Japan Christmas Food Ideas Everyone Should Know About!

Curious about Japanese Christmas food ideas that bring a unique twist to the holiday season? Even though the majority of people in Japan don’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense, those who do have some delicious and unique holiday foods! 

And you know what really caught my attention while researching Japanese Christmas food? KFC (yes, the fast-food chain!) has become a Christmas tradition there, thanks to a clever marketing campaign back in the 1970s that made fried chicken the go-to meal for the holiday season. 

But enough about that fun fact—let’s dive into some of the best Japanese Christmas food ideas you absolutely need to know about!

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Let’s kick off this Japanese Christmas food list with some appetizers! These shishito peppers are a must-try—cooked up quickly in a skillet until perfectly blistered, they have a mild flavor that’s totally irresistible. They’re the perfect bite to start any holiday meal!

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Learn how to make blistered shishito peppers in a skillet! You’ll just need shishitos, olive oil, and this simple recipe. Appetizers don’t get any easier.

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Sushi Christmas Tree Recipe

Of course, I can’t forget about traditional sushi, and this time it’s shaped like a festive Christmas tree! Filled with delicious salmon and a generous drizzle of creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, this sushi tree is a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests!

Sushi Christmas tree

Loaded with two kinds of salmon and plenty of creamy Kewpie mayonnaise, this Japanese-inspired finger food Christmas tree doesn’t need any gifts stashed underneath – it’s a gift in itself!

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Yakitori (Japanese Skewered Chicken)

I love skewered chicken, and this Japanese yakitori is bursting with so much flavor that I’m sure it’ll be a hit! Grilled over charcoal and brushed with a sweet soy glaze, it’s perfect for a party. These bite-sized food will have everyone reaching for more!

Yakitori (Japanese Skewered Chicken)

Yakitori is a Japanese skewered chicken, cooked on griller with either sweet soy sauce or just salt. You don’t marinate chicken!

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Tempura Donburi

It’s hard to believe there are people out there who don’t love tempura—just look at this dish! Light, crispy shrimp, and veggies are served over a bed of fluffy rice, making each bite a ball of heavenly delicious treat. Pair it with some miso soup, and you’ve got a meal that’s simply irresistible!

Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura Donburi (Rice Bowls)

A simple tempura donburi recipe loaded with crispy shrimp and vegetable tempura. Served with authentic dipping sauce & green tea, it’s just like eating out!

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Kaarage Chicken (Japanese Fried Chicken)

As I mentioned, fried chicken is a must-have for a Japanese Christmas, and this karaage chicken is your top choice! Marinated and fried until crispy, it’s the kind of dish that will make you forget all about takeout. With a squeeze of lemon or a side of kewpie mayo, it’s pure comfort food that works for any celebration!

Karaage Chicken (Japanese Fried Chicken) Recipe

With karaage chicken by your side, you’ll never want to eat takeaway chicken again. Inspired by Chinese fried chicken recipes, karaage is a delicious izakaya or bento box favourite, comprised of crunchy, deep fried pieces of marinated chicken served with a liberal squeeze of lemon juice or a side pot of kewpie mayonnaise.

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Japanese Tofu Steak

Tofu is one of my absolute favorites, and this version is no exception! The tofu is pan-fried to get that perfect and crispy exterior, then coated in a sweet and savory sauce that just makes each bite so satisfying!

Japanese Tofu Steak

This vegan Japanese Style Tofu Steak is inspired by teppanyaki seasoned with sauce with mirin, soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce.

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Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Karaage is a quick and easy recipe for crispy, flavorful Japanese fried chicken that’s perfect as a main dish or snack. With its golden exterior and tender meat, it rivals takeout while being budget-friendly and fun to make at home.

Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

If you love extra crispy, flavorful chicken, this quick and easy Karaage recipe is for you! It’s a Japanese fried chicken that hits the spot and made with simple ingredients. This rivals takeout saving you money and great as a main or snack!

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Japanese Cold Noodle Salad (Hiyashi Chuka)

Hiyashi Chuka is a chilled noodle salad made with ramen noodles and a variety of colorful toppings. Light and refreshing, it’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Japanese Cold Noodle Salad (Hiyashi Chuka)

Hiyashi is typically made with chilled ramen noodles, also known as chuka soba. Look for dried or fresh chuka soba at Asian markets or, in a pinch, use instant ramen.

