14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

Modified: by TheDiabetesCouncil Team · This post may contain affiliate links ·

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (1)

If you’re a lover of Japanese food, you know that there is an impressive balance between protein, vegetables, and starch, making this one of the healthier cuisines to indulge in on a regular basis. But we’re not just talking sushi, sashimi, and chicken teriyaki. Low in calories and extremely nutritious, Japanese dishes don’t use a lot of processed foods or sugar, so if you are trying to focus more on fresh, whole foods, adding a few Japanese recipes to your weekly repertoire is in your best interest. If you do want to make Japanese food a staple in your household, stocking up on a few ingredients that can be used in just about every recipe is important; soy sauce, miso paste, kombu, sake, mirin, and rice vinegar are all easy to find in most grocery stores, and will provide all the flavor and balance you need in any recipe you whip up.

From a humble bowl of miso soup to a deeply flavored pot of marinated beef, Japanese cooking is all about making the protein the star of the show, while using fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, and rice to prop it up. If you’ve struggled to find a cuisine that fits into your weight loss goals, check out our list of 14 healthy Japanese recipes that are high in protein, low in calories, and bursting with flavor.

Miso Soup

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Credit: pickledplum.com

A simple soup of onion, water, dashi, and miso paste make this not only an easy soup to make, but a healthy one too.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (3) 15 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (4) 75 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (5) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (6) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Miso Soup.

Baked Chicken Katsu

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Credit: pickledplum.com

Baking the chicken in this katsu recipe instead of frying it means less oil, but the same amount of flavor and crunch.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (8) 30 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (9) 300 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (10) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (11) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Baked Chicken Katsu.

Ginger Rice

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Credit: www.justonecookbook.com

Flavorful and simple to make, this ginger rice can be served with the protein of your choice or even on its own.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (13) 50 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (14) 150 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (15) Easy

V Vegetarian 14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (16) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Ginger Rice.

Onigirazu

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Credit: fifthfloor.kitchen

Liven up your office lunch with colorful onigirazu, which can be filled to the brim with just about any protein or vegetable you can imagine.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (18) 30 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (19) 175 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (20) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (21) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Onigirazu.

Shabu Shabu

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Credit: themissinglokness.com

Cook your dinner right at the table in this flavorful, boiling broth, that allows you to choose just about any meat and protein you want.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (23) 10 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (24) 100 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (25) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (26) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Shabu Shabu.

Yakitori

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Credit: www.chopstickchronicles.com

The deeply flavorful Teriyaki sauce in this recipe takes the standard grilled chicken to a whole new place.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (28) 30 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (29) 150 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (30) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (31) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Yakitori.

Oyakodon

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Credit: rasamalaysia.com

Packed with protein, this simple rice dish with eggs and chicken is a perfect main course for dinner any night of the week.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (33) 10 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (34) 380 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (35) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (36) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Oyakodon.

Goma-ae Japanese Greens

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Credit: www.bbcgoodfood.com

Serve these flavorful greens on the side of grilled chicken and warm Japanese sticky rice for a perfectly well-rounded meal.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (38) 15 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (39) 120 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (40) Easy

V Vegetarian 14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (41) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Goma-ae Japanese Greens.

Instant Pot Chawanmushi

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Credit: www.justonecookbook.com

While chawanmushi, a traditional Japanese egg custard, is typically made in a steamer or hot water bath, using an Instant Pot cuts down on the time and effort.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (43) 40 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (44) 200 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (45) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (46) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Instant Pot Chawanmushi.

Japanese Chicken Curry

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Credit: dishnthekitchen.com

Unlike Indian curry, Japanese curry is sweet and savory, and not at all spicy. Make this with the protein and veggies of your choice and serve over a bowl of warm rice.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (48) 30 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (49) 250 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (50) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (51) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Japanese Chicken Curry.

Yasai Itame

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Credit: www.greedygourmet.com

Yasai Itame, or vegetable stir fry, is simple to throw together on a weeknight and destined to become a weekly favorite.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (53) 35 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (54) 220 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (55) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (56) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Yasai Itame.

Omurice

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Credit: pickledplum.com

Omurice, or Japanese omelette rice, is simple and delicious for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner packed with protein.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (58) 25 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (59) 500 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (60) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (61) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Omurice.

Japanese Salmon with Mirin and Soy Sauce

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Credit: www.recipetineats.com

The simple, flavorful marinade for this salmon can be used time and time again for any meat or fish you like to make at home.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (63) 10 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (64) 300 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (65) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (66) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Japanese Salmon with Mirin and Soy Sauce.

