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In this roundup, you’ll find everything from the best grill recipes and dinner ideas to sweet treats to celebrate with Dad this Father’s Day! Yes, we even included the famous Franklin BBQ baby back ribs and restaurant-quality ramen recipes.
Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to pull out all the stops for the dad in your life. Whether he’s the grill master of the family or the one who always cleans up after everyone else, he deserves a meal that shows just how much you appreciate him.
We’ve rounded up over 30 of our best Father’s Day recipes for a meal he’ll never forget—fall-apart smoked ribs, savory wings, better-than-restaurant tonkotsu ramen, potato salad, and melt-in-your-mouth Basque cheesecake.
To all the incredible dads and father figures out there—this one’s for you. Thank you for showing up, every single day. We hope this Father’s Day is as special as you are. Happy Father’s Day!
Table of Contents
Nami’s Tips for Father’s Day Celebration
Food tips:
- Let Dad choose his favorite. Set out toppings and sides so everyone can build their own plate.
- Prep the ribs the night before. The longer the rub sits, the better the flavor.
- Make the ramen broth days ahead. It tastes even better the next day!
Celebration tips:
- Make it a team effort. Get the kids and friends involved in cooking or decorating—the process is part of the gift.
- Keep it simple. He’ll remember the good company far more than the small details.
- Pair the meal with his favorite drink—a cold beer, Japanese highball, or whatever makes him happy.
Appetizers
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) is easily one of the greatest types of fried chicken in the world. It’s exceptionally flavorful, juicy, ultra-crispy, and absolutely worth hanging out at the stove for! Learn the simple techniques and fry up some glorious chicken at home today.
Fresh Spring Rolls with Yakiniku
These Fresh Spring Rolls with Yakiniku are bursting with savory and refreshing ingredients. It's fun to wrap Japanese BBQ beef and crunchy vegetables in rice paper and seal in the deliciousness. Serve it with homemade yakiniku sauce for dipping.
Spicy Edamame
Spicy Edamame is my favorite way to turn a simple bag of frozen soybean pods into an irresistible snack. I toss them in a simple and savory sauce with garlic, chili paste, and miso. Bold and punchy, it's an easy appetizer with big flavor that comes together in minutes.
Agedashi Tofu
Crispy deep-fried tofu served in a flavorful umami sauce, Agedashi Tofu is a popular appetizer you can find at izakaya and Japanese restaurants. It requires deep-frying, but the process is easier than you think. Skip the bonito flakes to make it vegan-friendly!
Japanese Sake Steamed Clams
My Japanese Sake-Steamed Clams recipe takes just 10 minutes and 5 ingredients to make. A favorite izakaya menu item, this seafood fare exudes a fun, casual vibe when enjoyed with an ice-cold beverage. It‘s minimum fuss with maximum flavors!
Hamachi Crudo
Hamachi Crudo is a delicate Japanese appetizer made from raw yellowtail. Similar to sashimi, the fish is sliced thin and dressed in a bright ponzu and sweet chili sauce vinaigrette, topped with a quick-pickled red onion and cucumber garnish. Chef Takeo Moriyama of Kemuri Japanese Baru in Redwood City, California, generously shared this recipe for his popular Hamachi Crudo with JOC readers.
Teba Shio (Salted Chicken Wings)
Juicy and crispy Salted Chicken Wings (Teba Shio) are a popular dish at Japanese izakaya restaurants. With my unbelievably easy recipe and a few ingredients, you can oven-broil these delicious wings at home for your next party, game-day spread, or lazy Sunday dinner.
Salads
Japanese Potato Salad
A classic, home-cooked side dish for more than 100 years, Japanese Potato Salad is distinct for its colorful addition of fresh vegetables, creamy texture, and rounded flavor. It‘s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Japanese Sesame Dressing
Creamy and nutty, this homemade Japanese Sesame Dressing is made from ground roasted sesame seeds, mayo, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. It's easy and so delicious with your green salad!
Japanese Onion Dressing
This sophisticated yet simple Japanese Onion Dressing is my family‘s favorite! Savory, sweet, zingy, and packed with amazing flavors, it’s sure to win over fans. You‘ll love it on seafood, grilled meat, or greens like frisée and radicchio salad.
Soba Noodle Salad
This Soba Noodle Salad is exactly what you need for a quick, light meal. Tossed in a honey sesame dressing, you can easily customize this refreshing salad with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
Asian Cabbage Salad with 3-ingredient Miso Dressing
My delicious Asian Cabbage Salad with a simple 3-ingredient miso dressing is ready in a snap. Crunchy and refreshing, it‘s super easy to put together in just 20 minutes! This light but satisfying salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for your next dinner or potluck get-together.
Mains
Traeger Baby Back Ribs
Make mouthwatering Baby Back Ribs in a Traeger smoker with this easy recipe. Simply rub the pork ribs with a dry seasoning, smoke and bake until fall-apart tender, and baste with your favorite BBQ sauce. So good, you can’t stop eating them!
