前菜 • APPETIZERS
Tasty Japanese Appetizers
Bite-size favorites for any table.
Appetizers
Crispy gyoza (餃子), toasty yaki onigiri (焼きおにぎり), and fun party rolls. Easy to make, perfect to share — the best zensai (前菜) to start your meal.
Reader Favorites
Halloween Sushi Rolls
★ cute • party tray
Kimbap Rolls
★ picnic • make-ahead
Gyoza Roll
★ crunchy • fun
Yaki Onigiri
★ soy glaze • toasty
Tokyo Morning Croissant
★ whimsical • party bite
Tamagoyaki
★ sweet-savory • bento
Okonomiyaki
★ street-style • shareable
Unajiro Tartar Salad
★ fresh • tangy
Spicy Cucumbers
★ quick pickle • zesty
Okra Beef Rolls
★ savory • tender
Korokke (Croquettes)
★ crispy • comforting
Fried Gyoza
★ juicy • golden
Ehomaki (Setsubun Roll)
★ lucky roll • festival
前菜 • APPETIZERS
Tasty Japanese Appetizers
Bite-size favorites — rolls, fritters, and small plates to kick off any meal.
Appetizers
Start your meal with something small — but packed with flavor! From crispy gyoza (餃子) and grilled yaki onigiri (焼きおにぎり) to fun party rolls and crunchy croquettes, these Japanese appetizers are easy to make and fun to share. Whether it’s a bento snack or a crowd-pleasing plate, these zensai (前菜) set the tone for a delicious meal.
Reader Favorites
Halloween Sushi Rolls
★ cute • party tray
Kimbap Rolls
★ picnic • make-ahead
Gyoza Roll
★ crunchy • fun
Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls)
★ soy glaze • toasty
Tokyo Morning Croissant
★ whimsical • party bite
Tamagoyaki (Rolled Omelet)
★ sweet-savory • bento
Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)
★ street-style • shareable
Unajiro Tartar Salad Chirashi
★ fresh • tangy
Spicy Serpentine Cucumbers
★ quick pickle • zesty
Okra Beef Rolls
★ savory • tender
Potato Croquettes (Korokke)
★ crispy • comforting
Fried Gyoza
★ juicy • golden
Ehomaki (Setsubun Roll)
★ lucky roll • festival
Japanese Appetizers — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Japanese appetizers?
Classics include gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), korokke (croquettes), tamagoyaki (rolled omelet),
yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls), and refreshing cucumber pickles.
They’re small, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
What ingredients should I keep on hand for making appetizers?
Stock soy sauce, mirin, sake, rice vinegar, sesame oil, dashi granules, and panko.
These simple ingredients help you make authentic flavors fast.
Can I prepare Japanese appetizers ahead of time?
Yes! You can roll sushi or kimbap, shape gyoza, or form croquettes in advance.
Keep them chilled or frozen on a tray, then fry or bake before serving.
What’s the best oil temperature for frying appetizers?
Maintain 170–175°C (340–350°F) for croquettes and gyoza, and 175–180°C (350–360°F) for tempura.
Use a thermometer to keep oil steady for even crispness.
How do I keep fried foods like korokke and gyoza crispy?
Drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels, and don’t cover immediately — steam softens the crust.
Serve sauces on the side to keep the coating crunchy.
What dipping sauces go well with appetizers?
Try a mix of soy sauce + rice vinegar + sesame oil for gyoza,
tonkatsu sauce for fried dishes, and ponzu for grilled or chilled bites.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free appetizer options?
Absolutely! Use tofu, mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables for fillings.
For gluten-free cooking, use tamari soy sauce and GF panko or cornstarch coatings.
How can I make healthy Japanese appetizers?
Choose grilled, steamed, or lightly sautéed dishes instead of deep-fried ones.
Dishes like spinach goma-ae (sesame dressing) or cucumber sunomono are light yet full of flavor.
What rice should I use for onigiri or sushi rolls?
Always use Japanese short-grain rice.
It’s sticky enough to hold shape without falling apart — perfect for onigiri or maki rolls.
How do I store and reheat appetizers?
Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
Re-crisp fried foods in an air fryer or 190°C oven for 3–5 minutes.
Pickles and egg dishes are best eaten cold or room temp.