Japanese

It brings depth to sauces and gloss to glazes. Here’s how to use it—and what to reach for when you’re out.

This rustic no-knead loaf gets subtle sweetness and perfect-PBJ potential by trading the usual water for apple juice.

Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.

Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!

Savory ground beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crisp vegetables turn a bowl of steamed rice into an easy weeknight dinner.

Three savory fillings, one simple technique, and no special equipment required.

Turn a pound of ground beef into this hearty, umami stir-fry.

The secret to success? Kneading with your feet.

Get to know the rice flour behind chewy butter mochi, crunchy mochiko chicken, and more.

Cool off with this easy zaru soba recipe: a Japanese dish of chewy buckwheat noodles served with chilled mentsuyu dipping sauce, daikon, nori, and scallions.

This classic Japanese comfort food is a combination of chicken and egg (oyako means “parent and child”) simmered in sweet-savory broth and served over rice.

Everyone’s favorite teriyaki glaze is shockingly easy and pantry-friendly.

Spicy tinned salmon (or tuna!) is a fast track to flavor in these simple hand rolls—particularly when mashed with some oil from the can and a slick of mayo.

This comforting noodle soup mimics the umami of tonkotsu with none of the meat.

A 20-minute dinner everyone will ask for again.

Bouncier than a bobblehead and fluffier than a cloud, this cheesecake is a keeper.

Comprised of a custardy pantry-forward okonomiyaki batter studded with shredded cabbage and bacon, this Japanese pancake is a fast track to dinner.

These Japanese rice balls filled with salty-sweet salmon are customizable, fun, and great for snacking.

Brussels sprouts get a high-heat roast (key for crispy edges and zero boiled-cabbage flavor) before getting tossed in a sweet soy glaze.

This weeknight meal hits all the high notes of the beloved sushi roll.

Instant dashi and shaved beef provide both ease and deep flavor in this weeknight dinner spin on the Japanese-style hot pot.

Umami broth, springy noodles, crisp vegetables, chewy tofu—it doesn’t get better than this.

This brothy bowl is just what the doctor ordered, with lots of fresh ginger and kicky jalapeños.

This simple noodle soup is packed with flavor thanks to instant dashi.