Smoked Wagyu Brisket
Get ready for the most sensational BBQ experience with this Smoked Wagyu Brisket! Slowly cooked in a Traeger grill over oak pellets, the meat is perfectly juicy and tender and melts in your mouth. Finish it off with Franklin’s BBQ sauce.
Reverse Sear Steak on Traeger with Smoked Garlic
The reverse sear steak starts off slow and steady on the Traeger and finishes with a good sear on the grill. This technique yields an evenly cooked and tender piece of meat, a beautifully browned crust, and the most inviting smoky aroma!
Smoked Chicken Wings
Take your wings to the next level with these Smoked Chicken Wings! They are cooked to perfection in the Traeger pellet grill so every bite is crispy, juicy, and unbelievably flavorful. Here, I show you how to season the wings two ways—with salt and pepper and with my Spicy Soy Glaze. Enjoy the tasty smoky flavor and shattering crispy skin!
Yakitori Recipe with Homemade Sauce
My mouthwatering Yakitori recipe features chicken and scallion skewers coated in a caramelized, savory-sweet glaze. These tender and juicy skewers are easy to prep in advance and grill under the broiler for a taste of Japanese pub food at home.
Instant Pot Sticky Asian Ribs
You don‘t need to wait until the weekend to make baby back ribs. Cooked under pressure in an Instant Pot, my Sticky Asian Ribs recipe is ready in less than 90 minutes. Slathered with a sweet-savory caramelized glaze, these tender pork ribs are finger-licking good!
Instant Pot Asian Pulled Pork (Tacos and Rice Bowls)
Juicy and fall-apart tender, Instant Pot Asian Pulled Pork is an easy main dish with only 15 minutes of prep time. It's a delicious and versatile protein for your sandwich, rice bowl, or tacos. Use this make-ahead recipe to feed a crowd at your next potluck or BBQ party. {stovetop, slow cooker, and stovetop pressure cooker methods included}
Bulgogi (Korean Grilled Beef)
Bulgogi is a classic Korean grilled beef recipe that makes a mouthwatering dinner or lunch. It‘s easy to make on a BBQ grill or stovetop griddle, too. Serve the tender pieces of marinated and caramelized meat alongside steamed rice and kimchi, or wrap the leftovers in your onigirazu.
Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu)
Served with a red wine reduction sauce, this Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambagu) is big on flavors. The meat is juicy and melts in your mouth. It‘s perfect to make in a hot frying pan either in the kitchen or on the grill!
Teppanyaki Recipe with Homemade Yakiniku Sauce
Here’s the ultimate guide on how to make a true Japanese Teppanyaki at home! With an electric griddle at the table and fresh vegetables and proteins of your choice, you can easily enjoy the fun of indoor grilling anytime. A homemade Yakiniku Sauce is a must. {Vegetarian adaptable}
Temaki Sushi (Hand Roll)
It‘s fun and easy to make your own Japanese sushi hand rolls at home with my flexible Temaki Sushi recipe. Let your guests customize their own rolls with their choice of favorite fillings like vegetables and sashimi-grade fish. Perfect for a family dinner or DIY sushi party!
Easy Tonkotsu Ramen Recipe
Make my Easy Tonkotsu Ramen recipe for a delicious bowl of noodle soup just like your favorite ramen shop. I'll show you my pressure-cooker shortcut to make a rich, creamy, and intensely flavorful pork broth from scratch in just 3 hours!
Vegetarian Ramen
This Vegetarian Ramen is going to rock your world! Learn the secret to creating a superrich and creamy broth with soy milk, miso, sesame seeds, and spicy chili bean sauce. Make it vegan by skipping the ramen egg!
Vegetarian Japanese Curry
This Vegetarian Japanese Curry is loaded with thick, meaty slices of king oyster mushrooms and colorful vegetables like kabocha, eggplant, and asparagus. With homemade Japanese curry roux, this dish is no doubt our family’s favorite for a bright and flavorful dinner! {Vegan Adaptable}
Desserts
Basque Cheesecake
Creamy on the inside and caramelized on the outside, this Basque Cheesecake is easier than it looks to make at home. Baked at a high temperature, the cheesecake‘s iconic rich dark top is a showstopper! Follow my tips and tricks for a foolproof recipe.
Matcha Ice Cream
Matcha Ice Cream is the perfect refreshing sweet treat on a hot day. This recipe has a deep intensity and creamy texture that instantly takes me back to Japan. If you want to know what authentic Japanese green tea ice cream tastes like, this is for you.
Easy Japanese Coffee Jelly
If you like coffee, then you‘ll love my easy recipe for chilled Japanese Coffee Jelly. You only need 4 ingredients to make this classic treat to cool down on a hot summer day. Top it with fresh whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk for a touch of silky richness.
I’d love to hear how yours turned out! 💛 Please leave a star rating and comment below to share your experience. Your feedback not only supports Just One Cookbook but also helps other home cooks discover recipes they can trust.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on June 11, 2024, and republished with new content on June 11, 2026.
English (US) · 