Good to see yahhh again!
Ever had one of those days where everything’s cray-cray and you just need something quick, easy, and oh-so-delish to lift your spirits? Yep, me too.
It’s been a long day of chasing my four wild kiddos around Vero Beach. Dez (my awesome dude with the blonde dreads) is out fishing, and I’m standing in the kitchen, craving something hearty and satisfying. That’s when I remember my all-time favorite comfort dish from our travels – Beef Don Recipe.
This beef bowl recipe is my go-to for a reason. It’s inspired by the many cruises we took back in the day (hello, travel agent perks!) where I fell in love with Japanese cuisine. There’s nothing like the combo of tender beef (which you can also find in Beef Au Jus Crock Pot), savory sauce, and fluffy rice to bring back those delicious memories.
The Story Behind Beef Don: A Culinary Journey
Ever wondered why this dish is called “Beef Don”? The term “don” comes from donburi, which means “bowl” in Japanese. It signifies that this dish is served over rice, making it a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Beef don, or gyudon, specifically highlights the tender beef that’s simmered in a savory sauce, making it a beloved choice in Japan and beyond. This dish became popular in the early 20th century when the first gyudon shop opened in Tokyo. Since then, it has evolved, with various regional styles and interpretations, but the essence remains the same: a hearty bowl of rice topped with delicious beef.
This comfort food has not only won hearts in Japan but has also become a staple in many households around the world. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, this beef don recipe is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo with every bite!
Ingredients Used to Make Beef Don Recipe
Before we start, here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering dish:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with more mirin)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dashi stock (or water with a pinch of dashi powder)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Pickled ginger (optional)
How to Make Beef Don
Ready to cook up some deliciousness? Follow these steps, and you’ll have a tasty beef don ready in no time.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and cooked through. This should only take a few minutes if the beef is thinly sliced.
- Add the Sauce and Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, followed by the dashi stock. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Don: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls and top with the beef and onion mixture. Make sure to drizzle some of that delicious sauce over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a few slices of pickled ginger if you’re using it. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have on hand, so no need to hunt down anything exotic.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. I’m always excited to hear from you and see your culinary creations. Until next time, happy cookin’!
Ingredient Prep Tips for the Perfect Beef Don
To elevate your beef don recipe, prepping your ingredients can make all the difference. Here are some handy tips:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For the best results, use beef sirloin or ribeye. These cuts are tender and flavorful, making them ideal for quick cooking. Ensure the beef is thinly sliced for maximum tenderness; you can freeze the beef for about 30 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Prep the Vegetables: Thinly slicing the onion helps it cook quickly and evenly, infusing your dish with sweetness. Consider soaking the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness before cooking.
- Minimize Cooking Time: Since this dish comes together quickly, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This means measuring out your sauces, chopping green onions, and having your rice cooked in advance.
- Make Your Own Dashi Stock: If you can’t find dashi stock, you can easily make a quick version by combining water with a pinch of dashi powder or adding a piece of kombu (dried seaweed) to your water while it heats. This will enhance the umami flavor of your dish.
- Garnish with Flair: The final touch of green onions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger not only adds flavor but also gives your beef don a vibrant, appealing look. Don’t skip this step—presentation is key!
By taking a little extra time to prepare your ingredients, you'll be set up for success in making a truly delicious beef don. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Quick Cooking Recipe
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
Yield: 4 servings
Dive into this delicious beef don recipe inspired by my love for Japanese cuisine. Tender beef, savory sauce, and fluffy rice make for the perfect meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with more mirin)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dashi stock (or water with a pinch of dashi powder)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add sliced onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to high and add sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry until beef is browned and cooked through, just a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, followed by dashi stock. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
- Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with beef and onion mixture, drizzling with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for beef if you prefer.
For more DELISH recipes like Beef Don Recipe, head over to So Damn Delish. You can always find something useful for your kitchen at my location. Happy cooking!
Beef Don Recipe: A Mouth-Watering Japanese Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious beef don recipe is inspired by SoDamnDelish’s love for Japanese cuisine. Tender beef, savory sauce, and fluffy rice make for the perfect meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with more mirin)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup dashi stock (or water with a pinch of dashi powder)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Add sliced onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to high and add sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry until beef is browned and cooked through, just a few minutes.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan, followed by dashi stock. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
- Spoon cooked rice into bowls. Top with beef and onion mixture, drizzling with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for beef if you prefer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
