What Japanese breakfast is like?
If you are used to having pancake, soft boiled egg, or toast with coffee for breakfast, Japanese breakfast is something else. It is called 'asa gohan' in Japanese and literally translated to 'morning rice'. Unlike a typical western breakfast, Japanese breakfast can be considered as a full meal, from carbs to proteins, vegetables, and fruits. However, asa gohan is not meant to be too heavy but just enough to keep someone satiated until the next mealtime.
A Japanese breakfast always looks this appetizing. Not only that asa gohan is fulfilling, but it also tends to be light and not greasy hence it can be a healthier alternative for a family meal. The best part of it is you can also make it at home for a special occasion. Do not get intimidated by the complete courses, you can prepare a full asa gohan in under one hour!
Rice
To save your preparation time, you can always cook your rice at night so it's ready by the morning. Another choice of carbs that is commonly used for asa gohan is porridge. You can make the porridge in a slow cooker or simply use the leftover rice you have.
Preparation time: less than 5 minutes
Miso shiru
This traditional Japanese soup is made of miso paste and dashi broth. Rather than prep the soup from scratch, you can simply use instant miso soup and add diced tofu, scallions, and wakame (seaweed) to elevate the soup.
Preparation time: up to 10 minutes with instant miso soup
Kobachi
Kobachi is the vegetable part of asa gohan that came in small portions. This side dish add freshness to the meal in form of green salad, vegetable stir-fries, or pickles and seaweed. Umeboshi or pickled plum is a well known element for kobachi. This makes asa gohan a perfect meal to start your day healthier than yesterday.
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes if you are doing it from scratch
Tamagoyaki
Tamagoyaki is a Japanese rolled omelet that's commonly served as part of a Japanese-style breakfast, on top of sushi, or as a bento box side dish. Fluffy, thick, and amazingly flavourful, you only need a few basic ingredients to cook tamagoyaki at home. Follow this recipe by HHWT to make your own tamagoyaki at home!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Fish
Fish is a very popular protein for Japanese breakfast, Broiled, pan-fried, or grilled and simply seasoned with salt and pepper, fish makes asa gohan even more nutritious. Salmon and mackerel are the favorite fish for asa gohan but you can use whatever fish you like.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (depends on what kind of fish you are using)
Fresh fruits with cold yogurt
A sweet dessert is all you need to perfect asa gohan. Keep it light, simple, and healthy by preparing fruit cuts and a drizzle of yogurt or milk!
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Black coffee
If you want to take your asa gohan to the top-notch, you can finish the meal with a cup of black coffee. Not only wrap up the meal with a strong flavor, but the dose of caffeine will also energize you throughout the morning.
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