Simple and Delicious Japanese Gyudon (Beef Bowl)

There’s something comforting about simple and delicious dishes. Gyudon, or Japanese beef bowl, is the perfect example of this. Made by simmering thinly sliced beef and onions in a sweet-savory sauce, then serving it over rice, this simple dish has a flavor that feels nostalgic, even for first-time eaters. While it’s a common and easy-to-make dish in Japan, those living abroad may encounter a challenge: “I can’t find men-tsuyu!” Don’t worry! Even without men-tsuyu, you can still make a delicious and authentic gyudon using basic ingredients.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

Gyudon Ingredients

• 200g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works, but in Japan, shoulder roast or brisket are more common)
• 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 bowls of rice
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, pickled ginger, soft-boiled egg, etc.

Sauce Ingredients

• Without men-tsuyu:
  • 200ml water (about 3/4 cup)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp mirin (or substitute with 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp vinegar)
  • 1/2 tbsp sake (substitute with white wine if unavailable)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp powdered dashi (optional but enhances flavor)
• With men-tsuyu:
  • 3 tbsp concentrated men-tsuyu (3x)
  • 150ml water
  • 1/2 tbsp sugar (add more if you prefer a sweeter taste)
• If you don’t have mirin:
  • Substitute 1 tbsp mirin with 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp vinegar

Directions:

1. Make the Sauce: In a small pot, combine all the sauce ingredients and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the Beef: Add the beef to the pot, gently breaking it apart, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Serve: Scoop rice into bowls and top it with the beef and onions.
5. Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, pickled ginger, or a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor.

Enjoy the Simplicity

I still remember when I tried to make Japanese food for the first time while studying in the U.S. I ran into the issue of not being able to find men-tsuyu at regular supermarkets. I had to drive to a Japanese food store a little farther away, and the feeling of accomplishment when I finally found it is still vivid. But what if there isn’t a Japanese grocery store nearby? The truth is, you don’t need special ingredients to make a delicious meal. With a little creativity, you can make great dishes even without them. There’s a certain joy in these small discoveries, and that’s what makes cooking so fun.

Choosing Beef: Ribeye, Sirloin, or Traditional Cuts?

In many places abroad, ribeye and sirloin are the more readily available cuts of beef, and they’re often used in gyudon. However, in Japan, the traditional cuts for gyudon are shoulder roast (katāro-su) and brisket (bara-niku). These cuts have a good balance of fat, making them perfect for simmered dishes like gyudon. The flavor of the sauce soaks into the beef nicely, creating a rich taste. While you can certainly substitute ribeye or sirloin when making gyudon abroad, using shoulder roast or brisket will bring you closer to the authentic taste.

Conclusion: The Joy of Simple Home-Cooked Meals

Japanese home cooking is full of easy-to-make dishes that allow the natural flavors of ingredients to shine through with minimal effort. Gyudon is a prime example of this. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the taste of a restaurant-quality dish at home. A little ingenuity goes a long way in making a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

So, why not try making gyudon at home? It’s the perfect dish for a weekend lunch or a quick, satisfying dinner on a busy day.

Have a great weekend!