More Breadcrumbs

Gyudon (Japanese Simmered Beef and Rice Bowls) Recipe

J. Kenji López-Alt
Gyudon (Japanese Simmered Beef and Rice Bowls) Recipe

One pot and 20 minutes for this Japanese fast-food classic. [Photographs: J. Kenji López-Alt]

Serious Eats

VIDEOS

Watch More Videos Replay

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

  • 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.

Read more: Gyudon (Beef and Rice Bowl) Is Japan's Most Foolproof Dish

  • Yield:Serves 2
  • Active time: 20 minutes
  • Total time:20 minutes
  • Rated: 5

Ingredients

  • 1 small onion, slivered (about 4 ounces; 120g)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) homemade dashi, or the equivalent in Hondashi (see note)
  • 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)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) grated fresh ginger
  • Salt
  • To Serve:
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 poached eggs (optional)
  • Sliced scallions
  • Beni-shoga (see note)
  • Togarashi (see note)

Directions

  1. 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. 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. 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.

Ajinomoto Soup Stock Hondashi

$5.98from Amazon
This Recipe Appears In
Gyudon (Beef and Rice Bowl) Is Japan's Most Foolproof Dish

This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners; your purchases via these links can benefit Serious Eats. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

Show 17 Comments