Traditional Japanese Oyako Don Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken thighs (about 350g), cut into small pieces
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups of steamed rice
  • 2 cups of dashi (Japanese soup stock)
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons of sake
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • Nori (seaweed), shredded for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a pan over medium heat, combine dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until they're softened.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and simmer until they're cooked through.
  4. Pour the beaten eggs over the chicken and onion in the pan. Cover and cook until the eggs are set to your liking.
  5. Divide the steamed rice between two bowls.
  6. Top the rice with the egg and chicken mixture, making sure to include some of the cooking liquid.
  7. Garnish each bowl with chopped green onions and shredded nori.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the chicken and onions.
  • Whisk - To beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
  • Spatula - For stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Rice Cooker - To steam the rice.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Chopping Board - To prepare the ingredients.
  • Knife - For cutting the chicken and slicing the onions.
  • Soup Ladle - To pour the cooking liquid over the rice.
  • Kitchen Timer - To keep track of cooking times.
  • Bowls - For serving the Oyako Don.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef or pork.
  • Use tofu instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and texture.
  • For a spicier version, add chili flakes or chili oil.
  • Experiment with different types of rice, such as brown rice or sushi rice.
  • Try different toppings like pickled ginger, sesame seeds, or bonito flakes.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of sesame oil or a dash of garlic powder.
  • Add a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist.
  • For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce or replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Recipe overview

Oyako Don is a classic Japanese comfort dish that combines tender pieces of chicken and soft, fluffy eggs cooked in a savory-sweet sauce, all served over a bed of steamed rice. The name Oyako Don literally translates to "parent and child bowl", a nod to its main ingredients of chicken (parent) and eggs (child). This recipe is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare; it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You'll start by simmering chicken and onions in a flavorful sauce made from dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Then, you'll pour beaten eggs over the top and let them cook until they're just set. The dish is served over rice, with a garnish of chopped green onions and shredded nori for a pop of color and added flavor. This meal is a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness that's sure to become a family favorite.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken breast cooks faster than thighs.
  2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of dashi? While it may alter the flavor slightly, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for dashi if you prefer a vegetarian version of Oyako Don.
  3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the dish to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
  4. Is mirin necessary for this recipe? Mirin adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts of sugar and water.
  5. Can I use pre-cooked rice for Oyako Don? While traditionally Oyako Don is made with freshly steamed rice, you can use pre-cooked rice as a time-saving option. Just make sure to heat it thoroughly before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A medium-sized pan to cook the chicken and onions.
  • Whisk - To beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
  • Rice Cooker - For steaming the rice.
  • Chopping Board - To chop the chicken thighs and green onions.
  • Knife - For cutting the chicken and slicing the onions.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Soup Ladle - For serving the Oyako Don.
  • Bowls - To serve the Oyako Don.
  • Garnish Shredder - If you prefer to shred your own nori for garnishing.

Origin stories

Oyako Don is a beloved traditional dish from Japan with a name that literally tells a story. "Oyako" translates to "parent and child," and "don" is short for "donburi," meaning "bowl." The name is a playful nod to its main ingredients - chicken and eggs. This dish embodies the simplicity and depth of Japanese cuisine, where each ingredient is allowed to shine. It speaks to the harmony between ingredients, and in a broader sense, to the balance and respect for nature in Japanese culture. It's a dish that's more than just a meal, it's a story served in a bowl.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.