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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (2)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (7)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (12)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (17)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (22)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (27)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (32)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (37)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (42)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (47)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (52)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (57)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (62)

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

14 Healthy Japanese Recipes for Weight Loss - TheDiabetesCouncil.com (67)

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 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 do Japanese people eat to lose weight? ›

This diet is rich in fresh vegetables, soy, fish and seafood that promote optimal functioning of the intestines. It promotes elimination of excess fluid from the body and helps control hunger, promoting weight loss. However, there are no current studies that prove the benefits of the Japanese diet for weight loss.

What is the Japanese secret to slim body? ›

You can also try out these effective Japanese secrets to stay fit and slim.
  • Avoid drink water during the meals. ...
  • Eating like a Sumo wrestler, would make you look like Sumo Wrestler. ...
  • Avoiding carbohydrates. ...
  • Eating meals in small portions. ...
  • Strict eating habits. ...
  • Healthy cooking habits. ...
  • Never skip a breakfast. ...
  • Take warm shower.
Jan 16, 2023

What is the secret of the Japanese healthy diet? ›

The traditional Japanese diet is largely fresh and unprocessed, with very few refined ingredients and sugar. In fact, it isn't that dissimilar to a traditional Chinese diet, with staples including rice, cooked and pickled vegetables, fish and meat.

What is the Japanese morning secret to weight loss? ›

The Morning Banana Diet, also known as the Asa Banana Diet, was created by a Japanese pharmacist to help her husband lose weight. By following the simple plan of eating a banana every morning, he dropped 38 pounds.

What is the Japanese belly fat remedy? ›

8 Japanese Weight Loss Tips To Get Rid Of Belly Fat
  1. Portion Control (Hara Hachi Bu) ...
  2. Balanced Meals (Ichi-juu Sansai) ...
  3. Tea Consumption (Green Tea) ...
  4. Fish and Lean Proteins. ...
  5. Fermented Foods (Natto, Miso, Kimchi) ...
  6. Walking (Ikiru) ...
  7. Mindful Eating (Itadakimasu) ...
  8. Low-Fat Cooking Methods.
Jan 8, 2024

What is the Japanese secret for weight loss? ›

Are you dieting and exercising and still struggling to lose weight? We found a key secret to successful weight loss halfway around the world, in Okinawa, Japan. It's called Hara Hachi Bu and translated it means, Eat until you're 80 percent full.

What Japanese tea shrinks belly fat? ›

​Green Tea (Matcha)​

Green tea, especially matcha, is rich in antioxidants and can help boost metabolism. This can help to increase the rate at which your body burns calories.

What do Japanese eat for breakfast? ›

However, certain elements are commonly found in a typical Japanese breakfast. These include steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles, natto (fermented soybeans), tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), nori (seaweed), and a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, tofu, or salad.

How do Japanese eat so much and stay thin? ›

A Balanced Diet: Japanese Food Is Lighter Than It Looks

While Japanese food has noodles, rice, and similar carbs commonly associated with gaining weight, Japanese people consume lots of protein with it, and the fat, fiber, and vitamin contents of their diet are very well balanced.

What is the Japanese herb for metabolism? ›

Bofutsushosan (BFT), is an oriental herbal medicine that has traditionally been used on patients with obesity and constipation in Asian countries. In this study, we clarified the beneficial effects of BFT on glucose metabolism.

What is the Japan code for weight loss? ›

What is 'Hara Hachi Bu' This form of diet plan is derived from the Confucian teaching that instructs people to “eat until you are eight parts (out of ten) full.” As per the diet, Okinawans are known to consume about 1800 to 1900 calories per day, which is known to improve life expectancy.

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.

Do Japanese eat eggs? ›

It seems that Japanese people started to consume raw eggs around the Meiji period, with the introduction of the popular dish, tamago kake gohan. This simple dish of raw egg on rice, seasoned with soy sauce, is usually eaten in the morning.

What are the two most important foods in the Japanese diets? ›

The traditional Japanese diet is rich in the following foods:
  • Fish and seafood. All types of fish and seafood can be included. ...
  • Soy foods. The most common are edamame, tofu, miso, soy sauce, tamari, and natto.
  • Fruit and vegetables. ...
  • Seaweed. ...
  • Tempura. ...
  • Rice or noodles. ...
  • Beverages.
Sep 19, 2019

What is the Japanese water method for weight loss? ›

Japanese Water Therapy, also known as “Mizu-no-ryoho,” involves drinking a specific amount of water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Proponents claim it offers various health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, and increased energy levels.

What are the three ingredients to lose belly fat? ›

Sipping on a simple Ayurvedic blend made by soaking cumin, coriander and fennel tea can help lose weight and reduce belly fat by accelerating the metabolic rate, which helps in better fat burning.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5300

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.