I absolutely love food bowls of all kinds, but Japanese rice bowls might just take the top spot.
These dishes pack an entire meal of veggies, protein, and rice into one convenient vessel.
Here are 17 of my favorite donburi recipes to shake up your dinner routine.
1. Gingery Ground Beef
Ginger is a massive player in Asian cuisine for a reason. You can whip up this flavorful donburi in under 20 minutes.
Simply cook your ground beef with sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Serve it alongside green peas and rice for a quick meal.
2. Kaisen Donburi
Sashimi lovers need to try this sophisticated rice bowl immediately. Kaisendon features raw fish filets resting on a bed of sticky rice. Make sure you purchase sushi grade fish for this recipe.
Do not skip the dipping sauce even if you marinate the seafood. The sweet and savory flavor profile is absolutely perfect.
3. Chicken Katsudon
This chicken version is just as lovable as the pork variation. It features seared chicken for an easy and comforting meal. You get savory chicken, creamy egg, and filling rice all in one place.
Simmer the crispy katsu in broth to make it juicy and tender. Top everything with onions and eggs for a wonderful dinner.
4. Teriyaki Salmon Donburi
I am convinced there is no bad method for eating salmon. This bowl is definitely the right way to do it. Imagine seared teriyaki salmon sitting on top of sticky rice.
The recipe includes tender stir fried vegetables like spinach, edamame, carrots, and cabbage. Feel free to toss in any other veggies you have on hand.
5. Japanese Eggs with Garlic Chives over Rice (Niratama Donburi)
Rice at the breakfast table is always a good idea in my book. Niratama donburi is a fantastic way to start the day or enjoy a meal anytime. This is easily the simplest bowl you will find on this list.
It consists of scrambled eggs and chives served over rice. You cook the eggs with soy sauce, sake, and potato starch for savory goodness.
6. Roast Beef Donburi
The internet has made everyone familiar with the term Wagyu. This beef donburi tastes better than any burger you will ever eat. Follow the instructions to ensure the roast beef is tender enough to melt in your mouth.
You use the pan juices to create a savory and sweet onion sauce. The rich meat pairs perfectly with creamy wasabi sauce and rice.
7. Vegan Poke Bowl
Going meatless does not mean your meal has to be boring. This bowl combines Japanese and Hawaiian flavors for an unbeatable result. While poke usually implies raw fish, this version uses different ingredients.
You pile crispy tofu and veggies on top of steamed rice. I love adding crunchy peas and beetroot to the mix.
8. Oyakodon
This dish is similar to gyudon with its base of rice, eggs, onions, and meat. You use thin slices of chicken for this particular bowl.
Simmer the onions and poultry in a marinade of mirin, soy sauce, and dashi. Scramble some eggs into the mix and pour it over rice. A soft boiled egg on top adds great texture and protein.
9. Tempura Donburi
I find tempura shrimp to be completely addictive. You have to try this donburi recipe if you agree with me. It elevates tempura to an entirely new level.
Green beans, sweet potatoes, and shrimp get coated in a delicious batter. Serve the crispy items over hot rice with plenty of sauce.
10. Japanese Mushroom Donburi
This vegan recipe is one of my top choices for a clean dinner. Umami mushrooms and rice make for a lovable combination. You brown the mushrooms and serve them with tender broccoli over the grains.
A miso dressing ties everything together perfectly. You can use a store bought sauce, but I highly recommend making the dressing yourself.
11. Katsudon
Fusion cuisine can be either a disaster or a beautiful masterpiece. This recipe is definitely a win. Katsudon marries donburi rice bowls with tonkatsu pork.
You start with a bed of steamed rice and top it with a seasoned pork cutlet. Mix the eggs before pouring them in rather than scrambling them while cooking.
12. Eggplant Unagi Donburi
Fans of unagi sushi will absolutely love this bowl. It features tender cooked eel and eggplant for a savory dinner. The homemade unagi sauce is truly the star ingredient.
You cook the eel and eggplant in a pan before adding the sticky sauce. Serve it over rice with a garnish of shiso leaves.
13. Teriyaki Tofu Donburi
Tofu is a fabulous alternative to meat when you prepare it correctly. This donburi recipe is a prime example of doing it right.
Press the tofu to remove liquid so it pan fries just like chicken. Toss the protein in teriyaki sauce for a total feast. I serve mine over steamed rice with stir fry veggies and scallions.
14. Gyudon
I love that Japanese cuisine often leans toward the healthier side. This hearty beef rice bowl is no exception. It is great for gluten free, Whole30, or paleo diets.
You combine beef and caramelized onions in a thick and delicious sauce. The sauce features ginger, garlic, honey, sake, and tamari.
15. Ground Chicken Bowl
Dinner does not need to be expensive or fancy to be delicious. This yummy bowl proves that fact. You start with ground chicken that is seasoned well.
Add sweet green peas and fluffy scrambled eggs to complete the meal. It works perfectly for weekly lunch prep.
16. Ahi Poke Bowls
A great poke bowl relies on contrasting temperatures and flavors. Think hot rice mixed with cold fish and veggies. This yellowfin tuna bowl marries those contrasts perfectly.
A drizzle of cayenne and yuzu sauce makes it totally drool-worthy. I like to serve mine with jalapenos, cucumbers, and edamame.
17. Japanese Chashu Don
You will love this if you enjoy chashu pork ramen. It features the same egg and pork belly without the noodles or broth. You need to braise and marinate the pork for hours to get it right.
The wait is absolutely worth the effort. Serve the meat over rice with a soft boiled egg and bok choy.