If you've been to Japan, you’ve probably heard of Pepper Lunch. It' s a popular fast-casual chain known for its sizzling hotplates of meat, vegetables, and rice. They also have locations all over the world!Pepper Lunch is renowned for its DIY style of dining where...
High-Protein
Back to RecipesClassic Japanese Katsudon (かつ丼) – Katsu and Egg Rice Bowl
To this day, my mom makes tonkatsu (deep-fried, breaded pork cutlets) almost every week. It's rare when there are leftovers, but sometimes it happens. And when it does, this is the meal I love to make with the leftovers.Among Japan's many culinary treasures, one dish...
High Protein Homemade Cup Noodles
Being Japanese, I’ve always loved ramen, but I usually try not to eat it too often since it’s usually not the most nutritious meal. But I wish I could have it more regularly! So, I decided to make my own version. And it was inspired by Cup Noodles!These High Protein...
Rice Paper Chicken Dumplings
My rice paper chicken dumplings are a simple but incredibly satisfying dish that combines juicy, savory filling with a crispy golden wrapper. I love traditional dumplings, don't get me wrong, but these use a few swaps for a healthier twist. Chicken instead of pork,...
20-Minute Instant Pot Shredded Teriyaki Chicken
If you're looking for an easy, flavorful protein to meal prep or whip up on a busy weeknight, my Instant Pot Shredded Teriyaki Chicken is what you've been looking for!With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you get juicy, tender chicken that’s been infused...
Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Stir-Fry)
Pad Kra Pao, also known as Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry, is one of Thailand's most beloved dishes, celebrated for its bold, aromatic flavors and simple preparation.Traditionally made with minced pork or chicken, this dish is stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and the star...
Teppanyaki-Style Chicken and Veggies
Teppanyaki-style cooking doesn’t have to be flashy or complicated to be good! And this chicken and veggie dish is proof. It’s built on simplicity, letting a few familiar ingredients do exactly what they’re supposed to do. Everything hits the pan hot, cooks fast, and...
Mongolian Ground Beef
My Mongolian Ground Beef is a quick, flavorful twist on the classic Mongolian beef, trading sliced steak for ground beef for a more approachable (and cheaper!) dish. But it still keeps the same bold, savory-sweet profile that makes the dish so popular. Using ground...
Japanese Mille Feuille Nabe (Thousand-Layer Hot Pot)
It's a common occurrence to come home to my mom making "Nabe," (鍋) the Japanese word for hot pot. Mille-Feuille Nabe (ミルフィーユ鍋 ) is a Japanese hot pot dish that creatively layers ingredients to resemble a "thousand-leaf" (mille-feuille) structure, similar to the French...
Sheet-Pan Chili Crisp Salmon
This Sheet-Pan Chili Crisp Salmon is one of those effortless dishes that feels bold and exciting while still being incredibly easy to pull together. The salmon bakes up tender and flaky, coated in a glossy marinade that balances salty soy sauce, sweet honey, and the...
Classic Japanese Gyudon (牛丼) – Beef and Onion Rice Bowl
Gyudon (牛丼), or "beef bowl," is one of Japan's most popular types of donburi, a category of dishes that serve toppings over rice in a bowl. In gyudon, thinly sliced beef and onions are simmered in a savory-sweet sauce of soy sauce, dashi, and mirin, creating a...
Garlic Miso Chicken
This garlic miso chicken is one of those quietly powerful dishes where a simple marinade does all the heavy lifting. Miso forms the backbone, bringing deep umami and savoriness, while mirin and brown sugar balance it out with gentle sweetness. Soy sauce reinforces the...
Agedashi Tofu
Agedashi Tofu is one of the most underrated Japanese dishes outside of Japan. At its core, it’s simply tofu that’s fried until delicate and crisp on the outside, then served in a savory dashi-based broth. But its simplicity is deceptive. The contrast between the...
One-Pot Japanese Curry-Flavored Chicken & Rice
Japanese curry has always been deeply nostalgic for me. My mom would make it almost every week growing up. It’s a dish that many Japanese households eat regularly, whether it’s served with rice on a busy weeknight or cooked with udon. The warm, gently spiced flavor is...
Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) – 卵焼き
Tamagoyaki, the beautifully layered Japanese rolled omelet, is a staple in home-cooked meals and bento boxes. My mom used to pack these for me in my bento all the time growing up, and they were always one of my favorite parts of lunch. "Egg" in Japanese is "tamago"...
Kyrié is a half-Japanese food content creator and avid home cook who specializes in Asian cuisine, with a focus on Japanese. She loves developing recipes and sharing approachable yet authentic meals. When she’s not in the kitchen, she’s helping her husband Jeff tend to their garden, or on some artistic venture.
















