Traditional Japanese Breakfast: What's On Japanese Plate?

You want to start your day with a morning meal that is a blend of healthy and delicious flavors? If so, why don't you try a traditional Japanese breakfast that offers a perfect combination of healthy, well-balanced nutrition and tasty umami flavors? Japan With Love is here to unveil the secrets of crafting a morning meal that's both tasty and good for you. No complicated stuff – just easy, delicious dishes to make your mornings a bit more special.

1. Difference Between A Traditional Japanese Breakfast & A Western Morning Meal

In the West, breakfast often leans towards heartier options, with a focus on staples like cereal, toast, eggs, and bacon. Typical Western breakfasts might include scrambled or fried eggs, bacon or sausage, toast with butter or jam, and a variety of cereals with milk. Coffee is a popular beverage choice, and orange juice is commonly served for a dose of morning freshness.

A common Western breakfast may consist of fried eggs, along with bacon or sausage, toast served,...

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Contrasting the Westerners, a traditional Japanese breakfast is a harmonious combination of flavors and nutritional balance. The centerpiece is usually a bowl of steamed rice, complemented by miso soup, which adds warmth and umami to the meal. Protein sources vary and can include grilled fish, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), or natto (fermented soybeans). The meal is rounded out with a side dish, often pickles or another vegetable preparation. This dish not only provides a spectrum of flavors but also ensures a diverse nutritional intake. Green tea, served hot, completes the culinary experience!

A typical Japanese breakfast menu includes main dishes like rice, miso soup,... and some side dishes

In the upcoming section, we'll explore the various dishes that make up a traditional Japanese breakfast! Let's get started!

2. Traditional Japanese Breakfast: What Do Japanese Eat for Breakfast?

For those accustomed to Western breakfasts, the Japanese breakfast foods may seem like a meal meant for lunch or dinner. Comprising rice, fish, and soup, a Japanese breakfast meal provides all the essential nutrients. Let's explore some popular dishes in a Japanese breakfast menu with Japan With Love right away!

2.1. Rice

The first dish that must be mentioned in a traditional Japanese breakfast is a bowl of steamed rice. In Japanese, rice is known as Gohan (ご飯). It serves as the main source of carbohydrates and is a crucial component of a traditional Japanese breakfast. This simple and satisfying dish gives you lasting energy, helping you feel full and ready to tackle your day.

Rice is the main dish of a Japanese breakfast meal

You have many options to prepare a bowl of rice for the morning meal, such as using mixed rice, white rice, steamed rice, or brown rice. To enhance the taste, you can also include toppings like pickled plums or sesame seeds.

2.2. Miso Soup

Along with the rice is a warm bowl of miso soup, as a traditional Japanese breakfast would not be complete without miso soup (味噌汁). Miso soup typically includes tofu, seaweed, mushrooms, and green onions. It not only tastes good but also packs in important nutrients to keep you healthy.

Miso soup is well-known for its rich umami flavor

You can also try Amano Foods Japan Miso Soup 5 Variety 10 Pack Assortment

2.3. Grilled Fish

Now, let's talk about the protein part – grilled fish (焼き魚)! Grilled fish like mackerel (saba) or salmon is a popular protein option in a Japanese breakfast meal. It's a tasty dish that helps you get your morning protein boost, keeping you strong and active all day.

Grilled fish is one of the main Japanese breakfast foods

2.4. Natto

Natto (納豆) is also a traditional component of a Japanese breakfast. It's fermented soybeans with a slimy texture and intense, nutty taste, which is considered an acquired taste in Japan. Rich in protein, probiotics, vitamins, and enzymes, natto is a nutritional powerhouse that supports digestive health. It is typically enjoyed with soy sauce, mustard, and green onions.

Some people love it for its distinct taste, adding a touch of variety to the Japanese breakfast meal

2.5. Rolled Omelette

Next up, we have Japanese Rolled Omelette, also known as Tamagoyaki (玉子焼き). It is a rolled omelet that's sweet and savory, making it a popular traditional Japanese breakfast dish. The layers of seasoned eggs create a delicious dish that's not only pleasing to the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes, isn't it?

Tamagoyaki is a great source of protein for Japanese breakfast meal

2.6. Pickles

Adding a crunchy and tangy twist, pickles or tsukemono (漬物) are important Japanese breakfast foods. These pickled vegetables can include radishes, cucumbers, and turnips. They provide not only flavor but also a refreshing contrast to the meal, making each bite interesting.

Japanese pickles are a popular side dishes in a traditional Japanese breakfast

2.7. Norimaki

While not as common, some Japanese breakfast foods might include norimaki (海苔巻) – rolled sushi with various fillings. It adds a touch of diversity to the morning spread, making breakfast feel a bit special.

Japanese breakfast meals sometimes include norimaki

3. How to Make Japanese Breakfast With Easy Japanese Breakfast Recipes

For those who do not know how to make a Japanese breakfast, here are some easy Japanese breakfast recipes! Start your morning with perfectly steamed rice. First, rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then cook it in a rice cooker. For a more convenient way, you can use the leftover steamed rice from the previous dinner that is warming in a rice cooker, or you can also cook rice the night before.

Rinse the rice before cooking it

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To make miso soup, dissolve miso paste in dashi (fish stock) over low heat. Next, add seaweed, tofu, and green onions. It's crucial to avoid boiling the soup to maintain the delicate flavors. You can customize the flavors and ingredients based on what you have available. As for grilled fish, you need to clean and season the fish with salt and pepper, then grill it for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. For natto, fermented soybeans can be customized with soy sauce, mustard, and green onions.

Natto is typically enjoyed with soy sauce and green onions

And there you have it – our tour through a traditional Japanese breakfast. It's not just food; it's a cultural experience. These easy Japanese breakfast recipes bring the authentic flavors of Japan to your table, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying start to your day.