From sushi rolls to red bean soup, here are the popular side dishes and desserts to serve with Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year’s Food). It’s time for the big feast!
Popular Side Dishes & Desserts to Serve with Osechi Ryori
One of my favorite parts of celebrating Japanese New Year is seeing the incredible spread of food every family puts together. While Osechi Ryori, the traditional New Year’s foods, takes center stage, I love adding extra side dishes and desserts to complete the table.
Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional favorites and modern Japanese dishes that my family, especially the kids, always enjoys. No matter the size of your gathering, these side dishes and desserts are a wonderful way to add variety, color, and a little extra festive cheer to your New Year’s celebration.
Sushi Rolls (Maki Sushi – Hosomaki)
Sushi is always considered a celebratory dish in Japan, and hosomaki makes a simple, elegant side that balances the richness of osechi. These thin rolls are easy to prepare ahead and are popular with both adults and children. Serve them as bite-size additions that add color and freshness to your New Year table.
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Futomaki (Maki Sushi / Ehomaki)
Futomaki is a thick, colorful sushi roll filled with various ingredients like egg, vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, and sometimes fish or kamaboko. It’s visually stunning and celebratory. Among Japanese-American families, futomaki has become especially popular as a hearty, shareable side.
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Inari Sushi
Sweet and savory inari sushi brings a nice contrast to the bold flavors in Osechi. These tofu pockets stuffed with seasoned rice are easy to prepare, and their mild taste often makes them a favorite for potlucks and family-style New Year gatherings. Tip: Top the sushi with sliced cucumbers, shredded egg crepe, or ikura (fish roe) for extra texture and colors!
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Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi)
Zenzai is a thick, sweet dessert soup made from azuki red beans and served with toasted mochi (rice cake). Warm and deeply traditional, it’s a comforting treat during the winter and perfectly fitting for the New Year season!Tip: I love serving zenzai in small lacquer bowls for a festive touch. Toast the mochi just before serving so it remains chewy with a crisp exterior.
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Matcha Zenzai
For a different variety of zenzai, this version combines sweet red bean paste with soft mochi in a fragrant green tea soup. Warm or chilled, it’s an exquisite dessert that adds a modern twist to the traditional New Year table. Tip: This recipes takes no time to prepare, so it's perfect for last-minute guests and can be served as a snack or a dessert. Adjust sweetness to taste to let the matcha flavor shine.
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Yuzu Sorbet
The fragrant aroma of yuzu is deeply associated with winter in Japan. Yuzu sorbet is a wonderful way to round out your Japanese New Year dishes, symbolizing a bright start to the year. Its refreshing, slightly tart flavor balances the richness of the festive dishes and serves as a perfect palate cleanser.
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