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Japanese Corn Soup

This creamy corn soup, known as corn potage, is a Japanese favorite enjoyed hot or chilled. Made with sweet corn and a velvety base, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying.

Japanese Corn Soup

The Japanese love their corn potage (corn soup) both hot and chilled! While this easy recipe is delicious made with fresh sweet corn, you can also use frozen or canned corn. The creamy and smooth soup will comfort you on those cool evenings!

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Wagyu Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Wagyu steak is celebrated for its buttery texture and rich marbling, making it a luxurious treat. Paired with fresh chimichurri sauce, it’s an indulgent and flavorful centerpiece for any special meal.

Wagyu Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

The champagne of the beef world, wagyu beef is renowned for its incredible flavour and soft-as-butter texture, as well as the high price it commands. It’s the marbled laces of fat through the meat that give it the wow factor and impart such depth and tenderness.

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Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers are marinated in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grilled to perfection. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, they’re an irresistible pairing with steamed rice.

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – The most delicious marinated teriyaki chicken grilled to perfection and finished with a delicious teriyaki sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions over steamed rice.

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Salmon Shioyaki (Japanese Salted Grilled Salmon)

This simple yet flavorful dish features salmon grilled with a crispy skin and seasoned with salt. It’s traditionally served with steamed rice, nori, and furikake for a wholesome meal.

Salmon Shioyaki (Japanese Salted Grilled Salmon)

The fillets comes out with a yummy, crispy skin… and we enjoy it with steamed rice, nori, and furikake like so…

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Seafood Doria (Rice Gratin)

Seafood Doria is a creamy Japanese rice gratin loaded with clams, shrimp, and scallops, topped with melted cheese. It’s an impressive yet easy dish that brings comfort and elegance to the table.

Seafood Doria (Rice Gratin)

Enjoy a special dinner of Seafood Doria! It‘s an impressive yet simple Japanese rice gratin dish loaded with clams, scallops, shrimp, or your choice of seafood over buttery rice and topped with melted cheese.

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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Japanese Hamburger Steak

This juicy Japanese hamburger steak, or hambagu, is tender and packed with rich flavors. Topped with homemade demi-glace sauce, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish for any meal.

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Japanese Hamburger Steak

This Japanese hamburger steak is so delightfully tender and and juicy with scrumptious flavors that are truly irresistible. Paired with homemade demi-glace sauce, this easy hambagu is the perfect dish to add your dinner rotation.

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Shabu Shabu

Shabu Shabu is a fun and interactive Japanese hot pot where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth at the table. Served with dipping sauces, it’s a cozy and communal dining experience.

Shabu Shabu

Shabu Shabu, one of Japan’s many takes on the hotpot, is a super fun and interactive meal to enjoy with family and friends. A glorious array of meats and veggies are beautifully arranged on platters, with some speedy sauces, while a simple broth simmers at the table to cook it all in.

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Sukiyaki: A Japanese One Pot Meal

Sukiyaki is a traditional one-pot dish featuring thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables simmered in a sweet soy-based broth. Cooked at the table, it’s a warm and flavorful dish perfect for sharing.

Sukiyaki: A Japanese One Pot Meal

Sukiyaki is a Japanese dish served in the nabemono style, or as multiple ingredients boiling in a pot. It’s a delicious, cozy meal you cook and enjoy right at the dining table!

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Crispy Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Katsu)

Tonkatsu is a classic Japanese dish featuring pork cutlets breaded in panko and fried until golden and crispy. Served with a sweet and tangy tonkatsu sauce, it’s a crunchy, juicy delight.

Crispy Tonkatsu (Japanese Pork Katsu)

Tonkatsu is a delicious Japanese dish made of juicy, tender pork coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. It’s served with a sweet and tangy tonkatsu sauce that’s the perfect complement to this pork katsu.

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Seasoned Japanese Rice with Furikake

This seasoned rice is flavored with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and topped with furikake for a savory twist. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that complements a variety of meats and fish.

