Oyako Donburi: Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl
Oyako Donburi, translating to 'parent and child bowl', is a beloved Japanese comfort food that perfectly pairs tender chicken and velvety eggs over rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The silky texture of the egg, combined with the umami-rich soy sauce and mirin-infused chicken, makes for a nourishing meal. With the addition of shiitake mushrooms and onion, this dish offers a satisfying and hearty option for lunch or dinner. It’s a simple, yet elegant recipe inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine, making it an exceptional choice for anyone looking to bring a taste of Japan to their table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 ounces (sliced thin)
eggs
4 (beaten)
dried shiitake mushrooms
4 (rehydrated and halved)
onion
1 (thinly sliced)
water
1/2 cup (for the simmering sauce)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (for the simmering sauce)
mirin
3 tablespoons (for the simmering sauce)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for the simmering sauce)
cooked rice
5 cups (for serving)
cilantro
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin pieces.
2
Rehydrate the dried shiitake mushrooms by soaking them in lukewarm water until they soften, approximately 20-30 minutes. Once softened, remove the hard stems and cut the mushrooms in half.
3
Thinly slice the onion and chop the cilantro, setting them aside for later use.
4
In a large skillet with a lid, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and water to create the simmering sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
5
Add the sliced chicken, rehydrated shiitake mushrooms, and onion to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and the onion is tender.
6
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. Pour the beaten eggs over the chicken mixture in the skillet, then cover with a lid.
7
Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 1 minute, or until the eggs are set but still slightly soft.
8
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness and flavor.
9
To serve, place about 1 1/4 cups of cooked rice into each large, deep bowl. Gently spoon 1/4 of the chicken and egg mixture on top of the rice, followed by a drizzle of the simmering sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oyako Donburi?
Oyako Donburi is a beloved Japanese comfort food that features tender chicken and velvety eggs served over a bowl of rice.
What does the name Oyako Donburi mean?
The name translates to 'parent and child bowl,' referring to the combination of chicken (the parent) and egg (the child).
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin pieces for quick and even cooking.
How do you prepare the dried shiitake mushrooms?
Rehydrate the dried mushrooms by soaking them in lukewarm water for 20-30 minutes until soft, then remove the hard stems and cut the caps in half.
What ingredients are in the simmering sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of 1/2 cup water, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons mirin, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
How many eggs are needed for this dish?
This recipe requires 4 eggs, which should be well-beaten before being added to the skillet.
How is the onion prepared?
One onion should be thinly sliced and cooked in the simmering sauce with the chicken and mushrooms.
How long should the chicken and vegetables simmer?
The chicken, mushrooms, and onion should be cooked in the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink.
What is the correct way to add the eggs?
Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the skillet, then cover with a lid.
How long do the eggs take to cook?
After pouring the eggs, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 1 minute until the eggs are set but still slightly soft.
What is the recommended garnish for this rice bowl?
Chopped cilantro is added to taste as a garnish for freshness and added flavor.
How much rice is used for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 5 cups of cooked rice in total for serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
By serving 1 1/4 cups of rice per bowl, this recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What temperature should the water be for rehydrating mushrooms?
Lukewarm water is ideal for softening dried shiitake mushrooms effectively.
Is the skillet covered during cooking?
Yes, a lid is used after adding the eggs to help them set quickly while remaining silky.
What flavor profile does Oyako Donburi have?
It offers an umami-rich flavor profile with a harmonious blend of savory soy sauce, sweet mirin, and delicate eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or dinner?
Yes, it is a satisfying and hearty option that is perfect for either lunch or dinner.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin pieces.
How do you serve the simmering sauce?
Once the chicken and egg mixture is placed over the rice, a drizzle of the remaining simmering sauce should be added on top.
Should the eggs be fully hard-cooked?
No, for a traditional texture, the eggs should be set but still slightly soft and velvety.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large skillet with a matching lid is needed to accommodate the ingredients and steam the eggs.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
The cilantro is used for garnish to taste, so it can be omitted or replaced with other herbs like green onions.
Is the sugar essential to the sauce?
The tablespoon of sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and adds a traditional sweetness to the dish.
What is the texture of the chicken in this dish?
The chicken becomes tender as it poaches quickly in the savory simmering liquid.
How much mirin is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of mirin for the simmering sauce.
What should I do with the mushroom stems?
The hard stems of the shiitake mushrooms should be removed and discarded after the rehydration process.
How is the rice portioned?
Place about 1 1/4 cups of cooked rice into large, deep bowls before adding the topping.
What level of heat is used for simmering the sauce?
The sauce should be brought to a boil over medium heat before adding the chicken.
Is Oyako Donburi an easy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet elegant recipe that is an exceptional choice for home cooks.
What type of bowl is best for serving?
Large, deep bowls are recommended to hold the generous portion of rice and the chicken and egg topping.