Gyudon (Japanese Simmered Beef and Rice Bowls)
- Yield:Serves 2
- Active time:20 minutes
- Total time:20 minutes
- Rated:
One pot and 20 minutes for this Japanese fast-food classic. [Photographs: J. Kenji López-Alt]
If ramen is like the hamburger of Japan, gyudon—steamed rice topped with beef and onions simmered in sake and soy sauce—is its hot dog: a quick, easy meal that's equally at home at the food court or on your kitchen table.
Why It Works
One pot and 20 minutes for this Japanese fast-food classic. Read the Whole Story- A balance of sweet and savory ingredients complements the sweet and savory flavors of beef and onions.
- One-pot simmering is a technique that requires no experience, making this a simple, foolproof meal.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, slivered (about 4 ounces; 120g)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) homemade dashi, or the equivalent in Hondashi (see note above)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry sake
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar, plus more to taste
- 1/2 pound (225g) thinly shaved beef ribeye or chuck steak (see note above)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated fresh ginger
- Salt
- To Serve:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 poached eggs (optional)
- Sliced scallions
- Beni-shoga (see note above)
- Togarashi (see note above)
Directions
-
1.
Combine onion, dashi, sake, soy sauce, and sugar in a medium saucepan or saucier and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
-
2.
Add beef and cook, stirring until beef is cooked through and liquid has reduced down to an intensely flavored broth, about 5 minutes. Stir in ginger and simmer for 1 minute longer. Adjust seasoning with salt and sugar to taste.
-
3.
Divide rice between 2 to 3 bowls and top with beef and sauce mixture. Garnish each bowl with a poached egg (if using), sliced scallions, beni-shoga, and togarashi. Serve immediately.