28 Japanese Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right

Japanese breakfast recipes belong to an interesting culinary section that is extremely famous worldwide. Indeed, authentic Japanese foods contain huge top-of-mind dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, onigiri, tempura, ramen, etc.

Besides the vast variety in food selection, Japanese cuisine is beloved for its healthy and well-balanced nutrition. There is literally no single Japanese recipe that you cannot adapt to your daily menus.

Breakfast is the essential meal of the day. Thus, choosing a nutritious and flavorful recipe is truly necessary.

In this article, let’s dive into 28 Japanese breakfast recipes that you can prepare easily at home.  These recommendations are wise choices to upgrade your morning meals.

Quick Access To My List Of 28 Japanese Breakfast Recipes

This part provides you a quick glimpse at my 28 recommended Japanese breakfast recipes. I put them in distinct categories to give you an easier time browsing through all of them.

Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Crispy Bread

1. Japanese Pancakes
2. Japanese Street Crepes
3. Japanese Fruit Sandwich
4. Rice Sandwich BLT Onigirazu
5. Japanese Milk Bread
6. Banana Muffins
7. Banana Bread
8. Japanese Fish Waffle
9. Strawberry Compote
10. Ogura Toast
11. Japanese French Toast
12. Japanese Avocado Toast

Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Hot Rice

13. Japanese Rice Balls
14. Rice With Green Tea
15. Tea-Boiled Rice With Sweet Potato
16. Japanese Breakfast Rice Bowl With Egg
17. Rice Porridge With Honey And Ginger
18. Dashi Eggs With Chicken And Rice

Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Savory Eggs

19. Japanese Egg Rolls
20. Japanese Scrambled Eggs
21. Easy Breakfast Omurice
22. Egg Custard With Chicken, Shrimp, And Veggies
23. Simple Skillet Okonomiyaki

Japanese Breakfast With Healthy Veggies

24. Japanese “Garden Breakfast” On A Skillet
25. Vegan Origini
26. Miso Breakfast Oats
27. Light Daikon And Carrot Salad
28. Gluten-Free Breakfast Tempura

12 Amazing Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Crispy Bread

If you are a fan of bread with crispy and fluffy textures, do not miss out on the following 12 fantastic recipes for your Japanese breakfast experiences.

Option #1: Japanese Pancakes

If you are a true fan of pancakes, do not miss out on this fluffy and souffle-like option: the Japanese pancakes. In addition to their flavorful taste of sweet red bean paste, this breakfast idea becomes more irresistible with the melted butter and maple syrup toppings.

The cool thing about these yummy pancakes is their flexible variations. You can freely use custard cream or matcha cream to fill these sandwich pancakes.

These Japanese pancakes are a quick and tasty breakfast option that you have to try out once for you and your entire family. Make sure you know the appropriate method to keep pancakes warm for the best flavor when enjoying it.

Simple instruction on preparing fluffy Japanese pancakes. You can see this video to know more:

Option #2: Japanese Street Crepes

Japanese crepe ideas are varied. And these street crepes are an amazing twist to the classic recipe. These thin cony crepes with a filling of your choice inside are very popular among young Japanese, especially the on-the-go version.

You can choose your desired filling, which ranges from strawberry, caramel to lettuce and tuna.

This Japanese breakfast idea is your go-to selection for busy mornings. The cone shape makes these crepes easier to enjoy on the go.

Option #3: Japanese Fruit Sandwich

Also known as “fruit sando”, this famous sandwich variation is a massive culinary hit in every Japanese street. You will easily find this popular dish in various fruit parlors in the Cherry Blossoms nation.

Like the classic recipe, a Japanese fruit sandwich consists of two milk bread slices filled with fresh Japanese fruits and whipped cream in between.

This breakfast idea is super easy to prepare at home, which is suitable for people with a rush morning schedule. Plus, it is an extremely healthy dish for breakfast as well.

Learn how to make homemade fruit sando here:

Option #4: Rice Sandwich BLT Onigirazu

The following Japanese breakfast recipe features a peculiar option called “rice sandwich BLT onigirazu”. Instead of using two milk bread slices like option #3, onigirazu comprises two hand-formed rice patties.

The filling varies and can be adjusted to fit your preferences. For this Japanese BLT version, you often use egg, fried cutlets, and lettuce. The last ingredient that finalizes this iconic Japanese dish is a seaweed sheet to wrap around the rice patties.

Unlike sushi which requires more skills in preparation, onigirazu is simple to pull off with easy-to-find ingredients around your house.

