Quick and Easy Gyudon Delight
Experience the comforting flavors of Japan with this Gyudon, a savory and satisfying beef bowl that's a favorite in our household. Prepared with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a flavorful broth, this recipe delivers a burst of umami with every bite. This variant of Gyudon skips the traditional dashi and mirin, making it accessible yet delicious. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this dish combines the richness of beef with aromatic spices, served atop a bed of steaming rice. Whether you're new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this Gyudon is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
onion
1 (chopped)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
water or chicken stock
2/3 cup
Kikkoman soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons
Chinese wine
1 1/2 tablespoons
sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons
pepper
to taste
japanese grounded chili
to taste
cooked rice
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine water (or chicken stock), Kikkoman soy sauce, Chinese wine, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved to create a rich marinade.
2
Place the thinly sliced beef in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour 1/3 cup of the prepared marinade over the beef. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and begins to caramelize.
4
Increase the heat to high, add the marinated beef to the wok, and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5
Reduce the heat to medium, pour the remaining soy sauce mixture into the wok, and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Create a small well in the center of the wok. Pour the beaten egg into the well, gently spreading it around with a spatula. Cover the wok and let the egg cook for 2 minutes until just set but still soft.
7
Serve the savory beef and egg mixture over bowls of hot, freshly cooked rice. Sprinkle with Japanese grounded chili and pepper to taste, for an extra layer of heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Easy Gyudon Delight?
It is a savory Japanese beef bowl made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a flavorful soy-based sauce served over rice.
How many servings does this Gyudon recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What type of beef is best for Gyudon?
Thinly sliced beef is best. You can often find this pre-sliced at Asian grocery stores or slice it yourself while partially frozen.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors of the soy sauce mixture.
What can I use as a substitute for Chinese wine?
If you do not have Chinese wine, you can use dry sherry or omit it, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is there a substitute for Kikkoman soy sauce?
Any standard soy sauce will work, though Kikkoman is recommended for its specific balance of flavor.
Can I use chicken stock instead of water?
Yes, using chicken stock instead of water will add an extra layer of richness and depth to the broth.
Does this recipe use traditional dashi?
No, this specific variant skips traditional dashi and mirin to make it more accessible for home cooks.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions should be stir-fried for about 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and starting to caramelize.
What is the purpose of the egg in this recipe?
The beaten egg is added at the end to create a soft, silky texture that binds the beef and onions together.
How long should the beef be cooked?
The beef should be stir-fried on high heat for about 3 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
What kind of rice should I serve with Gyudon?
Hot, freshly cooked white rice is the traditional choice for serving Gyudon.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but you can add Japanese grounded chili to taste for a boost of heat.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add ingredients like mushrooms or green onions if you want to include more vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe, including the rice and seasonings.
Can I prepare this meal in under 30 minutes?
Yes, with a 10-minute marinade and quick stir-fry steps, this is a very fast meal to prepare.
How do I cook the egg correctly?
Pour the egg into a well in the center of the wok, cover it, and let it cook for 2 minutes until just set but still soft.
What flavor profile should I expect?
Expect a savory, umami-rich flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and onions.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, any neutral vegetable oil or canola oil will work well for stir-frying.
What is Japanese grounded chili?
It usually refers to Shichimi Togarashi or Ichimi Togarashi, which are common Japanese spice blends.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari and ensure your Chinese wine is a gluten-free variety.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of sugar to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Is Gyudon suitable for lunch or dinner?
It is perfect for both a hearty lunch or a light, satisfying dinner.
Do I need a wok to make this recipe?
A large wok is recommended for even heat, but a large skillet will also work.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Should the beef be cooked on high heat?
Yes, the beef should be cooked on high heat to ensure it browns quickly without becoming tough.
How much soy sauce is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2.5 tablespoons of soy sauce total, a portion of which is used to marinate the beef.
Is the beef marinated in all of the sauce?
No, you only use 1/3 cup of the prepared marinade for the beef, saving the rest for simmering.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe falls under Japanese cuisine, specifically categorized as a 'Donburi' or rice bowl dish.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve four people, just ensure your wok is large enough.