Sweet Bean Soup (Oshiruko)

Japanese Sweet Bean Soup (Oshiruko)
sylviawakana.com

Oshiruko is a traditional Japanese sweet red bean soup that makes for a warm, comforting breakfast.

It’s made by simmering sweet adzuki beans with sugar until they break down into a smooth, thick consistency. The soup is often served with pieces of mochi (sweet rice cakes) floating inside, adding a chewy texture and extra sweetness to the dish.

This sweet soup is typically enjoyed during colder months and has a satisfying, hearty feel, especially when served with a side of pickled vegetables or a cup of green tea.

Oshiruko is an excellent breakfast for those who enjoy a sweet start to the day, offering a nice balance of sweetness from the beans and rice cakes, combined with the comforting warmth of the soup.

It’s also packed with fiber, making it a filling option.

Full Recipe

12. Japanese Noodles in Broth (Soba or Udon for Breakfast)

Japanese Noodles in Broth (Soba or Udon for Breakfast)
cooking.nytimes.com

Though typically associated with lunch or dinner, Japanese noodles like soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are also enjoyed for breakfast in some regions of Japan.

These noodles are served in a hot, savory broth made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin, and the dish is often topped with ingredients like green onions, tempura, or a raw egg.

The soba noodles have a delicate, slightly nutty flavor, while udon noodles are thick and chewy, providing a hearty and comforting start to the day.

This dish is both filling and nutritious, offering a balance of carbohydrates and protein, especially when topped with a boiled egg or slices of tofu.

You can make it a more substantial meal by adding vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach, and a bit of seaweed for added umami.

It’s a great option for those who want a warm, comforting, and slightly different breakfast experience.

Full Recipe

13. Japanese Rice and Tofu Bowl (Agedashi Tofu with Rice)

Japanese Rice and Tofu Bowl (Agedashi Tofu with Rice)
tiffycooks.com

Agedashi Tofu is a beloved Japanese dish that makes for a light yet fulfilling breakfast.

This dish features cubes of tofu that are lightly dusted with cornstarch and then deep-fried until golden and crispy.

The tofu is then served in a savory dashi-based sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and a bit of sugar, offering a perfect balance of salty and sweet.

It’s traditionally served with a bowl of hot rice, and you can top it with green onions, grated daikon, or a sprinkling of bonito flakes for extra flavor.

This dish is perfect for those who want a combination of textures—crispy tofu on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, paired with the comforting warmth of rice.

Agedashi Tofu with rice is easy to prepare and offers a delicious vegetarian option for a Japanese breakfast.

Full Recipe

14. Japanese Mushroom Soup (Kinoko no Suimono)

Japanese Mushroom Soup (Kinoko no Suimono)
justonecookbook.com

Kinoko no Suimono is a fragrant, light soup made with mushrooms, making it a healthy and aromatic start to your day.

The soup uses a simple dashi base, and the mushrooms—such as shiitake, enoki, or maitake—infuse the broth with earthy, umami flavors.

It’s seasoned with a touch of soy sauce and salt for added depth and can be garnished with thinly sliced green onions or a few drops of yuzu juice for a citrusy kick.

This soup is not only warming and flavorful but also packed with nutrients, as mushrooms are known for their health benefits, including antioxidants and vitamins.

Serve this soup alongside a bowl of rice for a lighter, yet satisfying breakfast, or enjoy it with a side of grilled fish for a more traditional meal.

Full Recipe

15. Japanese Pickled Mackerel (Saba Shiozuke)

Japanese Pickled Mackerel (Saba Shiozuke)
themartinisocialist.com

Saba Shiozuke, or pickled mackerel, is a traditional Japanese breakfast dish that’s both simple and flavorful.

The mackerel is salted and then left to marinate in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, creating a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet pickled fish that is perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.

This dish offers a delightful balance of textures—the firm, flaky mackerel contrasts with the soft rice, making it a satisfying start to the day.

It’s also a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious breakfast choice.

To serve, pair it with a bowl of miso soup and a side of pickled vegetables (tsukemono) for a well-rounded, authentic Japanese breakfast experience.

Full Recipe

Conclusion

If you’re tired of the same old breakfast options, these 15+ Japanese breakfast recipes will open your eyes to the diverse and healthy meals Japan has to offer. With an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, balanced nutrition, and simple preparation techniques, Japanese breakfasts are both delicious and satisfying. Whether you choose to make a bowl of savory rice porridge, grill some fish, or whip up a delicate tamagoyaki, these recipes will leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. So, why not switch up your morning routine and start your day with a Japanese breakfast that’s both nourishing and full of flavor?

Leave a Comment