Super Simple Homemade Salmon Donburi (Sakura Don)
5-Minute Salmon Donburi Made at Home! Taste That Rivals Famous Restaurants
Introducing a super simple Sakura Don recipe that you can easily make with smoked salmon and tsuyu sauce, perfect for special occasions or when you have a light appetite. Whip up this impressive salmon rice bowl at home that rivals your favorite restaurant’s. Even your kids will give it a big thumbs up! This is an incredibly easy recipe that even beginner cooks can confidently follow.
Ingredients
- Smoked Salmon 150g
- Onion 1/4
- Green Onion 1/5 stalk
Seasoning & Rice
- Tsuyu (Soy Sauce Base) 2 Tbsp
- Wasabi 1 tsp
- Olive Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Vinegar 2-3 tsp
- Cooked Rice 1 bowl
- Tsuyu (Soy Sauce Base) 2 Tbsp
- Wasabi 1 tsp
- Olive Oil 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 tsp
- Vinegar 2-3 tsp
- Cooked Rice 1 bowl
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all the ingredients needed for your Sakura Don. Having the smoked salmon, onion, green onion, a bowl of rice, and the seasoning ingredients laid out in front of you will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Portion the smoked salmon (about 150g) into bite-sized pieces or arrange it beautifully in a bowl. Smoked salmon is convenient as it can be used directly without any further cooking.
Step 3
Pour 2 Tbsp of tsuyu over the prepared smoked salmon and gently toss to allow the seasoning to soak in. The umami from the tsuyu will infuse the salmon, adding a deeper flavor.
Step 4
Peel and thinly slice the 1/4 onion. Slicing it thinly will help it integrate well with the texture of the salmon donburi.
Step 5
Place the thinly sliced onions in cold water for about 2-3 minutes to remove their sharp bite. Adding 2-3 tsp of vinegar to the water will enhance their crispiness and add a subtle flavor. This step makes the raw onion enjoyable even for those who usually dislike it.
Step 6
Finely chop 1/5 of a green onion. The chopped green onion will be sautéed to add its aroma to the dish.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the chopped green onion until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; the key is to infuse the oil with the mild sweetness and aroma of the green onion.
Step 8
Add the sautéed green onion and a little bit of the oil it was cooked in to your warm bowl of rice. This oil will add flavor to the rice, making it even more delicious.
Step 9
Add 1 Tbsp of tsuyu (or adjust to your taste) and 1 tsp of sesame oil to the rice. Gently mix using a spatula, being careful not to mash the rice grains. The tsuyu seasons the rice, and the sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 10
Artfully arrange the tsuyu-marinated smoked salmon on top of the seasoned rice. The vibrant red of the salmon makes the dish visually appealing.
Step 11
Drain the thinly sliced onions thoroughly using a sieve. Ensuring excess water is removed will prevent the donburi from becoming soggy.
Step 12
Finally, place the drained onion slices attractively over the salmon, and sprinkle 1 tsp of sesame seeds on top to finish. For an extra kick, serve with 1 tsp of wasabi on the side according to your preference. Your delicious Salmon Donburi, Sakura Don, is now complete!
