Japanese cuisine is known for its delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple yet rich dishes. If you’ve ever wanted to try making Japanese food at home but found the recipes a little too intimidating, you’re in the right place!
Crockpot Japanese recipes are perfect for busy days when you still want to enjoy comforting and authentic Japanese dishes. Using a slow cooker to prepare Japanese recipes makes everything simple and hassle-free.
So, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy traditional Japanese meals with minimal effort, let’s dive into these tasty and easy-to-make crockpot recipes.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of Japanese recipes, including Japanese Pork Curry, Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl, Nikujaga (Japanese Stewed Beef and Potatoes), and more.
Don’t worry – these recipes are straightforward and use ingredients that are easy to find, so even beginners can give them a try. Let’s get started!
1. Japanese Pork Curry
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Japanese Pork Curry, also known as Katsu Curry, is a hearty and comforting dish loved by many. It’s made with tender pork and a flavorful curry sauce that perfectly complements steamed rice.
The best part? You can prepare it in your crockpot, which will slowly cook the pork to perfection while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pork (shoulder or tenderloin), sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 apple, grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the pork slices on all sides. Remove the pork and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, and grated apple. Stir for another 2 minutes.
- Transfer everything to the crockpot, then add the curry powder, soy sauce, chicken broth, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the pork and vegetables are tender.
- Serve over steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal!
- This Japanese Pork Curry is a great introduction to Japanese cuisine. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the slow cooker makes the process so easy. Your family will love this dish!
2. Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4-5
The Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl is a tasty and warming dish that features tender beef, savory broth, and chewy udon noodles.
It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a cold evening. The ginger gives it a lovely, aromatic flavor, while the beef and vegetables make the dish hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2 packs of fresh udon noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In your crockpot, combine the beef, grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to mix everything together.
- Add the beef broth, water, mushrooms, and onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
- Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, then add them to the crockpot with the snow peas for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve the Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl in bowls and garnish with chopped scallions.
- This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a warm, comforting noodle soup. The tender beef and fragrant ginger will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away in the crockpot.
3. Nikujaga (Japanese Stewed Beef and Potatoes)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-5
Nikujaga is a classic Japanese dish made with thinly sliced beef, potatoes, onions, and a sweet-savory sauce. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful and is often enjoyed as a family meal in Japan. Using a crockpot makes it easy to get a delicious and tender Nikujaga without any fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or rib-eye), thinly sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the beef slices for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Place the potatoes and onions into the crockpot, then add the beef.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and water. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Nikujaga is perfect when you’re craving something comforting and filling. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes this a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
4. Teriyaki Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4-6
Teriyaki Chicken is a favorite dish for many, and it’s easy to prepare in the crockpot. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
- Teriyaki Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the flavors of Japan in the comfort of your home.
5. Japanese Beef Stew (Gyudon)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 5 hours | Serves: 4-5
Gyudon, or Japanese Beef Stew, is a comforting, savory dish made with tender beef, onions, and a flavorful soy-based sauce. This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy dinner and is best served with a bowl of steamed rice.
The crockpot makes it incredibly easy to prepare, and the long cooking time ensures the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or rib-eye), thinly sliced
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Brown the beef slices for about 2-3 minutes and then set aside.
- Add the onions and garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to the crockpot. Add soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Optional: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the stew for a thicker sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Gyudon is a warm, savory dish that combines the sweetness of mirin with the depth of soy sauce, creating a flavor that is both rich and comforting. It’s a great choice for a satisfying dinner.
6. Chicken Katsu Curry
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Chicken Katsu Curry is one of the most popular Japanese dishes, and for good reason! It features crispy, golden chicken cutlets served with a rich, flavorful curry sauce.
This recipe uses your crockpot to prepare the curry, while the chicken is fried separately for that crispy, satisfying texture. It’s the perfect balance of crispy and tender.
Ingredients:
For the Curry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken Katsu:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- In your crockpot, heat vegetable oil and sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add curry powder, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, potatoes, and carrots. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
- While the curry cooks, prepare the chicken katsu: bread the chicken by dipping each piece first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Slice the chicken and serve it on a plate with curry poured over the top. Enjoy with steamed rice!
- The crispy chicken paired with the rich curry sauce makes this dish irresistible. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
7. Japanese Short Ribs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Japanese Short Ribs are tender, melt-off-the-bone ribs that are cooked in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Cooking them in the crockpot makes them incredibly easy to prepare, and the long cooking time results in a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef short ribs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the ribs on all sides.
- Place the ribs in the crockpot. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and beef broth.
- Pour the sauce over the ribs in the crockpot and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the ribs are tender.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
- These Japanese short ribs are perfect for a special meal or a cozy weekend dinner. The rich sauce and tender meat make this dish a showstopper.
8. Sukiyaki
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-5
Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese hot pot dish that features thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu, all simmered in a sweet-savory sauce.
It’s traditionally served family-style, where everyone gathers around and dips ingredients into the pot. Using the crockpot simplifies the process, and the result is just as delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or rib-eye), thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup tofu, cut into cubes
- 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cups beef broth
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Place the beef, onion, mushrooms, tofu, and napa cabbage into the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and beef broth. Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Serve the Sukiyaki hot over steamed rice.
