Japanese Food: What Is Yakimono?

Japanese food can be cooked and prepared in a variety of ways. Some Japanese food may come from traditional Japanese recipes, but other dishes may be the "Japanized" version of European dishes.

When it comes to cooking Japanese food, any dishes that are grilled or pan-fried are called yakimono. Most Japanese foods that are grilled or pan-friend are vegetables, fish, shellfish, or meat.

Some of the most popular types of yakimono are gyoza, which are pan-fried dumplings that are usually filled with pork or vegetables. Kushikatsu is another popular type of grilled Japanese food, and it is a dish of grilled, seasoned, and skewered meat, and it can be chicken, pork, seafood, or seasonal vegetables. Katsu refers to the deep-fried cutlet of meat used in the dish. 

Okonomiyaki is another popular type of yakimono. This savory pancake is served with different meats and vegetables and is typically eaten directly off the grill using a spatula.

Unagi, or grilled eel, is also a very popular type of yakimono. Teriyaki, or grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables glazed with a sweetened soy sauce, and yakitori, which are barbecued chicken skewers, are must-try yakimono dishes.