Description
Gyudon is a classic Japanese comfort dish featuring thinly sliced beef simmered with onions in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi stock, served over a bed of fluffy white rice and topped with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. This recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal that’s rich in umami flavors and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) - 2 tablespoons
- 2 medium onions, very thinly sliced
- 1 pound very thinly sliced beef (fatty beef chuck or ribeye)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup dashi stock (can substitute beef or chicken stock)
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups cooked white rice (short grain or medium grain preferred)
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the very thinly sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Cook Beef and Season: Add the thinly sliced beef and sugar to the cooked onions. Cook until the beef is slightly browned. Then, pour in the mirin, soy sauce, and dashi stock. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the stock to reduce into a thin, flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed.
- Prepare Eggs: While the beef simmers, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in another cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the eggs sunny-side up, ensuring the yolks remain runny. You may cook the eggs in batches if your pan is small.
- Assemble Bowls: Once the beef mixture is ready, evenly divide the cooked white rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the simmered beef and a sunny-side-up egg. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use very thinly sliced beef for quick cooking and tender texture. Fatty cuts like chuck or ribeye provide extra flavor.
- Dashi stock is traditional, but beef or chicken stock can be used as a substitute if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before garnishing.
- Ensure eggs have runny yolks for authentic texture and richness.
- Adjust soy sauce based on your preference for saltiness.
