Thanksgiving may be American, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of its celebratory atmosphere.
Bring your friends and family together to celebrate Japanese cuisine.
Japanese Thanksgiving isn’t an official holiday, but it is no less important than the traditional American version of Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile, your guests may even prefer Japanese dishes over the typical American dinner! If you have some delicious new recipes to serve, everyone will be happy to celebrate with you.
Here are Japanese Thanksgiving foods we think would make excellent additions to your Thanksgiving feast!
Konnyaku
Konnyaku is a popular Japanese yam cake served with a sweet or savory sauce. It can be a great addition to Japanese Thanksgiving food.
Konnyaku is made by boiling yams and then pounding them into a dough-like consistency.
The dough is then formed into cakes and steamed. Konnyaku has a chewy texture and is usually white or light grey.
Tofu
Tofu is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
It can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and salads.
It’s also a great source of protein, making it a perfect Japanese Thanksgiving food.
Chorizo Recipes
Chorizo is a type of Mexican sausage that is perfect for your Japanese Thanksgiving food.
This dish is traditionally made with pork, but you can also use chicken or turkey.
Chorizo is flavored with various spices, including chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
However, for a truly authentic dish, try making your chorizo from scratch. If you’re short on time, you can purchase pre-made chorizo at your local grocery store.
Osechi Ryori
Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese Thanksgiving food often served during holidays and special occasions.
This dish typically comprises small, bite-sized foods performed on small plates or boxes.
Some familiar Osechi Ryori dishes include sushi, sashimi, tempura, grilled fish, and steamed vegetables.
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is so light, fluffy, and easy to make! It only requires three ingredients: cream cheese, eggs, and sugar. It’s the perfect dessert for your Japanese Thanksgiving food!
Therefore, who needs pumpkin pie when you can have cheesecake? What are some of your favorite desserts to serve on Thanksgiving? You can try this!
Japanese Rice Dishes
Japanese Thanksgiving food is not complete without a few delicious rice dishes. From sushi to rice balls, there are plenty of options. Here are five of our favorites.
First, there is sushi; second, onigiri; third, rice balls; fourth, Ayako-donburi (chicken and egg over rice); and last, omurice (omelet and rice).
Traditional Roasted Fish
Fish has always been a big part of Japanese Thanksgiving food, including Thanksgiving meals. A whole roasted fish is a popular dish to serve on this holiday.
Meanwhile, the fish is often covered in a sweet and savory glaze and then roasted until it’s nice and crispy. Served with steamed rice, this dish will surely please everyone at your feast.
Amaca
Amaca is a casserole with sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and carrots. It’s popular in Japan during the autumn months and makes a perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Amaca is traditionally served with roasted turkey or chicken and can be easily made beforehand. It is a Japanese Thanksgiving Food that is sure to please everyone.
Almila
Almila is a popular Japanese Thanksgiving dish. It’s made with various vegetables, including carrots, onions, and celery, and typically served with a side of rice. This dish is hearty and filling and sure to please any guests at your feast.
In addition to being a vegetarian dish, Almila can also be vegan or gluten-free. You can mix the ingredients with another recipe by substituting some vegetables for others you like.
Applesauce
What would Japanese Thanksgiving food be without applesauce? This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make. Simmer apples, sugar, and water in a pot until the apples are soft.
Thus, mash the apples, and voila! You have tasty applesauce that your guests will love. For an extra special touch, add some cinnamon sticks while cooking for an authentic Japanese flavor.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is another great option for a Thanksgiving side dish if you don’t like applesauce.
To make this one, mix cranberries with water and sugar on low heat until the berries break down into pieces.
Köstliche Desserts
Japanese people love their sweets, and there are plenty of delicious desserts for your Japanese Thanksgiving food. A popular option is mochi, a rice cake filled with fruits or nuts.
Additionally, other desserts include anko (red bean paste), daifuku ( soft rice cake with sweet filling), and yokan ( thick jellied dessert).
Furthermore, If you want something lighter, consider Fruit Temple, a refreshing dish made with seasonal fruits and agar-agar jelly.
Whatever you choose, your guests will surely enjoy these delicious Japanese desserts!
