Butadon (Pork Donburi)
Delicious Japanese-Style Pork Rice Bowl: Butadon (豚丼) Recipe
Here’s a way to use up that pork in your fridge! Inspired by Chef Jung Ho-young’s recipe, this Butadon is packed with flavor. Thinly sliced pork belly is simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying meal that feels special. Enjoy this rich and abundant pork rice bowl!
Main Ingredients- Pork (belly or shoulder) 100g, thinly sliced
- Onion 1/2, thinly sliced
- Garlic 2-3 cloves, thinly sliced (optional)
- Scallions (green onions) a small amount, chopped (for garnish)
- Egg yolk 1 (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds a pinch (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes a pinch (for garnish, optional)
Sauce- Mirin (sweet rice wine) 100ml
- Sake or Soju 50ml (red wine can be substituted if sake is unavailable)
- Soy sauce 50ml
- Minced garlic 1 tsp (approx. 5g)
- Ginger 1/4 tsp, grated or finely minced (approx. 1g)
- Mirin (sweet rice wine) 100ml
- Sake or Soju 50ml (red wine can be substituted if sake is unavailable)
- Soy sauce 50ml
- Minced garlic 1 tsp (approx. 5g)
- Ginger 1/4 tsp, grated or finely minced (approx. 1g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Slice the pork as thinly as possible. This ensures the sauce penetrates well and provides a tender texture when eaten with rice. (Example: 100g is for 2 servings.)
Step 2
To eliminate any gamey odor from the pork, a generous amount of mirin and sake is used. If you don’t have sake, feel free to substitute it with red wine from your pantry.
Step 3
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. You’ll need 100ml mirin, 50ml sake, 50ml soy sauce, 1 tsp minced garlic, and 1/4 tsp grated ginger. Feel free to adjust the sauce quantities based on the amount of pork you’re using.
Step 4
Using a soju cup (approx. 50ml) and a teaspoon is a convenient way to measure. Accurate measurements are the first step to a delicious dish.
Step 5
Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into a small pot or pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. As soon as it starts to bubble vigorously, turn off the heat. Simmering for too long can make the sauce too salty.
Step 6
Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and optional sliced garlic, and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Step 7
Once the onions start to turn translucent, add the thinly sliced pork. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry until the pork is completely cooked through. It’s important to break up the pork as it cooks so it doesn’t clump together.
Step 8
When the pork is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 50ml of the prepared soy sauce mixture into the pan. (Adjust the amount of sauce to your taste. It’s best to start with a little and add more after tasting.)
Step 9
Turn the heat back up to high and stir-fry quickly until the sauce coats the pork evenly and thickens slightly. Be careful not to let the sauce burn.
Step 10
Serve the warm, cooked rice in a bowl.
Step 11
Generously top the rice with the stir-fried pork and onion mixture.
Step 12
Gently place an egg yolk in the center. Garnish with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
Step 13
And there you have it – a beautiful Butadon (Pork Rice Bowl)! You can enjoy this restaurant-quality donburi right at home.
Step 14
Break the egg yolk and mix it with the pork and rice for a spoonful of pure deliciousness. Despite its simple preparation, this Butadon (Pork Rice Bowl) offers a deep and rich flavor that fills your mouth. Truly a delightful meal!
