Beef Donburi with Japanese BBQ Sauce

Beef donburi, or gyudon, is the ultimate Japanese comfort food—thinly sliced beef simmered to perfection in a sweet-savory sauce, served over a steaming bowl of rice. But we're taking it up a notch by swapping the traditional soy-based broth for a bold and smoky Japanese BBQ sauce, giving this dish a delicious twist. Imagine tender beef coated in a rich umami glaze, caramelized onions, and a fluffy bed of rice soaking up all those flavors. It's an easy weeknight meal but tastes like something straight out of a Tokyo street food stall.

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Beef Donburi with Japanese BBQ Sauce

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 2

Equipment

• Medium skillet or pan
• Small saucepan
• Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

For the Beef

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye, sirloin, or shabu-shabu cut
• 1 small onion thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice

Japanese BBQ Sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp sake
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ketchup adds depth and sweetness
• ½ tsp smoked paprika for a subtle BBQ touch
• ½ tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening

Garnishes

• 1 soft-boiled egg or onsen tamago optional
• 1 tbsp sliced green onions
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
• Pickled ginger beni shoga, for a traditional touch

Instructions

 

Prepare the BBQ Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, ketchup, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium-low, stirring until well combined. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve ½ tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp water and whisk it in. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Cook the Beef and Onions

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and sauté onions until soft and slightly caramelized (about 3 minutes). Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until just browned, about 2–3 minutes. Pour in the BBQ sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another minute to absorb the flavors.
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Assemble the Donburi

1. Scoop hot steamed rice into bowls. Top with the beef and onions, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. If using, add a soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness.

Enjoy!

1. Break the egg and mix it into the beef and rice for a creamy texture. Grab your chopsticks and dig in!

Pairings

• Miso soup – A classic, light contrast to the rich beef.
• Japanese pickles (tsukemono) – Helps balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Chilled green tea or sake – Refreshing with the bold flavors of the dish.

FAQs

1. What type of beef is best for donburi?

Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or shabu-shabu beef works best because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.

2. Can I make this with chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced thinly, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How do I make onsen tamago at home?

Simmer eggs in hot (but not boiling) water at 160°F (70°C) for 12–15 minutes, then cool in ice water. The yolk should be soft and custardy.

4. Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Store the beef and rice separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave and top with fresh garnishes.