23 Easy Japanese Breakfast Recipes

Japanese breakfast meals are best described as being light, healthy, and well-balanced.

A rice dish, a protein dish, soup, and a side dish are all traditional components of a Japanese breakfast. However, you don’t need to put in a lot of effort to prepare a delicious breakfast.

Here is a list of the top 23 Japanese breakfast recipes that you can eat on their own or with other traditional Japanese dishes.

1. Ogura Toast

Ogura Toast is made up of toasted Japanese bread known as Shokupan with butter and sweet azuki red bean paste.

This easy breakfast dish has the unique flavor of red bean paste and pairs excellently with whipped cream for a refreshing morning meal.

All you need to do is mix up some whipped cream, toast some bread, and spread on your butter and red bean paste with a dollop of cream to finish. It’s that simple!

2. Okayu

This Japanese rice porridge is ideal as a quick meal during illness or for breakfast.

Okayu, a thick rice porridge that can be seasoned with anything you like, is the Japanese equivalent of Chinese rice porridge. This variation has a honey and ginger topping that is warm and sweet.

To make Okayu, just make some rice porridge with ginger and salt, and then drizzle with honey before serving. 

3. Oyakodon

Oyakodon is made with dashi eggs, which are simply scrambled eggs you make until they reach a soft consistency. 

When placed on a warm bed of rice, the eggs are slowly cooked further as you eat this delicious dish.

In addition to eggs, this dish calls for boneless chicken breasts for protein. The end result is a satisfying lunch in a bowl with incredible umami flavors.

4. Skillet Okonomiyaki

A Japanese omelet is the common name for Okonomiyaki, a dish which many street vendors prepare on a big frying station.

This variation is made in a pan and is best enjoyed in one sitting.

There are eggs, rice, cabbage, onions, and dashi among the ingredients list. To fit your tastes, you can also include squid, mushrooms, sausage, maize, and any other of your favorite ingredients.

5. Japanese Pancakes

Currently popular on social media for their fluffy, souffle texture, Japanese pancakes are a great way to start your day.

They are similar to traditional American pancakes, but they are instead made with meringue to give them an airy texture.

These light pancakes can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream and strawberries. This recipe takes some practice, but it’s definitely worth it!

6. Onigiri

These Japanese rice balls are a delicious breakfast snack that you can take on the go!

Onigiri are rice balls that are filled with ingredients of your choice and wrapped in dried seaweed. 

Some great fillings for onigiri are salmon and avocado or tuna mayonnaise! No matter which you choose, this tasty snack will give you the energy you need to start your day.

7. Tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki is essentially a rolled egg omelet that is fully customizable! Whether it’s filled with healthy greens or oozing with cheese, tamagoyaki is a fantastic breakfast food.

They are super simple to make and pair well with a piping hot bowl of miso soup. All you need to do is make an omelet and roll it up. It couldn’t be easier!

8. Miso Breakfast Oats

Packed with warming umami flavors, these miso breakfast oats are to die for! They are an amazing savory breakfast meal.

These oats are great because they are so simple to make. You can make them in one pot and end up with a quick breakfast that’s still nutritious and good for you!

All you need to do is make your oats and stir in miso paste, kale, and seasonings. That’s really it!

9. Breakfast Bento Box

With a bit of preparation the night before, you can wake up to a delicious breakfast bento box that will jumpstart your day.

This simple breakfast is designed to satisfy even the fussiest eaters and the breakfast skippers!

Using a bento box, you can create your own breakfast box with anything you wish! Fill it with cheeses, deli meats, fruit, and anything else you might enjoy.

What’s great about the bento box is that you can take it wherever you go and snack on it all morning.

10. Tamago Kake Gohan

This incredible dish is another Japanese favorite during breakfast time. It is essentially rice with a raw egg. This might not sound right, but trust us, it is!

When making tamago kake gohan, the hot rice will actually cook the egg as you stir it into the rice, so there is no need to worry! Just make sure your rice is hot enough before serving.

This breakfast meal is a tasty and healthy way to get your day started.

11. California Roll Avocado Toast

Sushi lovers out there will know exactly what we mean by California roll, but for those who don’t, it is essentially a sushi roll made with crab meat, rice, soy sauce, and avocado.

Using these ingredients, you can take a classic piece of avocado toast to the next level! Combining the western recipe with the eastern is a great idea and a delicious way to eat your breakfast.

