Gyudon - Beef Rice Bowl (Japan)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Gyudon, or "beef bowl," is one of Japan's most beloved comfort foods. Originating from humble roots as a quick, nutritious meal, it's now widely enjoyed both at home and in restaurants across Japan, particularly in popular fast-food chains like Yoshinoya. Gyudon is appreciated for its balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, achieved through a simple yet perfect combination of ingredients: thinly sliced beef, onions, and a soy-based sauce made with dashi, mirin, sake, and sugar.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb (680g) thinly sliced beef (like ribeye or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 4 cups cooked Japanese rice (for serving)

  
  

For the Sauce

• 2 cups dashi stock (or substitute with low-sodium chicken or beef stock)

• 8 tbsp soy sauce (1/2 cup)

• 4 tbsp mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

• 4 tbsp sake (optional, but recommended for flavor)

• 3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

  
  

Optional Toppings

• Freshly chopped green onions

• Pickled ginger (beni shoga)

• Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice powder)

• Soft-boiled eggs or raw egg yolks (optional, if you like a richer bowl)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

• In a large saucepan or skillet, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  
  

Cook the Onion

• Add the sliced onions to the pan, and let them cook in the sauce until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  
  

Add the Beef

• Once the onions are tender, add the sliced beef to the pan. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is just cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Serve

Divide the hot rice among 4 bowls. Spoon the beef, onions, and some of the sauce over each portion of rice.

Garnish and Enjoy

Add your choice of toppings to each bowl, such as chopped green onions, pickled ginger, shichimi togarashi, or a soft-boiled egg/yolk.