I absolutely adore food bowls, whether they involve salad, soup, or protein. Japanese rice bowls might just take the top spot on my list of favorites.
Get your dishes ready for these 17 incredible donburi recipes.
1. Eggplant Unagi Donburi
Fans of eel sushi need to try this incredible bowl immediately. It combines tender cooked eel with savory eggplant for a truly delightful meal.
The homemade unagi sauce is the real highlight here. You make it with store-bought unagi and a splash of sake.
Sauté the eel and eggplant in a pan before adding that sticky, yummy sauce. Serve it all over rice with a garnish of shiso leaves.
2. Teriyaki Tofu Donburi
Tofu works as an amazing meat substitute when you prepare it the right way. This recipe showcases exactly how to do it correctly.
Press the liquid out well so the pan-fried tofu mimics chicken. Coat those pieces in teriyaki sauce for a total feast.
You can serve the tofu on steamed rice alongside chopped scallions and stir fry vegetables.
3. Katsudon
Fusions of different cuisines usually result in either a mess or a masterpiece. This dish definitely falls into the beautiful combination category.
Katsudon unites tonkatsu pork with a classic donburi rice bowl. It begins with steamed rice at the base.
You top that with savory pork cutlet, eggs, and onion.
Make sure you mix the eggs before pouring them in rather than scrambling them while cooking. They will absorb all the juices from the onions and pork.
4. Japanese Mushroom Donburi
This vegan meal wins the prize for one of the best clean dinners around. Everyone loves a bowl packed with umami mushrooms and rice.
You brown the mushrooms before serving them on rice alongside tender broccoli.
The miso dressing is really the best part. You could swap it for a store-bought Asian sauce if you want.
I highly recommend making the dressing since it steals the spotlight.
5. Ground Chicken Bowl
A tasty dinner doesn’t need to be pricey or take forever to cook. This incredible bowl proves exactly that point.
It begins with flavorful ground chicken. You add sweet green peas and fluffy scrambled eggs to complete the meal.
It works perfectly for weekly lunch prep. Just pile it over rice in a container to reheat later for a lovely lunch.
6. Ahi Poke Bowls
Contrasting temperatures and flavors make for the best poke bowls. Think hot rice with cold fish and vegetables.
This yellowfin tuna bowl balances those elements perfectly. A drizzle of cayenne and yuzu sauce makes it absolutely mouthwatering.
You can serve various veggies with this dish. Jalapenos, cucumbers, and edamame are a few of my top picks.
7. Japanese Eggs with Garlic Chives over Rice (Niratama Donburi)
I never complain about having rice for breakfast. This meal is honestly the greatest way to begin your day.
Of course, niratama donburi tastes amazing at any hour. It is the easiest bowl on this entire list.
You just need chives and seasoned scrambled eggs on top of rice. Cook the eggs with soy sauce, sake, and potato starch for a savory kick.
8. Gingery Ground Beef
Ginger is a crucial ingredient in so many Asian recipes. This simple donburi packs a ton of flavor and takes under 20 minutes to make.
You start by cooking ground beef with sugar, soy sauce, and grated ginger. Serve it alongside rice and green peas for a tasty meal.
9. Vegan Poke Bowl
Meatless meals never need to be boring. This poke bowl combines Hawaiian and Japanese flavors in an unbeatable way.
While poke usually implies raw fish, this version is unique. Crispy tofu and plenty of vegetables sit atop steamed rice.
You can vary the dish by including other veggies too. Peas and beetroot are some of my top choices for added crunch.
10. Japanese Chashu Don
Fans of chashu pork ramen will adore this related dish. It features the same egg and tasty pork belly but skips the noodles and broth.
Making perfect chashu requires braising and marinating the pork for a few hours. I promise the effort is worth the wait.
Serve the meat on rice with a soft-boiled egg and bok choy.
11. Oyakodon
Oyakodon is a simple bowl with rice, eggs, onions, and meat, much like gyudon. This version uses thinly sliced chicken instead of beef.
You cook the onions and chicken in a marinade of mirin, soy sauce, and dashi.
Mix in scrambled eggs and spoon it all over rice. Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra texture and protein.
12. Roast Beef Donburi
The internet has made everyone familiar with wagyu beef by now. This tasty Wagyu donburi beats any burger out there.
Follow the roasting instructions to get meat that melts in your mouth. Using the meat juices to create a savory-sweet onion sauce is my favorite part.
The rich beef balances perfectly with rice and creamy wasabi sauce. Add a single egg yolk on top and enjoy this amazing dinner.
13. Teriyaki Salmon Donburi
I honestly think there is no bad way to enjoy salmon. This bowl proves that point perfectly.
Seared teriyaki salmon on sticky rice is absolutely the right way to do it. Add some tender vegetables and I am totally happy.
The recipe uses a stir fry of spinach, carrots, fresh edamame, and thinly sliced cabbage. You can toss in other veggies as well.
14. Tempura Donburi
Tempura shrimp are totally addictive in my opinion. You need 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 tasty batter.
Serve the crispy veggies and shrimp on hot rice with plenty of sauce. Everyone will love this comforting dinner.
15. Kaisen Donburi
Sashimi lovers will definitely want to try this bowl. It is slightly more sophisticated than the other options here.
I had to include it because it tastes so good. Raw fish fillets sit on a bed of sticky rice in this dish.
Buying sushi-grade fish is crucial for this recipe.
Do not forget the delicious dipping sauce. It provides the ideal sweet-savory flavor for this meal.
16. Chicken Katsudon
Chicken katsudon is just as lovable as the pork version. This recipe uses seared chicken instead.
It is the perfect choice for an easy, comforting Japanese meal. You get filling rice, savory chicken, and creamy egg all in one.
Cook the crispy chicken in savory broth so it stays juicy and tender. Finish with onions, eggs, and a garnish for a great dinner.