- Sukiyaki is a fun and interactive meal that’s perfect for family gatherings. The sweet-savory broth brings all the ingredients together, making it a memorable meal.
9. Japanese Pork Tonkotsu Ramen
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 7 hours | Serves: 4-6
Tonkotsu Ramen is a rich and flavorful pork-based ramen soup that is known for its creamy, collagen-packed broth.
Making it in the crockpot gives you that delicious, slow-simmered taste without any of the hard work. This recipe is great for ramen lovers who want to enjoy the taste of authentic Tonkotsu ramen at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork bones (neck or marrow bones)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- 2 boiled eggs, halved (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the pork bones in the crockpot and cover with 4 cups of water. Cook on low for 7 hours to extract the rich flavors.
- After 7 hours, remove the bones and strain the broth. Return the broth to the crockpot and add soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Place the noodles in bowls.
- Pour the broth over the noodles and garnish with boiled eggs and green onions.
- This Tonkotsu Ramen has a deep, rich flavor that’s sure to impress. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cold evenings or when you want to enjoy restaurant-quality ramen from the comfort of your home.
10. Japanese Beef Curry
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Japanese Beef Curry is a comforting and flavorful dish that features tender beef and a savory curry sauce. It’s not as spicy as some other curries, but it’s rich and aromatic, making it perfect for those who enjoy mild, hearty flavors.
Using a crockpot to make this beef curry ensures that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the flavors slowly meld together.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup curry powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown the beef stew meat in a bit of oil. Transfer it to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes to the crockpot along with the beef.
- In a small bowl, mix the curry powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Serve the Japanese Beef Curry over steamed rice for a filling and delicious meal.
- This Japanese Beef Curry is an absolute winner! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with the family, and the slow-cooked flavors make it taste like it’s been simmering all day.
11. Teriyaki Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4-5
Teriyaki Meatballs are a great appetizer or main dish, perfect for a family dinner or even a gathering with friends.
The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory. With the crockpot, this dish is super easy to make, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or pork), breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, water, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- These Teriyaki Meatballs are a hit every time! The savory teriyaki glaze pairs so well with the tender meatballs, and it’s perfect served with rice or even as an appetizer.
12. Japanese Chicken and Vegetable Hot Pot (Oden)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Oden is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish made with various ingredients such as chicken, tofu, daikon radish, and boiled eggs, all simmered in a flavorful broth.
It’s a hearty and satisfying meal, and the crockpot makes it so easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish, Oden is perfect for you.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
- 1 daikon radish, sliced
- 1 block tofu, cubed
- 4 boiled eggs, peeled
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
Instructions:
- Place the chicken, daikon radish, tofu, boiled eggs, and napa cabbage into the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Pour the broth over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the ingredients are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve the Oden hot, making sure each bowl has a variety of ingredients from the pot.
- Oden is a wonderful dish to enjoy with family and friends. The slow-cooked broth is light yet flavorful, and the combination of ingredients makes each bite special.
13. Japanese Chicken Curry
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Japanese Chicken Curry is another favorite in many households, known for its mild, comforting flavor and rich, thick sauce. This dish is a great way to enjoy curry with tender chicken and vegetables.
The crockpot does all the work, and you’ll end up with a flavorful curry that’s perfect for serving over rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup curry powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Place the chicken, potatoes, onion, and carrots in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together curry powder, soy sauce, honey, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve the curry over a bowl of steaming rice for a comforting meal.
- Japanese Chicken Curry is a cozy and filling dish, perfect for any day of the week. The thick, slightly sweet curry sauce makes it a true family favorite.
14. Japanese Chicken Katsu
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4-5
Chicken Katsu is a beloved Japanese dish consisting of breaded and deep-fried chicken cutlets, but in this Crockpot version, the chicken is cooked in a flavorful sauce, making it tender and delicious.
The golden, crispy coating and savory sauce create the perfect balance, especially when served with rice and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown each chicken breast on both sides for 2-3 minutes. Once browned, transfer to the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and sugar. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the chicken katsu over steamed rice, and garnish with sesame seeds.
- This Japanese Chicken Katsu is incredibly easy in the crockpot, and the tender chicken combined with the flavorful sauce makes it a hit every time!
15. Japanese Pork Tonkotsu Ramen
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-5
Here’s another version of Japanese Pork Tonkotsu Ramen using pork shoulder for a slightly different take. It’s still packed with flavor and cooked to perfection in your crockpot.
The tender pork will melt in your mouth, and the savory broth will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, bone-in
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs (for garnish)
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder into the crockpot and cover with chicken broth. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove the pork from the crockpot and shred it with a fork. Return the shredded pork to the broth.
- Stir in soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Let the broth simmer for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare ramen noodles according to package directions.
- To serve, place noodles in bowls and pour the rich broth with shredded pork over the noodles. Garnish with soft-boiled eggs and scallions.
