Have you ever tried a donburi bowl? This Japanese classic — which simply translates to “bowl” — is a seriously tasty dish that combines meat, fish, veggies, and more.
Everything simmers together, making the flavors blend perfectly. Served over rice, it’s one of those hearty meals that just hits the spot.
So, if you want to try your hand at making donburi at home, take a look at these tried-and-tested recipes.
1. Unagi Donburi
Also known as unagidon, this dish stars tender grilled eel glazed in a sweet, sticky sauce that’s pure magic. While traditionally a summer favorite in Japan, this bowl is perfect anytime you’re craving something indulgent.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal at home, and click here.
2. Niratama Donburi
This dish may look simple on the surface, but there’s a lot of thought behind it. For instance, garlic chives are sautéed to release their fresh, vibrant aroma, before being gently folded into a creamy, fluffy egg mixture.
Serve it over a bowl of steaming hot rice, and you’re done! Click here.
3. Chicken Donburi
This flavorful rice bowl features tender chicken with irresistibly crisp skin, paired with sautéed spinach for a touch of greens.
Topped with crunchy fried garlic and savory nori strips, it’s a delicious medley of textures and flavors that’ll make every bite unforgettable.
Ready to get started? Click here.
4. Salmon Donburi
Imagine silky salmon sashimi layered over perfectly seasoned sushi rice, topped with rich salmon roe and sweet tender chunks of egg omelet — that’s what this recipe is all about!
And, you won’t believe how easy and fast it is to make, so click here.
5. Vegan Donburi Bowl
For this recipe, feel free to choose between brown rice for extra fiber or sushi rice for that authentic touch. Then, season everything with teriyaki sauce to make your veggies taste irresistible.
Perfect for any day of the week: click here.
6. Wagyu Donburi
Featuring tender, high-quality beef served over fluffy Japanese rice, then finished with savory yakiniku sauce and a sprinkle of green onions — it’s a simple yet luxurious bowl that’s all about bold flavors.
Save this for special occasions, and click here.
7. Katsu Donburi
Crispy fried chicken cutlet, smothered in a savory onion and egg sauce, served over a bed of rice — this is chicken katsudon at its finest. If you haven’t tried this Japanese classic yet, you’re in for a treat!
It’s comforting, flavorful, and so, SO GOOD: click here.
8. Oyako Donburi
Oyakodon, a comforting Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl, is a quick and easy one-pot meal you can master at home.
This popular restaurant favorite combines tender chicken, fluffy eggs, and flavorful broth over rice for a dish that’s simple yet satisfying.
For the full step-by-step breakdown, click here.
9. Soboro Donburi
This savory and gingery ground beef stir-fry is a quick, 6-ingredient wonder that’s perfect for busy nights. Ready in minutes, it’s a flavorful dish guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
So, to get started, grab your ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh ginger, frozen peas, and cooked rice.
Once you have everything, click here.
10. Beef Donburi
Gyudon is a classic Japanese rice bowl featuring tender slices of beef and onions simmered in a savory mirin and soy sauce blend. Served over a bed of rice, it’s simple, cozy, and packed with flavor.
This is a must-try, so click here.
11. Tempura Donburi
Tempura donburi is a delightful rice bowl topped with crispy tempura prawns and veggies, then drizzled with a sweet, savory sauce. Overall, it’s a simple dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Add this to your rotation, and click here.
12. Vegetarian Donburi
This vegetarian donburi is a vibrant mix of tender broccolini, earthy mushrooms, and sweet carrots served over fluffy sushi rice.
Tossed in a savory miso-soy sauce and topped with silky scrambled eggs, it’s a wholesome, flavorful bowl finished with a sprinkle of green onions for extra freshness.
Easy, nourishing, and packed with umami! Click here.
13. Tofu Donburi
When simmered with sliced onions and a sweet, savory broth, tofu transforms into a flavorful topping that soaks up all the delicious seasoning.
Whether you go for soft or firm tofu and prefer runny or fully-cooked eggs, this dish guarantees a delicious and satisfying results every time!
Ready to get started? Click here.
14. Pork Donburi
Thinly sliced pork belly is simmered in a savory, mildly sweet broth and served over hot steamed rice, creating a comforting bowl packed with rich flavor. How drool-worthy does that sound?
If you want to make this at home, click here.
15. Duck Donburi
This duck donburi bowl features slow-cooked teriyaki duck paired with fresh broccoli, carrots, and cucumber, all topped with a perfectly fried egg. It’s a well-balanced dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
If you haven’t tried this before, now’s your chance: click here.
16. Chicken Teriyaki Donburi
This recipe showcases a juicy, tender chicken thigh with crispy skin, all drizzled with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a mouthwatering bowl that’s sure to wow you with every bite.
For the full recipe, click here.
Ready To Master the Art of Donburi?
The Japanese certainly know how to make rice bowls the right way. And with their perfect balance of flavors, textures, and comforting ingredients, each donburi is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Featured image credit to @zencolombo.
