Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd (2024)

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Throwing a Japanese-themed potluck party? Here, we’ve gathered 15 mouthwatering Japanese potluck recipes that are perfect to serve a crowd.

Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd (1)

We’re finally entering the season devoted to outdoor entertaining, and potluck is surely a favorite way to celebrate. It makes things easy on the host, and everyone gets to contribute to the meal and sample each other’s creations. Here, we’ve pulled together a spread of delicious ideas for your Japanese-themed potluck.

The recipes range from popular Japanese grilled meat on the sticks to one pot vegetable dish to refreshing noodle salad to make-ahead desserts—every single one perfect for entertaining a big group of family and friends!

Japanese Potluck Dishes to Serve a Crowd

1. Tsukune (Japanese Chicken Meatball Skewers)

You can never go wrong with grilled meat on the sticks for any summer cookout. Called the Tsukune, these Japanese chicken meatball skewers are really moist and flavorful. Prepare them ahead and keep in the foil pan to bring to your potluck. Everyone can help themselves with the grilling over the hot charcoal.

2. Yakitori

Marinade in a savory-sweet sauce, these chicken and scallion skewers (yakitori) are hard to resist! It’s great for grilling outdoors as the delicious sweet grill smell is going to make everyone hungry. They are especially delicious after a little too much of some cold beer.

3. Yaki Onigiri (Grilled Rice Balls) or Miso Yaki Onigiri

For any potluck get-together, there should be a carb dish that can fill some really hungry stomachs. With a crispy crust on the outside and soft sticky rice on the inside, these grilled rice balls are not only delicious but also so fun to eat! You can make them with or without fillings, or with a savory soy sauce or umami-packed miso sauce. As cooks rotate skewers of yakitori or tsukune over the grill, you can just throw the ready-shaped onigiri on the charcoal, basting them with the delicious sauce until they are golden crisp.

4. Nishime (One-Pot Vegetable Stew)

Looking for something healthy and homey to contribute to the table? Try this colorful dish called nishime! Commonly served in osechi for the Japanese New Year’s celebration, nishime is a simmered dish that includes root vegetables, starchy potatoes, konnyaku (konjac), kombu, deep-fried tofu, sometimes chicken, and fish cake. It’s a classic representation of a Japanese home-cooked meal. Because it’s cooked in one pot and holds well at room temperature, we’re seeing more Japanese Americans (especially in Hawaii) bringing nishime to their potluck parties. To save time, you can cook the stew in an Instant Pot and bring it along to your potluck.

5. Seafood Salad with Vinaigrette

Typically enjoyed as an appetizer with a western-style meal in Japan, this sublime seafood salad will surely bring out one’s appetite. Soaked up in a delicious marinade, it is composed of succulent shrimp, delicate octopus, and colorful vegetables. You can also make a vegetarian version by skipping the seafood. It takes less than 30 minutes to put together, and is perfect to make a few nights before.

6. Teriyaki Wings

Everybody loves chicken wings and teriyaki, and here you have the winning potluck dish—teriyaki wings! The wings are cooked in advance in a cast iron pot until the glaze is cooked down. Once they are done, you can transfer them to a foil pan and give the wings a final warm-up over the grill until they are sticky and finger-licking delicious.

7. Instant Pot Japanese Potato Salad

No potluck would be complete without a potato salad, right? The Japanese potato salad includes colorful vegetables and it’s seasoned with Japanese mayonnaise for extra tang. Adults love it and kids love it too. You can prepare the potato salad over the stovetop or make it with your Instant Pot!

8. Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)

Karaage is one of the best fried chickens you could bring to a potluck! They come in small bite-size pieces, with a light crisp texture on the outside. Crunchy, juicy, and packed with garlicky flavor, you can’t ask for anything more. Serve the karaage with extra lemon wedges!

9. Kani Salad

This light and colorful salad is a celebration of sunny days.

10. Temari Sushi

These sushi balls are a showstopper! Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they are also fun and simple to make. Feel free to use any ingredients you have on hand. Try smoked salmon, cooked shrimp, avocado, grilled vegetables, or fresh shiso leaves.

11. Japanese Glass Noodle Salad (Harusame Salad)

Light, refreshing, low calorie and so flavorful with a savory and tangy sesame soy vinaigrette, this Japanese glass noodle salad (harusame salad) adds a different texture to the potluck plate. You can easily customize the salad without the use of ham or eggs for a vegetarian or veganversion. It’s delicious even at room temperature.

12. Cucumber Salad with Crab

Tossed with wakame seaweed and imitation crab meat, this sweet and tangy Japanese Cucumber Salad pairs well with any Asian-themed dishes.

10. Matcha Marble Pound Cake

If dessert is your specialty, you want to bring this Matcha Marble Pound Cake to the potluck party. It’s buttery, tender, and bursting with a unique green tea flavor. The striking emerald swirls make it a showstopper too. Pound cake itself is sturdy for travel and can even be made many weeks ahead of time. What’s not to love?

11. Fruit Jelly

These fruit jellies are simple and light, and they showcase summer in the best ways—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

12. Japanese Steamed Cake (Mushi-pan)

These Japanese steamed cakes (mushi-pan) are soft, light, and spongy. Your guests can enjoy them without feeling weighed down. The steamed cakes require only the most basic ingredients and are surprisingly easy to make too. Choose savory or sweet based on the ingredients you use.

