Dive into the world of delectable rice bowls!
If you adore a complete, harmonious meal in a single dish, look no further: I’ve gathered 17 incredible donburi recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and simplify your dinner routine. Get ready to grab your favorite bowl and explore this amazing collection of Japanese-inspired delights!
1. Teriyaki Salmon Donburi
There’s never a misguided moment to eat salmon, and this teriyaki donburi bowl absolutely proves it!
A bowl of perfectly seasoned and seared teriyaki salmon served over sticky rice? Count me in. Throw in some tender veggies, and I’ve arrived in paradise. I think the stir fry of thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, spinach, and fresh edamame is just magnificent.
2. Roast Beef Donburi
Everybody recognizes the term wagyu at this point, thanks to the web. This Wagyu beef donburi is far better than any burger you’ll sink your teeth into!
Following the cooking directions for the beef roast gives you meat that simply melts. The best thing? Make a savory-sweet onion sauce using the meat juices: pure bliss. In contrast, the creamy wasabi sauce and rice give you all the balance you need.
Cap each donburi with a single egg yolk, and settle into this divine dinner.
3. Vegan Poke Bowl
Meatless Mondays don’t have to be dull or boring! This poke bowl hits different with its delightful Japanese and Hawaiian vibes.
Poke is usually raw fish and diced crisp veggies, butthis dish offers a twist. Heaps of veggies and crispy tofu crown a bed of steamed rice.
You can also mix it up by scattering other veggies in this rice bowl. I think beetroot and peas are some super crunchy additions!
4. Chicken Katsudon
Just like the pork version, chicken katsudon has so much going for it!
However, this recipe showcases seared chicken. Creamy egg, savory chicken, and satisfying rice? Yes, please!
When you’re craving a simple and soul-warming Japanese meal, consider this. Simmer the crisp katsu chicken in a savory broth to make it plump and flavorful. Round that out with eggs, onions, and garnish for a really delightful dinner!
5. Ground Chicken Bowl
Making a tasty dinner need not require oodles of time, fancy techniques, or a fat wallet. This incredibly tasty donburi bowl is absolutely proof!
It all kicks off with thoroughly seasoned ground chicken. Throw in some pillowy scrambled eggs and sweet green peas, and you have a meal!
This meal is suitable for prepping lunches for the week. Layer over rice in your container, and reheat for a luscious lunch!
6. Katsudon
When two styles of cuisine merge, it leads to either good things or disaster! This recipe definitely delivers the former.
Check out katsudon: where tonkatsu pork links up with donburi rice bowls. You start with the anticipated bed of steamed rice. And things only get more delicious from there because you top it with a well-seasoned pork cutlet, onion, and eggs.
The trick to this recipe? Don’t scramble the eggs as they cook. Instead, beat them before pouring them in. Let them soak up all the juices from cooking the pork and onions.
So good!
7. Japanese Chashu Don
Do you love chashu pork ramen? Well, this is like its close relative! It boasts that same scrummy pork belly and egg, but drops the broth and noodles.
Achieve chashu perfection by marinating and braising the pork for hours. Trust me: the weight is worth the wait!
Then, plate the pork over a bed of rice with bok choy and a soft-boiled egg. This is a very delightful donburi bowl if you ask me!
8. Oyakodon
Like gyudon, oyakodon is a humble bowl showcasing meat, onions, eggs, and rice. In this bowl, however, you’ll savor thin-sliced chicken! The chicken and onions simmer in a savory dashi, soy sauce, and mirin marinade.
Then, add in some scrambled eggs and plate over rice! For an added bit of protein and texture, you can crown the bowl with a soft-boiled egg.
This oyakodon recipe could not be easier, or more delish!
9. Eggplant Unagi Donburi
If unagi (eel) sushi calls your name, this donburi bowl is tailor made for you! It boasts savory and plump cooked eel and eggplant for a really delectable dinner.
The star is the scrumptious homemade unagi sauce. With just a splash of saki and store-bought unagi, it’s purely delicious!
Sauté the eggplant and eel in a skillet, then add the sumptuous sticky sauce. Dish over rice and garnish with shiso leaves before serving.
10. Teriyaki Tofu Donburi
When handled well, tofu shines as a magnificent meat alternative to delight your taste buds. This teriyaki donburi represents tofu done just right!
Pan-fried tofu is just like chicken after being pressed well to shed excess liquid. Then, just toss it in teriyaki sauce, and you have the makings of an absolute feast! Present this tofu over steamed rice with chopped scallions and your pick of stir fry veggies.
11. Japanese Eggs with Garlic Chives over Rice (Niratama Donburi)
At the breakfast table, I’m not one to complain about rice, and this dish is the only way to kick off your mornings. However, niratama donburi is divine any time of the day!
This is probably the simplest donburi bowl around. It only contains well-seasoned scrambled eggs and chives over rice!
Stir potato starch, sake, and soy sauce in with the eggs for just an awesome flavor.
You can always change things up as you please.
12. Gingery Ground Beef
As we all surely know, ginger delivers an essential flavor punch to a lot of Asian plates. This simple donburi brims with flavor and cooks in under 20 minutes!
Kick things off by simmering the ground beef with grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar. Serve it up with some green peas and rice, and dig in!
13. Tempura Donburi
Am I the only one who thinks tempura shrimp are simply impossible to resist?
This tempura donburi has got to be high on your list! This recipe is an elevated twist on tempura. Make your favorite tempura batter, and get those shrimp, sweet potatoes, green beans, and more swimming in that.
Dish these golden shrimp and veggies over steamy rice and slather on your best sauce. A comforting, crispy dinner that will have everyone raving!
14. Japanese Mushroom Donburi
This vegan donburi is high on my list as one of my go-to clean dinners. Who doesn’t love a bowl of savory umami mushrooms and rice?
Sauté brown mushrooms and serve them over rice with plump broccoli. The best aspect? It features a delicious miso dressing!
You can swap the dressing with your choice of premade Asian sauce, if you’d like. But I recommend you do not skip the effort since it is the star!
15. Ahi Poke Bowls
The ultimate poke bowl boasts flavors and temperatures in harmonious balance. Cold fish and veggies with steamy rice, along with a savory protein and a tangy sauce are essential!
This ahi (yellowfin tuna) poke bowl features the finest mingling of balanced and contrasting flavors! Topping it off with a drizzle of yuzu and cayenne poke sauce is just so delicious.
There are a load of vegetables that go great with poke bowls: edamame, cucumbers, and jalapenos are some of my personal picks!
16. Kaisen Donburi
If sashimi excites you, then this is the donburi bowl for you! It’s more refined than other bowls featured here, but it’s simply too good to skip!
The key ingredient of Kaisendon (Kaisen Donburi) is raw fish filets dished over a bed of sticky rice.
It is a must to buy sushi-grade fish if you are inspired to try this dish.
Don’t forget the dipping sauce, even if the fish is marinated. It has the perfect sweet-savory balance you need for such an incredible meal!