I’m excited to share my Pork Donburi Bowl, a Japanese-style rice bowl that’s topped with tender, pan-seared pork and my signature homemade donburi sauce! This recipe is super easy and comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat. Trust me, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this dish is—let’s dive in and enjoy a taste of Japan right at home!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Pork Donburi Bowl because it’s an easy, satisfying Japanese dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner! The thinly sliced pork and onions are pan-fried to perfection, then tossed in my homemade Donburi Sauce, which really sets this recipe apart from others!
It uses the same simple pan-frying technique as my Japanese Pork Stir Fry and Japanese Ginger Pork Stir Fry, making it a breeze to prepare. The result is a savory-sweet bowl with tender pork over a bed of fluffy rice. If you’re looking to enjoy a restaurant-quality Japanese donburi dish at home with minimal fuss, this recipe is just for you. Try it out and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Sliced Pork – thinly sliced pork shoulder, aka butt, used for shabu shabu. Can also use shaved pork found at most local grocery stores.
- Onion – thinly sliced yellow or brown onion.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Rice – rice of choice. White is traditional used in Japanese cooking, but can also use brown or cauliflower rice depending on your preference.
- Green Onion – finely chopped green onion scallions used as the topping of the rice bowl.
- Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi. Base used for the donburi sauce.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets. Adds additional umami flavor and balance out the flavors of the donburi sauce.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
🥢 Dashi Pro Tip
For easier preparation of the dashi, use Hondashi mixed with water. This quick tip simplifies the process and ensures a flavorful base for your dish.
🍶 Mirin Note
We acknowledge that Mirin might not be readily available in all locations. To maintain the authentic flavors of this donburi sauce, my recipe modifies the ratio of Japanese sake and sweetener to substitute for mirin.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
Step 1 Prepare donburi sauce by combining dashi, soy sauce, sweetener, and Japanese sake. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 60 seconds. Remove from heat and set aside.
🍲 Simmering Pro Tip
For optimal results, ensure to Gently Simmer the sauce rather than allowing it to overboil. This technique helps preserve the flavors of the donburi sauce.
Step 2 In a wok or large skillet, heat cooking oil over high heat until hot. Add sliced onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3 Next, add sliced pork, sprinkle black pepper on top and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the donburi sauce, mix well, and serve the pork over a bowl of rice with any extra sauce. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
Serve the bowl Hot for the best flavors.
Recipe Variations
For a tasty twist on this Japanese rice bowl dish, consider adding chicken and eggs to the Donburi Sauce for a comforting Chicken Donburi Oyakodon. Alternatively, try using pan-fried seared steaks for a robust Steak Donburi variation, or switch it up with ground chicken and eggs to create a flavorful Soboro Donburi or add some red pepper to make my Spicy Chicken Donburi!
If you’re craving a Japanese classic, my Katsu Don, featuring fried Tonkatsu, is my recommendation! With so many variations possible with the base ingredients, experimenting with these options will keep your meals exciting and delicious.
Pairing Recommendations
For a complete meal, serve this Japanese rice bowl with a side of Tofu Miso Soup to add a comforting, warm touch. A Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing or Wafu Dressing will provide a refreshing, tangy contrast. If you love a side of garlic, my Japanese Pickled Garlic or Japanese Style Roasted Garlic will add a punchy flavor that complements the dish perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Traditional, short-grain or medium-grain steamed white rice is what is used. However you can also use brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low carb option.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Sure! Just add a sprinkle of togarashi or red pepper flakes before serving.
Storage Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will maintain its quality for 3-5 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Pork Donburi Bowl
Ingredients
Pork Donburi
- 3/4 lbs Pork thinly sliced
- 1/4 Cup Onions sliced
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onions chopped
- 2 Cup Rice
Sauce
- 2/3 Cup Dashi
- 1/4 Cup Japanese Sake
- 2 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare the donburi sauce by combining dashi, soy sauce, sweetener, and Japanese sake under high heat. Let the sauce come to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 60 seconds uncovered and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat cooking oil over high heat until hot. Add sliced onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Next, add thinly sliced pork, sprinkle black pepper on top and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add the donburi sauce, mix in the sauce well, and serve the pork over a bowl of rice with any extra sauce. Sprinkle green onions on top and serve hot.
