Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyudon) – Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Recipe
A classic Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyudon) made with thinly sliced beef simmered in a savory-sweet sauce with onions, soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. Ready in under 20 minutes, this comfort dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Japanese Beef Bowl
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Authentic Japanese flavors
- Budget-friendly recipe
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
- 400g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dashi stock (or water + dashi powder)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Spring onion, chopped (optional)
- Pickled ginger (beni shoga), optional
How to Make Japanese Beef Bowl (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Broth
In a pan, combine:
- dashi stock
- soy sauce
- mirin
- sugar
- ginger
Bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Add Onions
Add sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Add the Beef
Add the thinly sliced beef and simmer for 5–7 minutes until:
- Beef is tender
- Sauce thickens slightly
4. Assemble the Bowl
Serve hot beef and onions over warm steamed rice.
Top with spring onion or pickled ginger.
Tips for the Best Gyudon
- Use thinly sliced beef for the most tender texture
- Don’t overcook — beef cooks very fast
- Adjust sweetness to your taste
- Add a soft-boiled egg for a richer bowl
Serving Suggestions
- Japanese miso soup
- Pickles
- Steamed vegetables
Recipe FAQs
1. What is Gyudon?
Gyudon is a Japanese rice bowl topped with thin beef slices simmered in a sweet-savory sauce.
2. Can I make it without dashi?
Yes! You can use water, but dashi adds authentic umami flavor.
3. What type of beef is best?
Ribeye, sirloin, or any thinly sliced beef works best.
4. Can I meal-prep this dish?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Similar Recipes to Japanese Beef Bowl (Gyudon)
1. Teriyaki Beef Bowl
A sweet and savory beef bowl made with homemade teriyaki sauce. Great for readers who love quick Japanese rice bowl meals.
2. Sukiyaki Don (Beef Sukiyaki Bowl)
Thinly sliced beef, tofu, mushrooms, and veggies simmered in a rich sukiyaki broth and served over rice.
3. Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl
Tender bulgogi beef served over steamed rice with veggies. A flavorful and popular Asian bowl similar to gyudon.
4. Japanese Chicken Donburi
A comforting chicken rice bowl seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger — perfect for readers who enjoy donburi dishes.
5. Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry Bowl
Quick stir-fried beef and vegetables coated in teriyaki sauce and served over rice. Ideal for fast weeknight meals.

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