We hope you enjoy these mouthwatering Japanese potluck dishes with your friends and families. What are some of your favorite Japanese Dishes to serve a crowd?

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Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd (2024)

FAQs

Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd? ›

If you're looking for something different to bring to your next potluck, why not try some traditional Japanese dishes? Onigiri rice balls, Japanese potato salad, and karaage are all popular homemade dishes that will be a hit with your friends and family.

What to bring for a Japanese potluck? ›

If you're looking for something different to bring to your next potluck, why not try some traditional Japanese dishes? Onigiri rice balls, Japanese potato salad, and karaage are all popular homemade dishes that will be a hit with your friends and family.

How many dishes should you bring to a potluck? ›

Main dishes and side dishes are the heart and soul of a potluck feast. These dishes tend to be more substantial and filling, so it's essential to strike a balance and avoid excessive portions. As a general rule, plan for one main dish serving and one or two side dish servings per person.

How can I make my potluck more fun? ›

One thing you can do to make a potluck more fun is to have a theme. It could be a place or an era in history, or maybe a popular movie or something. Another thing that makes potlucks better is if someone kind of coordinates what people are bringing to some degree, so you don't wind up with 6 salads and no main dish.

How do you decide who brings what to a potluck? ›

If you have a large group, it may make sense to assign dishes. Divide up your needs alphabetically and have people bring a dish that is assigned by the first letter of their last name. (For example, letters A-H bring a main dish and letters I-N bring a side and drink, etc.).

What do you serve at a Japanese theme party? ›

What foods can be served at a Japanese-themed party? Of course, Sushi, Gyoza, Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Shrimp Tempura, Ramen, and even Japanese Barbeque should not be overlooked! Instead of traditional cakes, Japan has these small bite-sized sweet Mochi cakes, japanese snacks, and japanese soda.

Is it rude to not bring anything to a potluck? ›

Anything More Than Empty Hands Is Acceptable

It's a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host. So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed? Heck no. That's the whole point!

What is the easiest thing to bring to a potluck? ›

Easy, quick snacks that you can make without needing to heat up anything are your best bet for last-minute potluck prep. Dips, guacamole, lettuce wraps, salsa, salad, and no-bake finger foods are all great options.

What are two problems that can occur with a potluck? ›

Cross-contamination issues, improper cooking temperatures, improper food holding temperatures, poor hygiene practices, and improper cleaning and disinfecting are all conditions that may contribute to unsafe food and potential foodborne illnesses.

What are the rules of bringing something to a potluck? ›

Potluck Etiquette Rules To Follow

Firstly, make it clear as soon as possible that you are attending and excited to help bring a dish. Next, make sure you offer to bring a certain dish (and have it confirmed by the host or group) instead of just showing up with something.

What not to bring to a potluck? ›

Don't show up with a dish that needs tons of assembly or oven time, particularly if you don't know the host well. No soup! Potluck food should be plate-based.

What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

Best Finger Food Ideas on a Budget
  • Parmesan Bread Bites. Bake addictive parmesan bread bites for delicious finger food ideas. ...
  • Tomato Bruschetta Bites. ...
  • Bacon Wrapped Brussel Sprouts. ...
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
May 29, 2024

What store-bought food can I bring to a potluck? ›

Appetizers
  • Sushi. If there's a boat I want to sail away on, it's a sushi boat. ...
  • Cheese and Charcuterie Fixings. Has anyone ever been sad to see a cheese and charcuterie board at a potluck? ...
  • Canned and Jarred Goods. ...
  • Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce. ...
  • Chips and Dip. ...
  • Frozen Apps. ...
  • Fried Chicken. ...
  • Soup.
Sep 16, 2023

Is there a free app for potluck organizing? ›

BringIt is a FREE app for organizing together with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones! We make it fun to coordinate and host Thanksgiving, Christmas, and potlucks, and to plan camping trips and all kinds of gatherings! Create new events, add items to the event, and invite friends and participants.

What are the essentials for a potluck? ›

Remember the Essentials - In addition to plates, cutlery, napkins and cups, remember extra serving utensils and potholders for hot dishes. Don't forget plenty of extra dishcloths and paper towels for spills.

What are common potluck categories? ›

There are many types of potluck parties, but the categories are often the same. Common categories for potluck sign up sheets include appetizers, entrees or main dishes, soups or salads, side dishes, desserts, condiments, and beverages.

What to bring when visiting a Japanese family? ›

Do bring a Temiyage, or a small gift. In Japanese culture, it's common for the guests to bring a small gift called temiyage or omiyage to the host. Temiyage can be literally translated into “hand gift.” Frequently, these gifts consist of small goodies such as snackable sweets, for instance.

What is an appropriate gift in Japan? ›

Recommended gift items include food, drinks or other products from your home country. In general, they should be neither too cheap nor too expensive - typically between 1000 and 5000 yen. Note that there are restrictions on bringing certain types of food and plant products into Japan.

Should the guest bring a gift if invited to dinner in Japan? ›

As stated before, most in Japan will politely and sternly refuse any monitary tip you extend to them. However, a gift or “Pu-re-sen-to” (present) is almost always welcomed with open arms and highly valued. It need not be big or expensive, as the average omiyage souvenir in Japan is often just small crackers or sweets.

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