Gyudon is a classic Japanese bowl in which thinly sliced beef and onion simmer until tender in a sweet-savory sauce of dashi, soy and mirin. Served over hot rice, it is a fast, filling and comforting meal.
Written by
Ecem Akkaba · Dietitian
Dietitian, graduate of İstanbul Medipol University. She develops the recipes and nutrition values on FitZen.
Updated:
Gyudon – Japanese Beef and Onion Rice Bowl contains 590 calories per serving: 34 g protein, 64 g carbohydrate and 20 g fat. It takes 25 minutes in total and makes 2 servings.
Gyudon, whose name literally means "beef bowl," is one of Japan's best-loved fast-food-style home dishes. Its roots lie in the late-19th-century tradition of gyunabe (beef hotpot); over time it became a practical bowl of beef simmered with onion in a sweet-savory sauce and served over rice.
The dish's character is defined by the balance of soy sauce, mirin and a little sugar built on the umami base of dashi. Thinly sliced beef cooks in this sauce within minutes and blends with the natural sweetness of the onion, while ginger adds a fresh depth to the sauce.
Made with lean beef, gyudon is a good source of protein and, together with rice, forms a balanced meal. Skim off excess foam, keep the portion moderate, and serve with pickles or blanched greens for an even lighter plate.
In a pan, combine the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and grated ginger and cook for 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
Add the thinly sliced beef and separate the pieces with chopsticks.
Simmer the beef in the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it changes color and is cooked; skim off any foam.
Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.
Divide the hot rice among bowls and arrange the beef and onion on top with plenty of sauce.
Garnish with spring onion and serve hot.
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