Option #5: Japanese Milk Bread

Here is another fluffy and soft candidate for your Japanese breakfast recipe: the Japanese milk bread. The secret behind this wonderful dish is the water roux (tangzhong) that enhances the soft and fluffy texture of the bread.

You can enjoy this bread in various ways, such as a sandwich or enjoying it with a particular spread type. Find your desired recipe and make it at home to have a special breakfast of your own.

Option #6: Banana Muffins

Bananas and muffins are the greatest combinations that I can imagine. You get to enjoy the wonderfully moist cakes with caramelized bananas. Moreover, they are flavorful and mildly sweet, which is another attractive feature to me.

You can use some Nutella swirl as toppings and enjoy the banana muffins when they are still warm to maximize their flavors.

Option #7: Banana Bread

This recipe is another bread option featuring bananas. Homemade banana bread is a classic dish used for breakfast, with its freshness, moisture, and the perfect sweetness.

What makes it stand out from other banana cakes (such as the banana muffins in option #6) is its exceptional taste that you can find nowhere. Just follow the proper recipe, and you will end up with a soft and yummy bread filled with banana bits inside.

Option #8: Japanese Fish Waffle

Japanese fish waffles, also called “taiyaki”, are a tasty and delicate dish originating from Tokyo. It is a typical Japanese dish to serve as a dessert. Overall, either way you enjoy this dish, they all shine best.

The outer shell features an intricate crispy fish shape. The inside filling is the famous red bean paste. You can use other ingredients like Nutella or custard cream as substitutes for the stuffing.

Japanese fish waffles will give you cozy feelings on winter mornings. They are also quick treats for people with busy schedules.

Option #9: Strawberry Compote

You can also call this next recipe “strawberry sauce”. Basically, this recipe is a combination of strawberries, sugar, and juice. You can pull this sauce together in a matter of minutes.

Together, the strawberry compote is an excellent topping for your bread enjoyment, including cheesecake, waffles, and pancakes. It is indeed a perfect alternative to jam.

Click here for a quick and taste strawberry compote tutorial.

Option #10: Ogura Toast

This recipe of “Ogura Toast” is not a popular dish in Western countries. However, the dish is preferred all over Japan. Preparing this breakfast dish is literally a piece of cake. All you need to do is spread your toasted bread with red bean paste and butter.

Ogura toasts are simply the easiest and healthiest option for breakfast that you can have to kick start your energetic day. Its savory sweetness (from red bean paste) and fluffy texture (from the bread) will surely make you fall in love.

Option #11: Japanese French Toast

This Japanese version of French toasts inherits all the irresistible features of the original recipe, from the custardy egg mixture to the thick and fluffy bread slices.

The distinct feature of this variation is the topping. Instead of sugar, whipped cream, and syrup, you will find roasted soybean flour (kinako) and black sugar syrup (Okinawan Kuromitsu).

The end result is the toast with a crispy outside layer and soft inside fillings, making it extremely enjoyable.

Option #12: Japanese Avocado Toast

Avocado toast is a typical dish worldwide. However, nothing beats the crunchy texture and creamy taste of this Japanese version. The secret for its flavor lies in the roasted seaweed, which is a special ingredient from the Cherry Blossoms land.

You will fall in love right away with the combination of crunchy bread, creamy avocado, the fishy flavor of seaweed, and the nutty aroma of sesame seeds.

Let’s make this Japanese avocado toast at home and enjoy your unforgettable eating experience.

6 Cozy Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Hot Rice

After twelve crispy bread options, let’s move on to another six Japanese breakfast recipes featuring hot rice. Rice is an indispensable ingredient in many Japanese meals. Thus, prepare to witness some of the most interesting and delicious dishes below.

Option #13: Japanese Rice Balls

If you ask me to name one food that is a Japanese icon, I will name Japanese rice balls (onigiri) without hesitation. This dish is not only popular inside Japan but also widely known around the globe.

Plus, this recipe is an ideal idea for using leftover rice. One special trait making onigiri so famous is its huge selection for fillings. Traditionally, you can use tuna or pickled plum. Other tastier ingredients include chicken, cheese, crab stick, and mushrooms.

Whatever savory fillings you choose, they are all bundled with the steamed rice by dried seaweed. These rice balls are wonderful substitutes for your ordinary morning sandwiches.

Spend a few minutes cooking the rice, stuffing your desired fillings, and wrapping everything up with dried seaweed. It is quick and healthy, guaranteeing you a fulfilling breakfast.

