Ever had that moment where you just can’t put down a bag of chips? Well, the Japanese have a word for that: “yamitsuki.” It’s that can’t-stop-won’t-stop obsession that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. And when it comes to food, “yamitsuki” is that addictive flavor that has you reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe (definitely) fourths.
So, fasten your seatbelts because I’m about to share a bunch of Japanese-style “yamitsuki” recipes that’ll have you making them on repeat and clearing your schedule in no time.
1. Izakaya-Style Potato Salad
Featured Comment:
“I can’t even count the number of times I’ve made this recipe, and it never, ever gets boring.”
– Philippe
There’s normal potato salad, and then there’s this izakaya-inspired dish that’s basically potato heaven on a plate.
Every bite is a perfect mix of textures — from bacon to crunchy vegetables — all working together with creamy potatoes in a way that’ll make you wonder how a salad can be so addictive.
This izakaya-inspired Japanese potato salad is packed with crispy bacon, crunchy vegetables and seasoned with Japanese condiments to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish!
Check out this recipe →
2. Smashed Cucumber Salad
Have you ever had a cucumber dish that was so good that you didn’t even realize you were eating vegetables? Well, meet Tataki Kyuri. It’s a popular dish in Japanese bars and restaurants, and it takes cucumbers to a whole new level.
Each piece is smashed on purpose to create these little pockets of texture that hold a spicy miso sauce!
This izakaya-inspired Tataki Kyuri is made with crunchy pieces of smashed cucumber coated in a delicious spicy miso sauce. It’s seriously addictive!
Check out this recipe →
3. Crispy Rice Salad with Salmon (Japanese Flavor Twist)
Featured Comment:
“This salad was delicious! Will be making it again. “
– Kristina
Have you ever thought about what would happen if senbei crackers met a fresh, vibrant salad? Get ready for a Crispy Rice Salad with a Japanese twist that’ll totally change your lunch game.
What makes this salad dangerously addictive is the contrast between the crispy rice and tender salmon, creating a texture party in your mouth that you won’t want to end.
This is my Japanese take on delicious crispy rice salad. The crispy rice flavor is inspired by my favorite senbei (rice crackers) and sprinkled over fresh vegetables and tender salmon drizzled with a tangy yuzu dressing. It’s seriously addictive!
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4. Salted Cabbage (Yamitsuki Shio Cabbage)
Featured Comment:
“I’ve made this recipe for cabbage several times and on my oh my, this is so delicious and frankly I could eat this every day!! Fantastic recipes. I really enjoy your video instructions.”
– Jen
Think cabbage is boring? This Yamitsuki Cabbage is about to blow your mind. Fresh, impossibly crunchy cabbage gets transformed by a special blend of seasonings into an umami-packed side dish that’s caused more than a few addiction interventions at Japanese izakayas.
Five minutes is all it takes to transform humble cabbage into this can’t-stop-won’t-stop side dish.
You’ll never look at cabbage the same way again once you’ve tasted this Japanese Izakaya-style “yamitsuki” cabbage! Crunchy pieces of fresh cabbage tossed in a special blend of seasonings to create the ultimate umami bomb.
Check out this recipe →
5. Stir-Fried Edamame
Featured Comment:
“I made this today and it was sooo good omg! I will be making this a bunch of times 🙂”
– Ming
Forget everything you know about basic steamed edamame. This Garlic Oyster Sauce Edamame is about to rock your snack game.
These bright green pods get tossed in a savory dream team of garlic and oyster sauce, creating an umami glaze that’ll have you licking your fingers between bites.
Upgrade your edamame with this simple yet delicious side dish made up of pre-boiled edamame stir-fried in a delightful garlic and oyster sauce glaze. These irresistible morsels are not only totally addictive, but they also serve as the perfect snack or appetizer!
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6. Ebi Mayo
Featured Comment:
“The dressing is delicious with the shrimp. The beer was a wonderful idea. My husband and kids loved the recipe!”
– Colette
In the world of fusion appetizers, this Ebi Mayo stands out as the three-culture miracle that’ll change how you think about fried prawns forever.
Each bite delivers a perfect storm of textures – from shattering-crisp to succulently tender – creating the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “one more order.”
Check out this recipe →
Featured Comment:
“This is outrageously good.”
– Patrick
This avocado egg salad is the perfect example of East meeting West and going beyond.
