Ever since my first time visiting Japan, I’ve loved the simple flavors of a traditional Japanese breakfast set. I recently shared this Japanese breakfast in my What I Eat In A Week post. With my dad going through cancer treatment and me turning 30 this year, I’ve been really focused on learning about how to better care for myself and others through conscious healthy eating. Follow along, and I’ll show you the tips and tricks I use to make sure I have a hearty, balanced Japanese breakfast at the start of the day ready in 15-20 minutes.
Hey there! Just so you know, some links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I earn a tiny commission, at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support Tiffy Cooks and keep our kitchen cooking. Thanks for the love!
What Goes Into A Traditional Japanese Breakfast?
In my latest trip to Japan with my parents, we’ve been so impressed by the Japanese breakfast philosophy. Focused on providing ample energy to last the work day, the ingredients for breakfast usually are light in oil and meant to be easily digested. A Japanese traditional breakfast usually consists of a main protein, a few sides, miso soup, and a bowl of rice. Each dish comes in small portions, so collectively it’s not a heavy meal.
It may seem like a lot to make at once, but it’s actually super easy to assemble at home! The key to being able to easily enjoy a full Japanese breakfast so early in the day is preparing ahead. The side dishes, miso soup, and rice can all be prepared ahead of time. Taking the time to prepare for the morning the night before helps me establish a slower, more conscious morning routine, while being able to enjoy a balanced breakfast.
Japanese Breakfast Basics: Miso Soup and Rice
The basic building blocks of a Japanese breakfast starts with Miso Soup and Rice. The flavors included in a breakfast set are meant to go well with white rice. A bit of fish and a refreshingly sour pickle on top of a bite of steaming rice really starts the day on the right foot for me! To prevent a scramble in the morning, I like to keep leftover rice in the fridge. Or, I set up my rice in the rice cooker the night before so all I have to do in the morning is press “Start”.
Miso soup is such an important element in Japanese cuisine, it’s present in breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. Made with simple ingredients like Miso paste, dashi, tofu, and seaweed, it’s a simple soup that warms you up while giving you the minerals and tons of antioxidants you need. I always have miso paste in my fridge. You should be able to find them in the refrigerated Asian aisle in your local supermarket.
For a little extra nutrients, I also like to raid my fridge for leftover veggies like Napa Cabbage or Spinach to add to my miso soup!
Miso Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups ofDashi Stock
- 1.5 tbsp ofMiso Paste
- 1 cup of diced Tofu
- 1 tbsp ofDehydrated Seaweed
Miso Soup
This EASY Miso Soup recipe takes only 4 simple ingredients, and a only few minutes to make. Super nutricious, super simple. Perfect for a quick and easy Japanese breakfast with rice and tamagoyaki!
Check out this recipe
Air Frying: Your Key To Easier Fried Fish
At the center of my typical Traditional Japanese Breakfast is the main dish: air fried fish. Fish like mackerel and salmon are protein rich and full of healthy fatrich inOmega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin B12. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or with an easy miso glaze, fish is an affordable and delicious option to start your day.
When I’m waking up, I just don’t want to be doing a ton of messy cooking (and cleaning after). My key to keep the process simple – the Air Fryer! Cooking fish in the air fryer takes only 10-15 minutes, and needs A LOT less oil than pan frying. If you want to save time doing dishes, you can place parchment paper underneath the fish during air frying!
Air Fryer Mackerel Ingredients
- 2 pieces of Mackerel, skin-on
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crispy Air Fryer Mackerel
This easy Air Fryer Mackerel comes out with the CRISPIEST skin and NO SMELL! A mess-free air fryer fish recipe perfect for a quick Japanese breakfast, or a simple lunch with rice.
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Miso Glazed Salmon Ingredients
- 2 pieces of Salmon with the skin on (around 5-7 oz each)
- 1.5 tablespoonswhite miso paste
- 1 tablespoonMirinor Honey
- 1 tablespoonsoy sauce
- 0.5 tablespoondashi powder
- A pinch of black pepper
- 3 tablespoonJapanese Mayo
Air Fryer Miso Glazed Salmon
This miso glazed salmon is super easy to whip up in the morning, and takes only 10 minutes in the air fryer!
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Main Dish Alternative: Japanese Tamagoyaki
When I don’t feel like eating fish in the morning, I switch up my main course and make a simple Tamagoyaki, or rolled egg omlette. This is also an easy vegetarian option for a main course! I use aTamago frying pan to save tons of time and make rolling the egg A LOT easier. If you don’t have a Tamago frying pan, you can also use a small non-stick pan as well.
Tamagoyaki Ingredients
- 5 Eggs
- Salt
- 1 tsp of Sugar
Tamagoyaki – Japanese Omelette
An easy Tamagoyaki recipe for breakfast or snack time! I like to skip the masago mayo for breakfast, but I've included it in this recipe for those who like a little extra flavor.
Check out this recipe
Waking Up Your Taste Buds With Side Dishes
The side dishes for a Japanese breakfast bring a pop of extra flavor that really wakes you up – sour, spicy, or savory. Typically, they’re something that you prepare in bulk ahead of time, and just dish out from the fridge when it’s time to serve.
Natto, cold tofu, and refreshing Japanese pickles are common side dish picks. I like taking a little creative liberty with my side dishes sometimes, so kimchi, korean cold spinach salad, and spicy chinese cucumber are all part of my side dish choices!
Korean Spinach Salad (2 ways) Ingredients
- 1.5 lb of Fresh Spinach (with the stems on)
- 4 cloves of Garlic minced
- 3 tbsp ofSoy Sauce
- 3.5 tbsp ofSesame Oil
- 1 stalk of Green Onion chopped
- 2 tbsp of Sesame Seeds crushed
- 1 tsp of Sugar
- 0.5 tbsp ofKorean Red Chili Flakes
- 0.5 tbsp ofKorean Chili Paste
Korean Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)
Two Styles of Korean Spinach Salad – Savory and Spicy! I love making these in bulk during the weekend so I have veggies to last throughout the week.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad Ingredients
- 2 whole English Cucumber
- 1 Tbsp of Sugar
- 1 Tsp of Salt
Marinate
- 2 tbsp ofVegetarian Oyster Sauce
- 3 tbsp ofBlack Vinegar
- 0.5 tbsp of Sugar
- 1.5 tbsp of Chopped Cilantro
- 1.5 tbsp ofSpicy Garlic Chili Paste
- 1 tsp of Sesame Seeds
- 1 stalk of Green Onion (chopped)
Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad
This super addicting and refreshing spicy smashed cucumber salad is AMAZING as a side dish and easy to make in bulk ahead of a busy week!
Check out this recipe