How I Survive on a Low Salary in Japan 🇯🇵 | 3 Cheap & Easy Dinners

Introduction

This tutorial provides three easy and budget-friendly dinner recipes inspired by Yuki’s experiences living on a low salary in Japan. Each recipe is designed to be simple, using accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. Whether you’re looking to save money or just want quick meal ideas, these recipes will help you create satisfying dishes.

Step 1: Chicken Mayo Lemon

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders (sasami) or chicken breast: 300–350g
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Potato starch (katakuriko): 3 tbsp
• Cooking oil: small amount for frying

Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: 4 tbsp
• Ketchup: 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
• Sugar: 1 tsp

Instructions

1. If using chicken tenders, cut them in half or thirds if large. Remove any tendons. For chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with potato starch.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan and pan-fry the chicken until golden and cooked through.
4. While the chicken cooks, mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and gently toss to coat.
6. Serve on a plate. Optionally, top with chopped green onion, extra black pepper, or a lemon wedge.

Tips

• This dish pairs well with rice.
• Adjust seasoning to taste based on your preference.

Step 2: Fluffy & Melty Omurice

Ingredients

• Warm cooked rice: 150–180g
• Sausages: 2–3, chopped
• Ketchup: 2 tbsp
• Consommé powder: 1/2 tsp
• Butter: 5-10g
• Pizza cheese (shredded mozzarella): sufficient amount

Egg Mixture Ingredients

• Eggs: 2
• Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp
• Milk or water: 1 tsp
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Toppings

• Ketchup: as desired
• Parsley: as desired

Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe container, combine rice, chopped sausages, ketchup, consommé, and butter. Mix well and flatten the surface.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top of the rice mixture.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, milk (or water), salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the rice and cheese.
4. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
5. Microwave at 600W for approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds (or 500W for about 3 minutes). Adjust cooking time as necessary.
6. Once done, top with ketchup and parsley before serving.

Tips

• Ensure your lid is microwave-safe.
• Stop the microwave when the eggs are slightly soft to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Sweet & Savory Pork & Egg Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• Cooked rice: as needed
• Pork: 200g
• Eggs: 2
• Potato starch (katakuriko): 1 tbsp
• Sesame oil: as needed

Sauce Ingredients

• Cooking sake: 1 tbsp
• Oyster sauce: 2 tbsp
• Soy sauce: 1 tsp
• Grated garlic: 1/3 tsp

Instructions

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl and lightly coat the pork with potato starch.
2. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the pork and stir-fry until it changes color.
3. Pour in the sauce and cook until the pork is glossy and well-coated.
4. Push the pork to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
5. Stir the eggs gently and cook until softly set (a slightly runny texture is ideal).
6. Serve the rice in bowls and top with the pork and eggs, placing them side by side for a nice presentation.

Tips

• You can use the same pan for both the pork and the eggs to simplify cleanup.
• For a visually appealing dish, keep the pork and eggs separate on top of the rice.

Conclusion

These three recipes are not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, making them perfect for anyone looking to save money while enjoying delicious meals. Experiment with the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Enjoy cooking and making these delightful dishes in your own kitchen!