5 Japanese Side Dishes You Won’t Regret Trying

One of the most unique aspects of Japanese culture is its food. From scrumptious sushi to decadent desserts, Japan has something delicious for everyone. But don’t limit yourself to just sushi; today, we will uncover five lesser-known yet still delicious Japanese side dishes you won’t regret trying.

These five dishes, selected from popular Japanese restaurants and top chefs, bring out the finest flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. They range from simple and light to decadent and indulgent — and they’re all perfect for accompanying your main dish. So why not add them to your meal? Read on to discover five of the most delicious Japanese side dishes out there.

1. Rice Dishes

Rice is an essential part of the Japanese diet, and there are multiple ways to prepare it as a side dish. The first type of rice dish that you should try is Japanese rice. This rice is cooked in an electric or rice cooker and is usually served with every dinner meal. It is usually prepared with regular white short-grain rice and can be flavored with soy sauce or other seasonings. Onigiri is another type of popular rice dish. They are small balls of seasoned rice, often filled with pickled umeboshi (a type of Japanese pickle) or other fillings such as salmon flakes and cod roe, wrapped in seaweed. The last type of rice dish that you should try is Takikomi Gohan. This dish consists of cooked white or brown rice, vegetables, and meat. Nuts, mushrooms, and other ingredients are common additions to this dish.

2. Soup Dishes

Soups are another type of popular side dish in Japan. One of the most popular soup dishes is miso soup, a savory broth made from miso paste, seaweed, and tofu. This soup can also be made with different ingredients such as fish, shellfish, clams, and vegetables. Ohitashi is another popular soup dish consisting of boiled spinach topped with bonito flakes and soy sauce-based dressing. This soup has a unique flavor and texture that makes it stand out among other soups.

3. Tempura Dishes

Tempura is one of the most popular Japanese side dishes, containing fried seafood or vegetables coated in a light batter made from wheat flour, eggs, and water. Ebi tempura consists of deep-fried shrimp coated in tempura batter, while yasai tempura contains deep-fried vegetables coated in tempura batter. Lastly, Kakiage features small pieces of vegetables or seafood held together by a batter and deep-fried as one piece, similar to Indian pakora.

4. Japanese Salads

Salads are also popular side dishes in Japan. A classic example would be bean sprout salad containing blanched bean sprouts tossed with sesame oil dressing and other seasonings such as vinegar and soy sauce. Another type of Japanese salad that you should try is Sunomono which consists of thinly sliced cucumbers topped with a sweet vinegar-based dressing. It is often served cold during the summer months. Lastly, wakame salad contains seaweed mixed with sesame oil, mirin (rice wine), soy sauce, and sugar. It features a sweet and savory flavor combination, unlike any other salad you have tried.

5. Japanese Pickles

Lastly, pickled items are another unique type of side dish often served in Japan that adds an interesting flavor to any meal served with them. Takuan is a yellow pickled daikon radish often served as an accompaniment to rice dishes. Umeboshi is a salty pickled plum that has become increasingly popular outside Japan when added to various dishes such as onigiri or sushi rolls for extra flavor and crunchiness. Lastly, Fukujinzuke contains daikon radish marinated in sweet soy sauce with chili pepper for an intense yet delicious flavor profile that pairs well with dishes from any Japanese cookbook.

Conclusion

From rice dishes to pickled items, Japanese side dishes offer diners a unique and delicious way to explore the many flavors found within the cuisine. Each dish, whether light and simple or savory and indulgent, offers a unique flavor that will wow your tastebuds. Try some of the five Japanese side dishes highlighted in this article to enjoy a delicious meal. You won’t regret it!