Breakfast & Brunch > International Breakfast & Brunch > Other International Breakfasts > Japanese Breakfast (Rice, Miso Soup, Fish)

Traditional Japanese Breakfast (Rice, Miso Soup, Grilled Salmon)

Experience the authentic flavors of Japan with this traditional breakfast. Featuring fluffy steamed rice, umami-rich miso soup, perfectly grilled salmon, and flavorful side dishes, it's a healthy and satisfying way to start your day. The harmonious blend of textures and tastes creates a truly unique and energizing breakfast experience.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Japanese Rice (Koshihikari)
  • 1.25 cups Water
  • 4-6 oz Salmon fillet (skin on or off)
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 2 tbsp Miso paste (white or red)
  • 2 cups Dashi stock (powder or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp Wakame seaweed (dried)
  • 1/4 cup Tofu (silken or firm)
  • 1 stalk Green onions
  • to taste Pickled vegetables (tsukemono)
  • 1-2 sheets Nori seaweed (sheets)

Cooking the Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps create fluffier rice. Place the rinsed rice and water in a rice cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot. If using a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes before fluffing with a rice paddle.

Preparing the Miso Soup

Rehydrate the dried wakame seaweed in warm water for about 5 minutes. In a saucepan, bring the dashi stock to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the miso paste until dissolved. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the miso, as it can affect the flavor. Add the rehydrated wakame and diced tofu. Simmer for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped green onions.

Grilling the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Mix soy sauce and mirin in a small bowl. Brush the salmon with the soy sauce-mirin mixture. Preheat a grill pan or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill or broil the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Serving the Japanese Breakfast

Serve the steamed rice in individual bowls. Ladle the miso soup into bowls. Place the grilled salmon on plates alongside the rice and soup. Arrange pickled vegetables and nori seaweed on the side. You can tear or cut the nori into smaller pieces to wrap around the rice.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of fish?

    Yes, you can substitute salmon with other types of fish like mackerel (saba) or cod (tara). Adjust cooking time as needed.
  • What if I don't have dashi stock?

    You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. Dashi stock provides a unique umami flavor that is characteristic of miso soup.
  • Can I prepare this breakfast ahead of time?

    The rice and miso soup can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. The salmon is best served fresh, but you can marinate it in the soy sauce-mirin mixture ahead of time. Pickled vegetables can be prepared well in advance.