Gyudon

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Credit: thewoksoflife.com

Beef over rice doesn’t have to be boring, and in this recipe, it absolutely isn’t. Soy sauce, mirin, and stock make for a simply delicious marinade for this simmered beef.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (68) 30 minutes14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (69) 600 calories14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (70) Easy

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (71) Healthy

Visit the page to learn more: Gyudon.

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2024)

FAQs

What do Japanese eat daily to lose weight? ›

A main dish: mainly fish, seafood, or natto with occasional small amounts of poultry or eggs; Small side dishes: greens, fruits, and vegetables that can be raw, pickled, steamed, or boiled; Staple food: rice, noodles, ramen, or another source of carbs that's preferably boiled and contains no added fats.

What is the ancient Japanese secret to weight loss? ›

Simple changes in everyday eating habits can help put the secret of hara hachi bu into practice for improved health or for weight loss. Anyone can make changes to their eating patterns or environment, enjoy food, and learn to eat only until they are 80 percent full.

What is the Japanese breakfast trick for weight loss? ›

As per the diet, a person can only eat bananas for breakfast and the diet allows you to eat anything else for lunch, dinner, and snack-time. The diet promotes people from losing momentum in their weight loss journey.

What is the Japanese ingredient in weight loss? ›

Konjac is made from the bulb of the konjac plant

Konjac, being high in dietary fiber and low in calories, is a popular ingredient for people who are dieting, wish to detoxify their body, or want beautiful skin.

What Japanese tea shrinks belly fat? ›

Green tea catechins stimulate weight loss

Green tea causes carbohydrates to be released slowly, preventing sharp increases in blood-insulin levels and promotes the burning of fat. The thermogenic effect was originally attributed to its caffeine content.

How do Japanese eat rice and stay thin? ›

Japanese people stay lean despite eating lots of white rice because they're unafraid of it. They have a relationship with it where it neither scares nor intimidates them — instead of avoiding it, they enjoy it in moderate portions, with different vegetables, filling fats, and nourishing proteins.

What is the Japanese fat burning superfood? ›

Matcha is a Thermogenic food and helps to burn extra calories and promote fat burning. A 1999 study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis from 8-10% to 35-43% of daily energy expenditure.

How to eat like a Japanese woman for weight loss? ›

Eat 5 types of food per week

In Japan, the foundation of Japanese cuisine revolves around fish, beans, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Despite the simplicity of these ingredients, they can be skillfully combined to create a wide array of dishes, while maintaining relatively low calorie content.

What is the biggest secret to weight loss? ›

Exercising, staying hydrated, and enjoying a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods can help you lose 20 pounds or reach your healthy goal weight.

What is the 7 second morning ritual to lose weight? ›

There is no specific ritual that can guarantee weight loss in just 7 seconds. Sustainable weight loss requires a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, proper sleep, stress management, and other lifestyle factors.

What is the new banana trick to lose weight? ›

The rules of the Morning Banana Diet are relatively simple …

Eat a banana (or any fruit) for breakfast. Eat a normal lunch or dinner. Remember to eat until you feel full. Do not eat dessert.

What is the simple morning ritual to lose weight? ›

Regularly tracking your progress, drinking plenty of water, exercising in the morning, eating healthy foods consisting of high protein and fiber rich foods and getting morning sunlight are all important elements of any successful morning ritual for weight loss.

How to lose weight eating Japanese food? ›

Since those on the Japanese diet eat Japanese healthy food, there is a possibility of weight loss for anyone that swaps their diet for this lifestyle. Focusing on non-processed foods, nutrient-rich dishes, and minimal red meat, dairy, and poultry can all lead to a lower weight.

What is the most common diet in Japan? ›

The Japanese traditional diet (Washoku), which is characterized by high consumption of fish and soybean products and low consumption of animal fat and meat, relies on the effective use of umami taste to enhance palatability. There may be a link between Washoku and the longevity of the people in Japan.

Is the Japanese diet healthy to lose weight? ›

The traditional Japanese diet is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world. The Japanese pride themselves in having one of the lowest rates of obesity in the world, as well as low incidences of certain hormone-dependent cancers.

How many calories do Japanese people eat in a day? ›

The average total energy intake was 1,898 kcal/day and was highest in subjects in their 60s. Protein intake was highest among subjects in their 70s and lowest among subjects in their 80s. Intakes of red meat such as beef, lamb, and pork were highest in subjects in their 40s and relatively lower in older age groups.

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