Description
Gyudon is a beloved Japanese comfort food made with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, then served over steamed rice and topped with a poached egg. Ready in just 20 minutes, this cozy bowl is fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main:
400 g (14 oz) beef, thinly sliced (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp vegetable or neutral oil
1 tsp grated ginger or ginger paste
Sauce:
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin (or dry sherry)
1 tbsp sake (or white wine)
2 tbsp brown sugar (or white sugar)
To serve:
2 poached or soft-boiled eggs
2 tbsp chopped spring onions
Japanese red ginger pickle or kimchi
2 servings steamed rice (about 1½ cups cooked)
Instructions
Slice the Beef
Freeze beef for 90 minutes to firm, then slice thinly.
Make the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Sauté & Simmer
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add beef and ginger, stir until browned.
Pour in sauce, simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Assemble & Serve
Place warm rice in bowls.
Spoon beef and onions with sauce on top.
Add a poached egg, sprinkle spring onions, and garnish with ginger or kimchi.
Notes
Use ribeye or sirloin for best tenderness.
Substitute mirin with apple juice or sherry; sake with white wine or omit.
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Soft-boiled eggs or jammy eggs also work.
Let the beef rest in the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese