Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read mydisclosure policy for details. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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?

Subscribe Now!

5 Secrets to Japanese Cooking: Simple Meals & Authentic Flavors!

Sign up to receive our FREE email series on Japanese cooking tips and weekly newsletter.

Japanese Potluck Recipes to Serve a Crowd (2024)

FAQs

What is the best food for Japanese party? ›

Japanese Party Food Side Dishes

Whatever the group event in Japan, you can usually expect a few classic side dishes to be served. These include crispy karaage (Japanese fried chicken), edamame (fresh, boiled soybeans), sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish), french fries, a healthy variety of salads, and more.

What do you bring to a Japanese dinner party? ›

For Japanese night, you will need:
  • Chopsticks.
  • Chopstick holders (Japanese blue carp. ...
  • Soy sauce dishes (Vintage)
  • Japanese sake.
  • Sake cups (I like these for cold sake)
  • Japanese inspired napkins (I love the design and technique of these!)
  • Candles (These are traditional Japanese candles)
Nov 12, 2016

What to bring to a Japanese person's house? ›

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 are Japan's top 3 favorite foods? ›

Sushi : Iconic Japanese dish of vinegared rice with diverse toppings. Udon : Thick wheat noodles in broth, simple and satisfying. Tofu : A versatile and nutritious staple in Japanese cuisine, comes in various types such as silken and firm.

What are 2 popular Japanese foods? ›

50 Japanese traditional foods to try
  • Sushi.
  • Okonomiyaki.
  • Miso Soup.
  • Yakitori.
  • Udon.
  • Takoyaki.
  • Soba.
  • Sukiyaki.
Jul 1, 2024

What to bring to a potluck last minute? ›

Last Minute Potluck Ideas
  • Caprese Skewers. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil onto skewers for a simple yet elegant potluck appetizer. ...
  • Gourmet Cheese Platter. ...
  • Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken. ...
  • Tortilla Pinwheels. ...
  • Fruit Salad. ...
  • Frozen Meatballs in Sauce. ...
  • Assorted Cookies. ...
  • Fruit Skewers.
May 20, 2024

What is the world's largest potluck party? ›

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest potluck was attended by 3,264 people in India. Jud Hendrix, Executive Director of The Global Human Project and co-creator of The Big Table, said its purpose is to build greater community connections.

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 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. Unless you plan on bringing a stash of disposable bowls and spoons, it's best to stick to food that can be eaten off a plate with a fork.

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

What do Japanese like to receive as gifts? ›

Flipping the Gift Giving On Its Head

It need not be big or expensive, as the average omiyage souvenir in Japan is often just small crackers or sweets.

What are the gift giving taboos in Japan? ›

Respectful Handling: Gifts should be given and received with both hands to show respect. Modesty in Acceptance: It is customary to refuse gifts modestly once or twice before accepting them. Privacy in Opening: Gifts are preferably not opened in public to avoid embarrassing the giver.

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

Yes, it is considered rude to not bring anything to a potluck, as it can seem that you're taking advantage of other people's contributions without giving anything in return.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5758

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.