- This variation of Tonkotsu Ramen is rich, hearty, and perfect for those who love tender, flavorful pork in their ramen. It’s a wonderful dish for chilly nights!
16. Japanese Beef and Vegetable Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Nikujaga is a comforting, traditional Japanese stew made with beef, potatoes, onions, and a sweet-savory broth. It’s simple, yet incredibly delicious and perfect for a cozy meal.
The crockpot makes this dish even easier to prepare, as it allows the flavors to meld together as it cooks low and slow.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, thinly sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the beef for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the potatoes and onions to the crockpot along with the beef.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and beef broth. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Stir everything to combine and cover. Cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Serve the Nikujaga over a bowl of steamed rice.
- Nikujaga is a flavorful, hearty stew that’s perfect for cold days or when you need something comforting. The tender beef and soft potatoes soak up the savory broth, making every bite a delight.
17. Miso Soup with Tofu and Vegetables
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serves: 4-6
Miso Soup is a traditional Japanese dish that’s light, flavorful, and very easy to make in the crockpot. With tofu, seaweed, and a flavorful miso broth, this soup is comforting and can be enjoyed as a starter or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 block tofu, cubed
- 1 cup spinach or bok choy, chopped
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Seaweed (optional)
Instructions:
- Add vegetable broth to the crockpot and stir in the miso paste. Mix until the miso is dissolved.
- Add tofu cubes, spinach (or bok choy), soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Before serving, garnish with green onions and seaweed if desired.
- Miso Soup is incredibly simple, but its umami-packed flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to any Japanese meal. It’s light but comforting and a great way to warm up on a chilly day.
18. Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-5
This Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl is the perfect combination of tender beef, chewy udon noodles, and a flavorful, savory broth.
With a slight kick from the ginger and a deep umami flavor, it’s a satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more. Making it in the crockpot ensures all the ingredients cook together, creating a harmonious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 packs udon noodles
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the thinly sliced beef, onion, and carrots in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the beef and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the beef is tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve the cooked udon noodles in bowls, and ladle the beef and broth mixture over the noodles.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- This Ginger Beef Udon Noodle Bowl is the ultimate comfort food. The rich, savory broth and tender beef pair perfectly with the chewy udon noodles. It’s a warm and hearty dish, perfect for any day of the week!
19. Japanese Short Ribs (Korean-Style)
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 7 hours | Serves: 4-5
Japanese-style short ribs are typically cooked slowly to achieve melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. These ribs are simmered in a rich sauce with a hint of sweetness and spice.
This crockpot version makes it incredibly easy to enjoy this dish, and the long, slow cook creates a flavorful, juicy result.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the short ribs in a skillet with sesame oil over medium-high heat. Transfer them to the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, beef broth, and gochujang (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the ribs in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- These Japanese short ribs are a crowd-pleaser! The rich, sweet-savory sauce brings out the full flavor of the meat, and the crockpot does all the work, making it a hassle-free dish.
20. Sukiyaki (Japanese Hot Pot)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
Sukiyaki is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that is typically made with thinly sliced beef, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful, sweet soy-based broth.
Cooking it in the crockpot makes the process incredibly easy, and the ingredients slowly absorb all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 block tofu, cubed
- 2 cups napa cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Add the thinly sliced beef, tofu, napa cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots to the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Serve the Sukiyaki hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions.
- Sukiyaki is a comforting, flavorful dish, perfect for a gathering. The combination of savory broth, tender beef, and fresh vegetables is irresistible, and the crockpot makes it so easy to prepare.
21. Japanese Pork Tonkotsu Ramen (Simplified)
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serves: 4-6
This simplified version of Japanese Pork Tonkotsu Ramen is quick to put together and delivers the same rich, creamy pork broth that makes this ramen a classic.
With pork shoulder or pork belly, this dish is hearty and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for ramen lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder or pork belly
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons miso paste
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-inch piece ginger, sliced
- 2 packs ramen noodles
- Soft-boiled eggs (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder (or pork belly) into the crockpot and cover with chicken broth. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove the pork and shred it using two forks.
- Stir in soy sauce, miso paste, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to the broth and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
- Cook the ramen noodles separately according to package instructions.
- To serve, place noodles in bowls and pour the rich pork broth and shredded pork over them.
- Garnish with soft-boiled eggs and green onions.
- This simplified version of Tonkotsu Ramen is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender pork. It’s a perfect bowl of ramen for any occasion!
Conclusion
In this collection of Crockpot Japanese Recipes, we’ve explored a variety of mouthwatering dishes that bring the authentic flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting Japanese Pork Curry, a rich Tonkotsu Ramen, or a hearty Sukiyaki, these recipes are designed to be simple, easy to follow, and, most importantly, delicious.
Using the crockpot makes cooking these dishes incredibly convenient, allowing you to set them and forget them while the slow cooking process does all the work. The end result is always tender meat, rich broths, and perfectly cooked vegetables, making these meals a hit every time.
These recipes are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a special gathering, or just a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly day. The best part is that you don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen to create these flavorful Japanese dishes.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that crockpot, and get ready to enjoy some of the best home-cooked Japanese meals right from your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