Additionally, you can prepare Japanese rice balls in advance and store them in the fridge beforehand. Thereby, you can enjoy your breakfast more quickly by warming them up in the microwave.

Try out these eight basic onigiri recipes. You can see this video to know more:

Option #14: Rice With Green Tea

The Japanese term for this recipe is “ochazuke”, which simply means eating rice with green tea in a single bowl. Sounds odd, right? It might be. Yet, submerging rice in warm green tea is an easy snack for many Japanese. If you cannot enjoy green tea, replace it with dashi broth.

Normally, people often use leftover rice as the main ingredient for this recipe. You can use brown rice to add more healthy nutrition to the dish. Try it once, and you will love it forever. Especially on cold mornings, this particular dish will give you cozy feelings.

Another important ingredient of ochazuke is the filling, which usually contains salmon, wasabi, and pickled plum.

Option #15: Tea-Boiled Rice With Sweet Potato

This sweet and flavorful rice dish is a perfect choice for breakfast with its straightforward ingredient list of rice, potato, and tea bags.

Tea-boiled rice means rice being cooked with tea to yield a unique aroma. The potatoes are cut and simmered to provide sweetness for the entire dish.

All in all, this breakfast idea could be the favorite dish of your entire family from now on. Try this to enjoy one of the most distinctive aromas of tea-boiled rice with sweet potato.

Option #16: Japanese Breakfast Rice Bowl With Egg

Another fancy Japanese term for this recipe is “tamago kake gohan”. It is a tasty mixture of raw egg, soy sauce, seaweed, and steamed rice.

Always put the egg on top of your hot rice patties before mixing everything together. The heat from your steamed rice will transform your egg into a delicious soft-boiled state.

You can pull this recipe up effortlessly by throwing and mixing those ingredients together and enjoy a hot bowl of rice for your mornings.

Option #17: Rice Porridge With Honey And Ginger

I bet all of us have experienced a sick morning before, right? The feelings are so terrible that you do not want to enjoy anything for breakfast. However, that is not the case if your breakfast is Japanese rice porridge with honey and ginger.

Also called “okayu” in Japanese, this special version of the original Chinese rice porridge is your go-to dish for your breakfast, especially on sick-time occasions. You will get revitalized with its sweet and warm flavor, which comes from the honey and ginger ingredients.

Do not hesitate to add stock and other toppings (like green onions, pickled plums, sesame seeds, etc.) to make your dish even more delicious.

Option #18: Katsudon Japanese Pork And Egg Rice Bowl

With deep-fried pork and eggs served over steamed rice, katsudon is the culinary symbol in the Land of the Rising Sun.

In Japanese, “Katsu”, or “Tonkatsu”, means cutlet, referring to the thin pork meat used in the recipe. “Don” is the short form of “donburi”, which depicts a bowl. When put together, katsudon means a hearty bowl filled with cutlets.

You can prepare this recipe right at home without any difficulty. It is a typical dish that Japanese people often enjoy during breakfast and lunchtimes.

5 Yummy Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Savory Eggs

Speaking of Japanese cuisines, you may have heard of famous dishes like egg rolls and egg custards.

In fact, tasty egg dishes constitute a critical part not only in Japanese cuisine and culture but also in other countries. Let’s find out the following five egg recipes that guarantee you a yummy breakfast.

Option #19: Japanese Egg Rolls

One unique feature of Japanese cuisine is the bento or boxed meal menu. It basically contains steamed rice with other side dishes. One popular side dish in this bento is the Japanese egg rolls or tamagoyaki.

Japanese egg rolls are both sweet and salty in flavor. They are usually served with shirodashi sauce, kombu broth, sugar and salt, olive oil, and chopped green onions.

You can either incorporate this dish into your bento menu or use it as a filling for sushi.

Option #20: Japanese Scrambled Eggs

Compared to the ordinary scrambled eggs, the Japanese style of this dish is tastier, owing to the use of soy sauce. This add-in ingredient gives the dish more depth in flavor.

You will no longer need to pour additional ketchup or Tabasco while enjoying Japanese scrambled eggs, as they are already full of flavors.

Option #21: Easy Breakfast Omurice

Omurice is simply an omelet with fried rice. In Japanese culture, omurice is an iconic comfort dish, as it is very easy to put together.

The combination of fluffy and soft omelets with fried rice filled with mushrooms, peas, and tomato paste is a mesmerizing eating experience. You can replace the latter ingredient with other tomato paste substitutes.

This fulfilling and delicious dish requires 20 minutes only from start to finish. Therefore, tune in for this recipe on your busy mornings.

