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Gyudon Japanese Beef Bowls with Rice and Eggs

Gyudon Japanese Beef Bowls with Rice and Eggs

Gyudon Japanese Beef Bowls with Rice and Eggs is a classic Japanese comfort food featuring tender thinly sliced beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, served over sticky short-grain white rice and topped with a perfectly cooked egg. This quick and easy recipe delivers rich umami flavors, customizable toppings, and a satisfying texture, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu cut)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups short-grain white rice
  • 1 cup dashi stock or broth
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp mirin
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 eggs (poached, raw, or soft-cooked)
  • Pickled ginger (beni shoga), for garnish

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Chopped green onions
  • Shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice)
  • Sautéed mushrooms or tofu (vegetarian substitute for beef)
  • Chili flakes or spicy mayo (for a spicy kick)
  • Alternative grains like brown rice or cauliflower rice
  • Extra veggies: shredded carrots, spinach, or green onions
  • Different proteins: thinly sliced pork or chicken

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the short-grain white rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker, ensuring it is fluffy and sticky enough to hold the toppings well.
  2. Slice Onions and Beef: While the rice cooks, thinly slice your onions and beef. Thin slices ensure quick cooking and maximum tenderness in the finished dish.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a frying pan or skillet, combine dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely and create a balanced, rich broth.
  4. Cook Onions and Beef: Add the sliced onions to the simmering sauce and cook until translucent and soft. Then, add the sliced beef, cooking just until it changes color and absorbs the savory sauce without becoming tough.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Pile the beef and onion mixture generously over the rice. Top each bowl with an egg, served poached, raw, or soft-boiled, to add richness and complete the dish.

Notes

  • Choose thin beef slices such as sukiyaki or shabu-shabu cuts for quick cooking and tenderness.
  • Simmer gently to prevent the beef from becoming tough and to keep it juicy.
  • Use dashi stock for authentic umami flavor; vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian versions.
  • Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar or mirin according to your taste.
  • Use fresh eggs if eating raw or lightly cooked for safety and best flavor.
  • Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gyudon, Japanese beef bowl, beef and rice, comfort food, quick dinner, Japanese cuisine, beef bowl with egg, easy Japanese recipe