Seasoned Japanese Rice with Furikake

Here’s a simple recipe for Seasoned Japanese Rice cooked on the stovetop, using short-grain rice seasoned with sesame oil, rice vinegar and Furikake to use in bowls or as a tasty side to meat and fish.

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Corn Korokke Recipe (Japanese Croquette)

Corn Korokke features a creamy mixture of mashed potatoes and sweet corn, coated in panko and fried to crispy perfection. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, side, or part of a full meal.

Corn Korokke Recipe ( コーンコロッケ – Japanese Croquette)

Corn Korokke is a classic Japanese dish. It is made from a mixture of mashed potatoes and corn, then coated with panko and deep-fried. The outside is crispy and the inside is soft and creamy! We eat it by itself, with rice, or with salad.

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Tsukemono – Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers

These quick pickled cucumbers are crisp and tangy, making them a refreshing side dish or snack. Easy to prepare, they’re a staple in Japanese cuisine and pair well with rice or grilled dishes.

Tsukemono – Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers

Using salt to preserve foods is a practice that spans centuries, and the world as a whole. The Japanese have turned this process into a cultural phenomenon called tsukemono. Trust me on this one, guys. It’s a good thing. A very good thing. Japanese quick pickles are an amazing treat and one you’ll want to have in your go-to quick meals.

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Japanese Crispy Vegetable Tempura

Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, this vegetable tempura is crunchy and irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple and endlessly customizable with your favorite veggies.

Japanese Crispy Vegetable Tempura

This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser! I mean, who doesn’t love crunchy food !? I KNOW I DO!

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Japanese Christmas Cake

This light and fluffy sponge cake layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries is the ultimate holiday dessert in Japan. It’s a festive, beautiful, and less heavy alternative to traditional Christmas cakes.

Japanese Christmas Cake

Think Christmas cake and no doubt a rich fruitcake will spring to mind. Should you fancy something a little lighter—but as much of a showstopper as the traditional holiday confection—try a Kurisumasu Keki, or Japanese Christmas cake.

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Unagi Don Grilled Eel Rice Bowl

If you haven’t tried an eel rice bowl yet, you’re definitely missing out! This dish features tender and grilled eel fillets drizzled with a flavorful homemade unagi sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy white rice – so tasty!

Unagi Don Grilled Eel Rice Bowl Recipe

Learn to cook authentic Japanese cuisine with japancentre.com’s recipes. This donburi rice bowl dish with freshly grilled eel is a summer favourite.

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Japanese Coffee Jelly

Time for desserts, and I swear by this Japanese coffee jelly! It’s a chilled treat that combines the bold flavor of coffee with a light and wobbly texture. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk for a perfectly refreshing dessert!

Coffee Jelly コーヒーゼリー

Learn how to make chilled Japanese Coffee Jelly at home with just 4 ingredients and cool down on a hot day with this easy sweet treat!

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Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

I know matcha is getting trendier these days, and honestly, I can’t blame anyone because it’s both delicious and healthy! This green tea ice cream brings a refreshing twist to dessert with its vibrant flavor and smooth texture. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat while staying on trend!

An Easy Recipe for Homemade Japanese Green Tea (Matcha) Ice Cream

This is a simple recipe for making matcha ice cream at home using an ice cream maker. Matcha ice cream is also popularly referred to as “green tea ice cream.”

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Yokan

I’m so excited to try yokan! Just looking at this traditional Japanese treat, I can tell it’s going to be a sweet and delicious dessert. Made from azuki beans and a touch of kanten, its unique texture and subtle sweetness make it a must-try for anyone eager to explore new flavors!

Yokan 羊羹 – Chopstick Chronicles

Yokan is a Japanese sweet azuki bean jelly popular for its unique flavour and texture. Discover its interesting history and how to make it!

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Chi Chi Dango 

Last but not least is this chi chi dango! I absolutely love this treat—just look at those vibrant colors; they’re perfect for the Christmas season! Made with mochiko flour and coconut milk, it’s a fun and festive addition to any table!

Local Japanese-Hawaiian Chi Chi Dango

Hawaiian-style Chi Chi Dango is a recipe that has been adopted to be part of Hawaii’s many cultures celebrated on the islands.

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Huge thanks and hugs to the original creators of these recipes! You are all so talented and creative!