Option #22: Egg Custard With Chicken, Shrimp, And Veggies

If you catch the phrase “chawanmushi” on a Japanese menu, you are browsing through the legendary Japanese egg custard. It is a simple dish that is suitable for a light morning meal.

Despite the dish name focusing on eggs, “chawanmushi” consists of many hearty ingredients, such as chicken, fish, shrimps, mushrooms, and carrots as the main filling.

This savory dish is served in a “ramekin” – a small glazed ceramic bowl. A single “ramekin” guarantees to provide you with more than enough energy for the day.

You can see this video to know more:

Option #23: Simple Skillet Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a familiar street dish for those who have been to Osaka. This savory pancake is indeed one of the most common street foods in that Japan’s city.

Surely, you can prepare your own homemade version at home for this recipe. All your cooking will take place in a single skillet, which is so convenient.

Have fun by mixing different ingredients like squid, meat, shrimp, or scallions into the pancakes. You can go 100 percent veggies on this dish as well. Let your creative mind work!

5 Guilt-Free Japanese Breakfast Recipes With Healthy Veggies

Are you looking for ways to ramp up your vegetable intake? If it is the case, then do not miss out on these five guilt-free Japanese cooking ideas with veggies for breakfast. I promise you will love it.

Option #24: Japanese “Garden Breakfast” On A Skillet

Like Okonomiyaki, you can make this Japanese “Garden Breakfast” in one spot: your skillet. All there is to do is chop the veggies and stir-fry everything on your cooking utensil. The result will drive you wild, as it is very tasty.

You get to enjoy various vegetable types, including baby spinach, kale, tomatoes. The ingredient also consists of various kinds of mushrooms.

Use some soy sauce to dress your dish and make it more Japanese-like. You can even go further by topping the dish with a fried egg, making the dish more appealing and delicious.

Option #25: Vegan Onigiri

Have I mentioned that onigiri is the iconic dish in Japanese cuisine? One reason that makes the dish so popular is its wide flexibility in preparation. And here is another way that you can try with onigiri: the vegan variation.

In most cases, vegan onigiri is stuffed with mustard greens, kelp, pine nuts, pickled plum, and carrots.

These vegan rice triangles make the perfect choice for your energetic morning. You can prepare them in advance and bring them along to enjoy on your way to schools or offices.

Option #26: Miso Breakfast Oats

15 minutes! That is all the time you need to put this Japanese oatmeal together. The recipe requires you to gather simple ingredients like oats, kale, miso paste, coconut milk, and some other condiments.

The dish is packed with umami flavor, making it a bright star for your morning eating routine. Not only flavorful, but this oatmeal is also nutritious.

Option #27: Light Daikon And Carrot Salad

Also known as “Namasu”, this Japanese salad recipe features julienned daikon and carrot pickled bathed in vinegar sauce. It is a refreshing veggie side dish that Japanese people often serve on New Year holidays.

Thanks to the julienned veggies, the dish is easy to eat, making it suitable for children to join with the family for breakfast. This is a great way to train your newborn to have the habit of eating vegetables.

You can see this video to know more:

Option #28: Gluten-Free Breakfast Tempura

Do not get me wrong when you see I categorize tempura in the veggie section. Indeed, this recipe is a very healthy and delicious gluten-free Japanese dish filled with various vegetable types. That is why despite the misleading name, it is a great candidate to conclude this healthy veggie part.

And please feel free to enjoy it as a Japanese-inspired appetizer. This gluten-free tempura removes the bad impression of fried food. You can have the “best of both world” experience with this breakfast recipe, as it is fried food, but it does not put a burden on your digestion.

The secret lies in the use of rice flour as the batter for frying your tempura. This ingredient helps remove all gluten in the dish. You can add other green veggies into the recipe, such as zucchinis, eggplants, and peas, to promote more healthy nutrition for your breakfast.

Teishoku Traditional Japanese Breakfast Set: A Nutritious Bonus Option

As promised, I would love to share this bonus breakfast option with those who make it to the end. Among various Japanese breakfast recipes, teishoku is the most common meal set that Japanese people enjoy in their morning time.

The menu consists of probably everything nutritious for starting your days, such as steamed rice, salmon, miso soup, and some pickled plums. Sometimes, egg rolls and salad are served as well.

The dish guarantees to provide sufficient protein, fiber, vitamins, and other nutritious values to your daily intake.

And teishoku has finalized my article on Japanese breakfast recipes. Which dish is your favorite morning meal choice? And do you have other suggestions for other reading fellows and me? Comment below to let us know! Thank you for reading!