Sashimi-grade salmon takes this creamy dish to the next level, and a touch of wasabi mayo makes every bite an adventure you’ll want to keep going on.
This Japanese twist on avocado egg salad packs a punch with its delicious, creamy wasabi mayo sauce mixed with tender cubes of sashimi-grade salmon, and topped with bonito flakes and green onion.
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8. Crispy Japanese Fried Chicken
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
This Japanese karaage is like precision engineering meets fried chicken. Every piece is marinated in a perfectly balanced mix of salty, sweet, and umami flavors before being coated in potato starch that gives it a unique crunch.
It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for anyone who appreciates how simple ingredients can create complex flavors.
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!
Check out this recipe →
9. Mugen “Infinite” Cabbage Salad
Ready for a cabbage dish so good it needed to be named “Infinite”? Meet my version of Mugen Cabbage, where tender steamed leaves get cozy with a spicy sesame sauce.
What makes it so addictive is that perfect balance of tender and crispy, spicy and savory. It’s the ultimate veggie dish for anyone who loves discovering how simple ingredients can become extraordinary with just the right touch.
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!
Check out this recipe →
10. Yamachan Chicken Wings
Featured Comment:
“Yamachan’s tebasaki are indeed a standout and frankly addictive. Your recipe is simple and brings the delicious chicken wings to life for me half way around the globe.”
– Tommy
Nagoya Style Tebasaki transforms crispy fried wings with a secret glaze and a generous dusting of white pepper. You’ll wonder where these have been all your life.
It’s the perfect way to impress anyone who appreciates how regional Japanese cuisine can take a regular dish and make it extraordinary.
Nagoya Style Tebasaki are a regional dish from central Japan made with light and crispy fried chicken wings coated with a delectable sauce and a generous sprinkling of white pepper. This recipe is inspired by the famous fried chicken wing chain “Yamachan” and they’re addictive!
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11. Pickled Cucumber with Ginger
Featured Comment:
“Flavorful pickled cucumber dish – sweet, spicy and a touch of nuttiness. I’ve made the recipe twice this week as it gets eaten up very quickly and will be working on my third batch shortly.”
– Christine
These quick Japanese cucumber pickles deliver an irresistible combination of crisp texture and zingy flavor.
The addition of fresh ginger and a whisper of chili creates a perfectly balanced bite that’s both refreshing and gently spicy. The result is an addictively crisp pickle that serves equally well as a palate cleanser, side dish, or straight-from-the-jar snack.
Pickles are so versatile and the perfect pallet cleanser or snack. None are more refreshing than this Japanese cucumber tsukemono flavored with ginger and a sprinkling of chili for a mild kick! They’re seriously addictive!
Check out this recipe →
12. Karami Chicken
Discover the secret to Saizeriya’s legendary Karami Chicken, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant that’s captured countless hearts.
These crispy chicken wingettes boast a perfectly balanced sauce that’s subtly sweet with just a whisper of heat, making them impossible to resist.
Learn how to make Saizeriya’s most loved dish in your own kitchen! Karami chicken is made with juicy marinated chicken wingettes and fried to perfection with a light and crispy batter. So addictive and so easy to make!
Check out this recipe →
13. Daikon Salad (Izakaya Style)
Featured Comment:
“😍 loved the salad”
– @marinahara (from Instagram)
Discover the addictive charm of this izakaya-inspired daikon salad, where crunchy radish strips merge with tender tuna and a crave-worthy dressing.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that makes it impossible to put your chopsticks down.
This addictive side salad is made with crunchy daikon radish mixed with tuna and mayo, then drizzled with a light and tangy homemade dressing. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop!
Check out this recipe →
14. Curry Flavor Age Gyoza (Deep-Fried)
Take your gyoza game to new heights with these golden-brown curry age gyoza, where crispy fried shells give way to a succulent curry-spiced filling.
This fusion creation combines the best of Japanese and curry flavors, creating an irresistibly crunchy exterior that shatters pleasantly with each bite.
These crunchy and addictive age-gyoza are stuffed with a flavorful curry-infused filling and then deep-fried until crispy and golden. They make the perfect appetizer or party snack!
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15. Shio Okra (Addictive Salted Okra)
Shio okra takes a simple vegetable and turns it into a tasty Japanese side dish that’ll have you coming back for more.
This version keeps it simple, using just a few ingredients to bring out the best of the dish.
Shio Okra is a delicious vegetable side dish with a savory umami flavor and satisfying crunch!
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