Nasu Dengaku – Miso Glazed Eggplant
Nasu Dengaku, also known as Nanakusa-no-sekku, is a popular Japanese Thanksgiving dish made with miso-glazed eggplant. It can be made using Japanese or Chinese eggplants.
The eggplant is grilled or broiled, then brushed with a sweet miso paste from white miso, mirin, and sugar.
It is then grilled or broiled until the miso paste caramelizes and forms a delicious crust.
Kabocha Soup
Kabocha soup is a warming and flavorful dish for a chilly autumn night. It is made with kabocha squash, a type of Japanese pumpkin often served with mushrooms and greens.
While the ingredients may seem simple, the flavor of this soup is complex and deeply satisfying.
When looking for a Japanese Thanksgiving food that will please vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters, look no further than kabocha soup.
Sesame-Roasted Kabocha
Kabocha, also known as Japanese pumpkin, is an autumn staple in Japan. This sesame-roasted kabocha dish is easy to make and perfect for a crowd.
The sweet, nutty flavor of the sesame pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy kabocha.
Serve this dish alongside traditional Thanksgiving favorites like roasted turkey and mashed potatoes.
Kabocha Curry
Kabocha curry is a delicious, hearty dish perfect for a winter feast. The key ingredient in this dish is kabocha squash, a type of Japanese pumpkin.
This squash is cooked until it is nice and tender. Also, it is simmered in a curry sauce made with aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric.
Therefore, the result is a rich, flavorful curry that will satisfy even the most ravenous appetites.
It’s the best Japanese Thanksgiving food you can serve your guests! Serve this curry over steamed rice or noodles, and top it with some fresh chopped scallions for extra flavor.
Eggplant Curry
This dish is perfect for a cold autumn night. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients like eggplant, tomatoes, and onions.
To make this Japanese Thanksgiving food. Sauté the veggies in a pan with oil, then add curry powder and water to create a thick sauce. Serve over steamed rice, and enjoy!
Cornbread
Cornbread is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
And what could be more perfect than serving it as your Japanese Thanksgiving food? Cornbread is packed with nutrients and fiber, and it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
Plus, it’s super versatile – you can add whatever you like, from sweet corn to savory onions. So go ahead and give it a try!
Aka-Kabocha with Sesame Sauce
Aka-kabocha is a very popular winter squash variety in Japan. It is deep red and sweet and nutty. This dish is made by roasting the squash and tossing it in a sesame sauce.
Hence, this Japanese Thanksgiving food sauce is made with tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
If you like spicy things, you can also add chili pepper flakes. This dish is vegan and gluten-free.
Miso Glazed Carrots
These carrots are sweet, savory, and umami all at once. They are a good side dish for any holiday feast but perfect for a Japanese Thanksgiving food-themed meal.
The miso glaze is easy to make and can be made beforehand. Plus, it adds a beautiful sheen to the carrots when they’re served.
Pumpkin Mochi with Pumpkin Filling
This year, give your Thanksgiving feast a delicious Japanese twist with these five fantastic dishes. From starters to mains to desserts, we’ve got you covered.
And what would a Japanese Thanksgiving food be without pumpkin? Our Pumpkin Mochi with Pumpkin Filling is the perfect way to incorporate this seasonal favorite into your meal.
Miso Pumpkin Soup
This soup is the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving feast. The miso paste adds a rich, savory flavor to the pumpkin. At the same time, the tofu and greens add a touch of lightness.
Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can enjoy your guests on the big day. Besides, it’s Japanese Thanksgiving food your guests will love!
Trang Dao
Trang Dao is a type of glutinous rice cake popular in Vietnam. It’s made with rice flour, water, and sugar and often includes fillings such as mung beans, peanuts, or pork.
This Japanese Thanksgiving food is traditionally served at Vietnamese festivals and celebrations. Including Tet (the Vietnamese New Year) and Tết Nguyên Đán (the Lunar New Year).
The dish can be served savory or sweet, depending on the filling.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a classic dish served at the Japanese Thanksgiving feast.
This Japanese Thanksgiving food has its unique take on roasted veggies. And they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.