12. Japanese Red Bean Buns

Anpan, also known as Japanese red bean buns, is a well-loved breakfast food in Japan. You can usually get them in Japanese bakeries, but what’s better than homemade?

These buns are best served warm with a cup of piping hot coffee. You can choose between chunky or smooth bean paste for two different textures. 

The unique and delicious flavors are bound to have you reaching for a second!

13. Matcha Overnight Oats

Putting together overnight oats takes just minutes and will leave you with a delicious, healthy breakfast the next morning!

The Japanese matcha added to these oats will give you the energy to start your day right. You can also add any kind of topping to these oats and make them a real treat.

Try these matcha overnight oats with fresh berries and fruit, or with peanut butter and granola.

14. Japanese Fruit Sandwich

This dish isn’t as strange as it might sound! This fruity breakfast treat is a definite winner during your morning meal.

All this recipe needs is some preparation and some time to set. This fruit sandwich is delicious when chilled overnight and is much easier to cut.

Packed full of fresh fruit and cream, this Japanese fruit sandwich will be worth the wait.

15. Japanese Milk Bread

Japanese milk bread is an incredibly soft and fluffy treat for you to try next time you’re making breakfast! 

The bread is made from a water and flour roux that creates the airy texture of the bread that is simply divine.

You can include any type of topping with this recipe, sweet or savory! You can even make a tasty sandwich out of it for later in the day.

16. Miso Shiru

This traditional Japanese soup is absolutely delicious and a great way to get you going in the morning. 

Miso shiru is made from fermented soybean paste and miso, mixed together with a dashi broth. It’s packed full of healthy vegetables and plenty of nutrients.

This soup is simple to make and can be done with instant miso soup and dashi-infused soy paste for an even quicker breakfast meal.

17. Natto

These fermented soybeans are packed full of protein and are a staple breakfast food in Japan.

While this dish is considered to be an acquired taste, natto is extremely popular and a great way to start your day. It is aromatic and has a distinct flavor that’s like no other! 

This dish pairs well with spicy mustard, bonito shavings, and seasoned seaweed. Now that’s a flavor sensation!

18. Anko Butter Toast

This breakfast recipe is inspired by Japanese ogura toast. It is a delicious and simple breakfast meal!

Anko butter toast is a combination of three ingredients – shokupan bread, anko paste, and butter! 

You can also add whipped cream on top for a sweet twist on this anko butter toast recipe. 

19. Ochazuke

With this recipe, you can use leftover rice to make a tasty ochazuke for breakfast! 

This Japanese rice dish is made with green tea and is a great way to start your morning. You can also use dashi broth instead of green tea if you prefer!

This recipe is great for making good use of leftovers while still getting a balanced, nutritious meal.

20. Chawanmushi

Chawanmushi is a Japanese egg custard dish that is a great meal for setting you up for a busy day.

Made with chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, this soft and savory meal is perfect as a light breakfast. It’s packed with enough protein and energy to keep you going all day long!

The vegetables you put into this dish are completely up to you. However, we recommend carrots and mushrooms, as they pair well with the flavors in this recipe.

21. Japanese Street Crepes

We all know that crepes are a fantastic breakfast food, so try making them the Japanese way!

These thin crepes are served by many vendors on the streets of Japan. They are wrapped into a cone shape and full of the filling of your choice.

Japanese street crepes are perfect for a busy morning, as they can be eaten on the go!

22. Taiyaki

This fun little breakfast food is especially great for a morning with kids! 

Taiyaki is shaped like a sea bream fish and is said to bring good fortune. It’s filled with sweet red bean paste and tastes simply delicious!

These buns are brilliant for taking your breakfast on the go, for both you and your kids.

23. Daikon And Carrot Salad

For a fresh and light breakfast option, this daikon and carrot salad is perfect! 

Made with thinly cut, pickled vegetables, this recipe tastes delicious with its sweet vinegar sauce, combining some incredible flavors!

This dish is perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast, or as a side dish to complement your main meal.

Final Word

There are an incredible variety of options to choose from when making a Japanese breakfast. From the traditional to the modernized, there is something for everyone!

No matter which recipe you choose to start your day with, any choice you make will make your morning great. Give one of these recipes a try today and change up your usual breakfast routine.