7 Japanese Recipes for Grilling and BBQs
Looking for grilled Japanese food to make at your next cookout? Check out this roundup of 7 easy Japanese BBQ recipes.
Everyone knows and loves Korean BBQ these days, but did you know Japanese cuisine also has a vast array of grilled food? Called yakiniku, which literally means grilled meat, they’re often very simple and easy recipes. Check out my roundup of seven easy grilling recipes with Japanese flavors, both the kinds you find in Japan and Japanese-American classics.
1. Teriyaki Chicken
When Americans think of grilled Japanese food, this is probably one of the first dishes that come to mind. Did you know it’s actually more of a Japanese-American food? Read my blog post for information on the history of teriyaki in America and then check out my easy recipe – it’s better than takeout! You can make the teriyaki sauce from scratch or use my favorite store-bought version: Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Chicken
2. Teriyaki Beef
Similar to the teriyaki chicken, this grilled teriyaki beef is also more of a Japanese-American invention. The ingredients are pretty much the same as the chicken version, but with some extra tips on getting a super deep flavor in your beef. Eat over rice or on bamboo skewers!
3. Yakitori (Japanese Chicken Skewers)
Now this is more of a traditional grilled Japanese food. Chicken thighs are skewered, grilled, and then glazed with a soy sauce based marinade. No thick, shiny sauces here but still plenty of flavor.
4. Grilled Mochi and Pork Belly Skewers
Japanese home cooks also like to get creative, and this is one I’ve seen become popular on Japanese social media. Instead of eating your protein with rice, why not grill the rice too? The grilled mochi is crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and a perfect complement to the rich pork belly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Mochi and Pork Belly Skewers
5. Teriyaki Burgers
Burgers seem like an American thing, but there is a very famous chain of hamburger restaurants in Japan called Mos Burger. They sell a fantastic teriyaki burger that inspired this recipe. Teri burgers are also popular among the Japanese-American population in Hawaii. You’ll get the best of both worlds with this recipe. Plus, burgers are so easy!
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Burgers
6. Japanese Hot Dogs
Speaking of easy, hot dogs are always a crowd pleaser. But forget the ketchup and mustard – these are Japadogs, inspired by the popular Japanese hot dog restaurant from Canada. Try toppings such as Kewpie mayo, green onions, furikake, and more.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Hot Dogs
7. Miso Butter Corn with Furikake
I’m ending this roundup with some vegetables to combat all the meat-heavy entrees. Japan LOVES corn and this version with Japanese toppings tastes like no other grilled corn you’ve ever had. While soy sauce and butter are a popular flavor combination in Japan, you can take it up a notch by making a miso butter and sprinkling with furikake. It’s almost like a Japanese elote.
Get the Recipe: Miso Butter Corn with Furikake
I hope you enjoyed this roundup and that it gave you some inspiration for all your summer BBQs! If you need some suggested salads to go with your grilled foods, check out my 7 Asian Salad Recipes post too.
Was there a recipe you were looking for that I didn’t include? Leave me a comment and I’ll add it to my recipe list to post for the future. I’m always looking for suggestions!
