Come in and try my Steak Donburi Bowl – a traditional Japanese delight that brings the savory goodness of steak atop a bed of fluffy rice, all drizzled with my special homemade steak donburi sauce! Perfect for those craving authentic Japanese flavors made easy at home, this dish is a surefire way to fill your satisfaction without breaking the bank. Get ready to savor every bite of this satisfying meal!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re like me and crave the authentic Japanese steak donburi experience without the hefty price tag of dining out, then I promise this recipe is a game-changer! Imagine juicy slices of pan-seared steak resting on a fluffy bed of rice, generously coated with my specially crafted Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce, inspired by my own very popular Japanese Style Garlic Steak and Japanese Pepper Steak plate!
This flavorful twist is a departure from traditionally used Donburi Sauce that elevates this steak bowl to new heights, delivering a sweet and savory symphony that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Japan! And the best part? I crafted to be made fuss free in your own kitchen all under 10 minutes! I promise it will take you longer to eat it then make prepare it! So why wait? Let’s savor the irresistible flavors of Japan tonight!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Steak – 1/2 inch thick wafer steaks, ribeye or NY strip works best with this recipe.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- 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.
- Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- 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.
- Garlic – grated.
🥢 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.
🥩 Steak Note
If Slicing to Wafer Steaks from a Roast, consider placing them in the Freezer for 20-30 Minutes until they are Semi-Frozen. This technique allows for cleaner and more accurate cuts, ensuring uniformity in your steak slices.
🍶 Mirin Note
While mirin can be used to make Japanese steak sauce, we’ve modified this recipe to accommodate areas where mirin might not be readily available by adjusting the amounts of sake and sweetener used instead.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Before getting started, ensure you have a Large Frying Pan with a Flat Bottom, preferably a Cast Iron Skillet. This will provide ample room for your steaks to sear evenly, resulting in a delicious crust and juicy interior.
Step 1Pat dry steaks with a paper towel and then lightly season with salt and black pepper.
🧂 Seasoning Pro Tip
For even seasoning, try Sprinkling from a Higher Above. Allow the steak to Rest for 20-30 Minutes after seasoning. This time will enable the steak to absorb the seasoning and reach an even temperature, ensuring a perfectly cooked steak.
Step 2Prepare Dashi and bring to a boil. Combine soy sauce, sweetener, Japanese sake, and grated garlic clove. Let the mixture boil for 10-15 seconds, then remove from heat and rest aside.
🥢 Sauce Pro Tip
For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to Rest For 10-15 Minutes allowing the flavors to meld together at room temperature.
Step 3Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it’s preheats. Then, add the steak and cook for 20-30 seconds per side for Medium-Rare, 30-40 seconds per side for Medium, 40-50 seconds per side for Medium-Well, and 50+ seconds per side for Well-Done. The cooking times will vary greatly depending on the thickness of the steak.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
For an accurate internal temperature check, aim for 125°F for Medium-Rare, 130°F for Medium, and 135°F for Medium-Well. Using a meat thermometer ensures precise cooking and allows you to achieve your desired level of doneness with perfection.
Step 4Slice the steaks and arrange them on top of the bowl of rice. Just before serving, drizzle the sauce over the top.
🥩 Steak Pro Tip
For best results, allow the steak to Rest for 5 Minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute before slicing.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For enhanced presentation, garnish your dish with chopped Green Onions and Toasted Sesame Seeds.
Recipe Variations
Explore exciting recipe variations with ease. Swap out the steak and sauce with Tonkatsu for a Katsu Don, or a Chicken Katsu for a Chicken Katsu Don. Or you could even use sliced pork to create my Pork Donburi Bowl or use spicy chicken to make my Spicy Chicken Donburi! Each variation offers its own distinct flavors, enhancing your dining experience while maintaining the comforting appeal of the classic donburi bowl.
Pairing Recommendations
Enhance your steak donburi with side options like a green salad with Miso Salad Dressing alongside Tofu Miso Soup. These pairings perfectly complement the flavors of the main dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the steaks instead?
Yes, you can grill the steaks! Simply preheat your grill to 350°F and sear the steaks with the cover closed for 90 seconds per side for medium-rare or 120 seconds per side for medium. This method will give your steaks a delicious charred flavor while achieving the desired level of doneness.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
For this recipe, traditional short-grain steamed white rice is typically used to complement the flavors of the dish. However, you can also opt for brown rice for a healthier alternative or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. These variations offer flexibility to cater to different dietary preferences.
Can I make the steak donburi sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the steak sauce ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for 14-21 days under proper storage conditions. This allows you to prepare the sauce in advance, ensuring that it's ready to use whenever you're ready to cook your steak donburi.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest before serving?
While it's not necessary to let the steak rest before serving, doing so would result in the juiciest steak possible. Allowing the steak to rest helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and tender dining experience.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. While the dish is best enjoyed fresh to prevent the rice from becoming too soft due to sauce absorption, it can still be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Steak Donburi Bowl
Ingredients
Steak Don
- 2 Steak 1/2 inch thick wafer steak - ribeye, NY fillet or top sirloin
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 2 Cups Rice rice of choice
Sauce
- 1 Cup Dashi
- 5 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 2 1/2 Tbsp Japanese Sake can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 Garlic grated
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Dry steaks with a paper towel, then lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Make dashi and bring it to a boil. Mix soy sauce, sweetener, Japanese sake, and grated garlic in. Let it boil briefly, then set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook: 20-30 seconds/side for Medium-Rare, 30-40 seconds /side for Medium, 40-50 seconds /side for Medium-Well, or 50+ sec/side for Well-Done. Times will vary depending on thickness of the steak.
- Slice steaks and place on rice. Drizzle sauce on top before serving.
