Beef Bowl (Gyu-don)

Introduction

Gyudon, a classic Japanese beef bowl, is made with tender slices of beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and garlic, then served over warm rice. This simple Japanese home-cooked favorite comes together in just one pan and is ready in 15 minutes—perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

[Servings : 2]

• Thinly sliced beef (ribeye, brisket, or your favorite cut): 200 g
• Onion, sliced: 1/2
• Cooked rice: 2 servings
• Grated garlic: 1/2 tsp

Sauce

• Water: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
• Soy sauce: 35 ml
• Sake: 40 ml (approx. 2 tbsp + 2 tsp)
• Mirin: 30 ml (2 tbsp)
• Sugar: 1 tbsp

Optional Toppings

• Chopped green onions: As desired
• Soft-boiled egg: As desired

Instruction

1. Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the sliced onion until softened and lightly caramelized.
2. Add the beef and grated garlic. Cook just until the beef is no longer pink.
3. Add the prepared sauce. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and coats the beef and onions.
4. Serve over warm rice and top with chopped green onions or a soft-boiled egg, if desired.

Tips

• Letting the onions caramelize adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
• Let the beef sit in the sauce for 1–2 minutes before serving for even more flavor.