15 Gluten-Free Japanese Recipes

From main dishes and snacks to desserts, you can now enjoy your favorite gluten-free Japanese recipes and ideas at home.

I have to admit that I had little knowledge about gluten free eating until I started receiving requests from readers who either had gluten intolerance themselves, or were cooking for a family member on a gluten-free diet.

Hearing how much you missed some of these foods, I started to tinker with Japanese gluten-free recipes in the hope of giving you the opportunity to enjoy them again. To my delight, some of the dishes turned out to be so good that I decided to use the same preparations in the future.

Here, I’ve compiled a list of 15 delicious gluten-free Japanese recipes that I hope will come in handy when your cravings hit. You’ll also find my recommendations on gluten-free pantry items and more resources at the end of the post.

15 Delicious Gluten-Free Japanese Recipes 

1. Gluten Free Karaage

This is probably one of the most craved Japanese dishes for those on a gluten-free diet! Using rice flour and gluten-free soy sauce, you can now recreate one of the best Japanese Gluten Free Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) at home. My recipe will show you how to make them just as crunchy and juicy as the original.

2. Easy Wafu Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus

There was a time when you had to say goodbye to comforting bowls of pasta if you were on a gluten-free diet. Well, not anymore! Paired with succulent shrimp and asparagus, this Japanese-style wafu pasta uses gluten-free pasta and soy sauce for a satisfying dinner. It’s an easy yet lovely meal you’ll want to serve up on a Friday night with a bottle of wine.

3. Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Mixed Rice)

Made with seasonal ingredients, Takikomi Gohan is a rustic yet comforting Japanese mixed rice recipe. You’d want to add this to your meal prep rotation.

4. Gluten Free Baked Chicken Katsu

100% gluten free, I was most surprised how well this Baked Chicken Katsu turned out! The extra crunchy breading around the juicy chicken cutlet makes it a real treat for someone who’s been craving for fried foods. Enjoy with homemade ponzu and grated daikon.

5. Steak Salad with Shoyu Dressing

This Japanese-inspired Steak Salad with Shoyu Dressing is hands-down my favorite salad when I need a little extra protein and iron in a bowl of greens. The gluten-free shoyu dressing is so good and versatile that it can be used to dress up just about any protein imaginable.

6. Poke Bowl

Speaking of a well-composed rice bowl, try this delicious Tuna and Salmon Poke Bowl recipe at home. There is plenty of ideas on how to build a fantastic poke bowl for your DIY Poke Party.

7. Gluten Free Tempura

Yes to Gluten Free Tempura with crispy batter! The batter is made with just three simple ingredients: rice flour, egg, and water. Not sure about deep frying at home? Not to worry, I’ve shared a few tips that will help you nail the frying process and make incredibly crunchy tempura.

8. Salmon in Foil

Looking for a simple yet wholesome dish you can enjoy regularly? Try this flavorful Salmon in Foil recipe. You get omega-3 from the salmon and plenty of nutrients and fiber from the vegetables, all in one package!

9. Honey Sesame Shirataki Noodles

Cold and refreshing, this Shirataki Noodles with Honey Sesame Dressing recipe is a perfect guilt-free summer noodle to enjoy. Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also low in calories. The delicious toppings make all the difference.

10. Corn Potage

This creamy and smooth Japanese-style corn potage (or corn soup) makes use of the in-season sweet corn. The ingredients are simple, and it’s packed with natural sweetness. Enjoy hot or chilled.

11. Japanese Egg Drop Soup

This quick and easy egg drop is a keeper! Made with dashi broth and fluffy egg ribbons, it is everything you crave in a bowl.

10. Teriyaki Tofu

Crispy on the outside yet soft inside, this easy pan-fried Teriyaki Tofu recipe with savory homemade sauce is so flavorful! 

13. Coffee Jelly

Sometimes it can be tricky to prepare desserts for someone who is gluten-sensitive. For something simple yet impressive, try this classic Coffee Jelly. It takes just 4 ingredients to make!

For a low-caffeine option, I recommend Hojicha Jelly.

14. Fruit Jelly

These colorful, refreshing, and light jellies are not only easy to make, but they are also a crowd favorite at parties.

15. Yatsuhashi (Kyoto Red Bean Sweet)

Made with a mixture of glutinous rice flour, regular rice flour and soy bean flour with a red bean paste filling, Yatsuhashi is the most popular Japanese sweet from Kyoto. I highly recommend this one if you wish to venture to something more unique and traditional.

Tips on Japanese Gluten-Free Cooking

Quick & Tasty Fried Rice Recipes

In addition to the recipes above, you can easily swap out certain ingredients, like soy sauce, and enjoy most Japanese dishes. Fried rice is another great example of a dish that can be cooked with different versions using gluten-free soy sauce.

Here are my recommended gluten-free pantry items and resources:

• Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
• Potato Starch
• Gluten-Free Flour
• Chickpea Miso from Miso Master and South River Chickpea Miso
• Gluten-Free Ramen
• Gluten-Free Pasta
• Your Essential Gluten-Free Travel Guide to Japan

More Gluten-Free Recipes?

I hope you enjoy making these delicious gluten-free recipes at home. If you’re looking for more recipe ideas, click here for inspiration!