How do you like to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Maybe you make a homemade dinner course and enjoy it with your significant other. In this roundup, I’ll share recipes for appetizers, main dishes, and desserts that are perfect for a Japanese-themed date night on Valentine’s Day.
Appetizers
1. Crispy Pork Gyoza
Featured Comment:
“These were so so delicious, the crispy bottom was just perfect! Really easy recipe to follow and the veggie ones came out just as tasty! The homemade wrappers are a complete game changer as well, so much better than the pre-made ones! Will be making these again and again!”
– Harri
Nothing says romance quite like handcrafted Japanese gyoza made from scratch together.
This version has a tasty pork filling and shows you the traditional technique for achieving that signature crispy base, plus a simple yet sophisticated dipping sauce that makes every bite even better.
Make your own Japanese style gyoza to rival your local ramen restaurant! This delicious recipe features a juicy pork filling, tips for a perfectly crispy base and the ultimate 4 ingredient dipping sauce!
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2. Agedashi Tofu
Featured Comment:
“This recipe makes the most tasty agedashi tofu ever! I used to buy the premade agedashi tofu from Nijiya, but making it at home is much better. Thank you for this recipe, I wouldn’t change a thing!”
– S Yoshimi
Take plain tofu and turn it into a fancy appetizer with this perfectly crispy agedashi tofu recipe.
This version features an expertly balanced dashi sauce that brings depth and warmth to every bite, making it an ideal way to begin your romantic dinner.
Agedashi tofu is a popular side dish made with firm tofu coated in a thin, light and crispy batter and served in a thick umami-rich sauce. It’s one of my all-time favorites!
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3. Ebi Mayo
Featured Comment:
“The dressing is delicious with the shrimp. I added Furakaki and used Korean Fry mix for the batter (because I had it in the pantry and I wanted to try it). The beer was a wonderful idea. My husband and kids loved the recipe!”
– Colette
Impress your valentine with restaurant-quality ebi mayo that combines crispy fried prawns with a dreamy, creamy sauce.
This version’s secret weapon is its unique beer batter coating, creating an airy crunch that perfectly complements the tender prawns within.
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4. Mugen Cabbage
Experience the magic of mugen cabbage, where tender steamed leaves meet an irresistible sauce and homemade crunchy furikake.
This addictive Japanese side dish transforms humble cabbage into an endless craving, living up to its name which means “infinite” in Japanese.
My version of Mugen Cabbage is an addictive side dish made with tender leaves of cabbage coated in a spicy sesame sauce and crunchy homemade furikake. You won’t be able to stop eating it!
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5. Chicken Karaage
Featured Comment:
“If you follow the recipe you will be rewarded with the most delicious Karaage chicken. I used a meat and candy thermometer to make sure I had the oil at the correct temp. I also opted for the hail ball affect. It was excellent.”
– Miki
Make your date night special with this authentic Japanese karaage—it’s just as good as the ones you get at specialty shops.
This recipe will show you how to get super juicy chicken with an amazingly crispy coating, all thanks to our special marinade and unique potato starch technique.
Learn everything you need to know about Japanese chicken karaage! This authentic recipe includes tips for making the crispiest, juiciest and tastiest version of this iconic fried chicken dish!
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Mains
1. Tonkatsu
Featured Comment:
“It wasn’t my first katsu, but definitely THE BEST katsu. I absolutely loved sesame seeds in the sauce. Your hint with adding oil to the egg was game changing (no more falling panko, yass!!). It’s a pity I haven’t discovered your blog earlier!”
– Claudia
Make your Valentine’s dinner into a cozy Japanese affair with this golden-crispy Tonkatsu.
This pork cutlet is a favorite for good reason. The breading is golden and crunchy, and the meat inside is juicy and tender. It’s served with a tangy sauce that’s the perfect finishing touch.
This beautifully golden and crispy Japanese Tonkatsu is made with meaty pork fillets coated with a thick layer of panko breadcrumbs and served with a tangy homemade sauce. Learn how to make the best tonkatsu ever with my tips and tricks!
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2. Teriyaki Lemon Pork Chop
The succulent chops are glazed with a honey-sweetened teriyaki sauce and brightened with fresh lemon slices, creating an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and citrus notes.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish lets you spend less time cooking and more time connecting. It’s perfect for couples who appreciate quick yet sophisticated meals, offering a delicious balance of familiar flavors with an unexpected twist.
These succulent pork chops are pan-fried with an addictive teriyaki-style glaze flavored with zesty lemon slices. Ready in 20 minutes and perfect for lunch or dinner!
