3 Easy Japanese Side Dishes (Perfect for Meal Prep Sunday)

Introduction – Japanese Side Dishes

Let’s be honest—adulting is hard. Between work, social life, and binge-watching your favorite show (because priorities), who has time to cook elaborate meals every day? If you’re nodding along, welcome to meal prep! And what better way to level up your meal prep skill than with Japanese side dishes? They’re quick, healthy, and add an instant upgrade to any meal.

But wait—why Japanese side dishes? 🤔

• They’re insanely versatile: Whether you’re pairing them with rice, noodles, or grilled protein, they just work.
• They’re nutritious: Packed with fresh ingredients, umami flavors, and all the goodness your body craves.
• They make you look fancy: Nothing screams “I’ve got my life together” like a beautifully arranged meal with colorful side dishes.

And let’s be real, having delicious homemade sides is amazing. So, if you’re looking for easy, meal-prep-friendly, and 100% drool-worthy Japanese side dishes, you’re in the right place.

Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)

Why You’ll Love Yaki Onigiri (Japanese Side Dishes)

• Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Twist on classic rice balls.
• Perfect as a snack or a side dish!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp miso paste (optional but adds great depth)
• 1 tbsp butter or sesame oil
• Nori (seaweed) for wrapping (optional)

Instructions

1. Wet your hands, take a handful of rice, and shape it into a firm triangle or round shape.
2. Heat butter or sesame oil in a pan and grill the rice balls until golden and crispy.
3. Brush with a mix of soy sauce and miso paste, then continue grilling until slightly caramelized.
4. Wrap in nori if desired and serve hot!

Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking, and don’t flip too often!

Related Recipe : Tuna Mayo Onigiri Recipe

Related Article : 6 Popular Onigiri Fillings from Japan

Datemaki (Japanese Sweet Rolled Omelette)

Why You’ll Love Datemaki (Japanese Side Dishes)

• A sweet, fluffy alternative to tamagoyaki.
• Traditionally enjoyed during New Year’s but perfect anytime!
• The subtle sweetness makes it kid-friendly.

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tbsp mirin
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dashi stock (optional but enhances flavor)
• Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Whisk together eggs, sugar, mirin, soy sauce, and dashi.
2. Heat a rectangular pan, oil it lightly, and pour a thin layer of egg mixture.
3. Once slightly set, roll it to one side and continue adding layers, rolling each time.
4. Once fully rolled, wrap in a sushi mat and let it set.
5. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve!

For an ultra-fluffy texture, blend the egg mixture before cooking.

Hiyayakko (Japanese Cold Tofu)

Why You’ll Love Hiyayakko (Japanese Side Dishes)

• Refreshing, light, and packed with protein.
• Takes literally 2 minutes to prepare.
• Can be customized with different toppings!

Ingredients

• 1 block silken tofu
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp bonito flakes (optional but traditional)
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cut the silken tofu into small blocks or cubes.
2. Top with green onions, grated ginger, bonito flakes, and sesame seeds.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and serve chilled.

For extra umami, add a dash of ponzu sauce or a few drops of sesame oil!

Frequently Asked Questions: Japanese Side Dishes