Japanese Beef and Onsen Egg (Gyudon)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

Japanese Beef and Onsen Egg (Gyudon)

I know when everything comes at you at the same time before the holidays, it can keep you really busy. That’s when you need a delicious, quick dish to end your day. This Japanese Beef and Onsen Egg Gyudon is a simple yet comforting rice bowl made with thinly sliced beef and sweet onions simmered in a savory-sweet gyudon sauce, then served over warm rice and topped with a silky onsen egg. Easy to make and full of umami flavor, it’s the perfect quick dinner when you’re craving a cozy Japanese meal at home. 💗

Ingredients

  • Main
  • Gyudon Sauce
  • Toppings

Steps

  • How to Make Japanese Beef and Onsen Egg Gyudon:

    1. Place the steak in the freezer for 60–90 minutes, until just firm. This makes it much easier to slice thinly. Slice against the grain and set aside. Then slice onion and set aside.

      Sliced beef on a wooden board.Sliced onion on a wooden board.

    2. In a small bowl, combine the sake, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well and set aside.

      A hand is holding a small bowl of brown sugar above a mixing bowl.A hand is holding a small bowl of mirin above a mixing bowl.A hand is holding a small bowl of soy sauce above a mixing bowl.A hand is holding a small bowl of sake above a mixing bowl.A hand is mixing sauce in a glass bowl.

    3. Then add the sliced beef to the sauce and mix well to coat evenly.

      A bowl of sliced beef is next to a mixing bowl with sauce.Mixed sliced beef in a mixing bowl.

    4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft and lightly caramelized.

      A hand is holding a bowl of cooking oil above a hot wok.A bowl of sliced onion above hot oil in a wok.Cooked sliced onion in a wok.

    5. Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook for 10–15 minutes, until the beef is tender and the sauce reduces to a thin, glossy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if needed.

      A bowl of seasoned beef sliced above a wok with cooked onion.Cooking raw beef with onion in a wok.Cooked beef and onion in a wok.

    6. Divide the rice between 2 bowls. Top with the beef and onions, add one onsen egg to each bowl, and garnish with green onions, pickled ginger, and sesame seeds if using.

      A bowl of apanese Beef and Onsen Egg (Gyudon).

Recipe Notes

Tips

This Japanese Beef and Onsen Egg Gyudon recipe is a comforting, classic Japanese beef dish that’s easy to recreate at home.

Whether topped with a silky onsen egg or softly cooked eggs, it’s a bowl you’ll want to make again and again.