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3. Ponzu Salmon
Featured Comment:
“A big thank you, Yuto, for this new salmon recipe, which looks (almost ) just as delicious as it is original. I truly appreciate the care you put into sharing your culinary creations. A wonderful discovery that I can’t wait to make again and enjoy once more!”
– Jean-Marie
Create a memorable Valentine’s dinner with this sleek Ponzu Salmon that promises restaurant-quality results at home. The distinctive citrus-soy glaze adds brightness to perfectly seared salmon, while buttery vegetables and fluffy rice complete this balanced plate.
Twenty minutes is all it takes to bring this refined dish to life, making it perfect for a romantic evening.
This ponzu salmon is an easy and delicious dish made with tender pan-fried salmon coated with a citrusy ponzu glaze and served with buttery vegetables and fluffy rice. Best of all? It can be made in just 20 minutes!
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4. Black Vinegar Chicken
Featured Comment:
“I’ve been missing this dish from Ootoya now that I’m back in the USA. Thank you for creating this recipe for it as my guidance. It was pretty good!”
– Gen
Bring the flavors of a beloved Japanese restaurant chain home with this stunning Tori to Yasai No Kurozu An.
The signature black vinegar sauce transforms simple fried chicken and vegetables into an elegant dish worthy of your most special celebrations.
“Tori to Yasai No Kurozu An” is a vibrant dish made with crispy fried chicken and crunchy flash-fried vegetables coated in a glossy black vinegar sauce. It’s one of the most popular dishes by the popular chain restaurant “Ootoya” and now you can make it at home with my easy recipe!
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5. Wafu Roast Beef
Elevate your Valentine’s evening with this innovative Japanese-Style Roast Beef that marries Eastern and Western traditions.
This version features a unique stovetop preparation method and an umami-packed sauce that transforms good beef into something extraordinary.
Use Japanese cooking techniques and flavors to create the most tender and flavorful “roast beef” with an umami-packed homemade sauce!
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Desserts
1. Nama Chocolate
Invented in Yokohama in 1988, Nama Chocolates have become Japan’s signature confection for expressing affection.
These decadent squares blend premium chocolate with fresh cream to create a ganache so smooth, it will be difficult to believe it’s homemade.
These luxuriously creamy Japanese Nama Chocolates will melt in your mouth! They’re super easy to make, only require 5 ingredients and make the perfect gift.
Check out this recipe →
2. Matcha Tiramisu
Experience the perfect marriage of Italian elegance and Japanese sophistication with this stunning Matcha Tiramisu.
Each spoonful delivers layers of velvety matcha mascarpone cream nestled between delicately soaked ladyfingers, creating a harmonious blend of earthy and creamy notes.
Matcha Tiramisu is the perfect fusion no-bake dessert made with layers of rich, velvety matcha mascarpone cream and spongy matcha-soaked ladyfingers. It’s a must-try for all matcha lovers!
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3. Baschee
Fall in love with this Cheesecake, where high-heat baking creates a dramatically caramelized exterior protecting an impossibly creamy center.
Inspired by Lawson’s legendary Baschee, this version features a special cheese blend that elevates the richness to new heights.
This rich, smooth and creamy caramel basque-style cheesecake is inspired by Lawson’s popular “Baschee”. It’s one of my favorite cheesecake recipes of all time and can be made in full or mini size!
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4. Purin
Featured Comment:
“Thank you for this recipe. I have been looking for this for over a year. And now i found yours. I made it yesterday and could not put it down. So good, just perfect. But, i made a sugarfree version of it. So, i used almond milk and heavy cream, with the eggs and gelatine, with stevia drops. And minimal effort too.”
– Michelle
Create romance with Japanese Purin, a beloved dessert that turns humble ingredients into pure magic.
This no-bake creation features a silky-smooth custard crowned with homemade caramel, all served in intimate portions perfect for sharing.
This silky no-bake Japanese purin is made with a creamy, melt-in-mouth custard poured over a layer of rich homemade caramel. Best of all, it’s simple to make and uses easily accessible ingredients!
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5. Matcha Rare Cheesecake
Let this Matcha Rare Cheesecake add Japanese elegance to your Valentine’s celebration.
This no-bake marvel features a perfectly balanced blend of premium matcha and cream cheese, creating a texture so light it practically floats off your spoon.
This Matcha Rare Cheesecake is the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese filling and earthy matcha flavor with a fluffy, mousse-like texture. It’s seriously good and the perfect summer no-bake dessert for matcha-lovers!
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