A flavorful & authentic Japanese rice bowl featuring marinated chicken, sushi rice, and a variety of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients
- 4cupsChicken breast fillets (cut into strips)
- 1 1/2cupsSushi rice
- 2tbspApple cider vinegar
- 2cupsCarrots (julienne)
- 4piecePak choi (cut lengthwise into halves)
- 1 1/2cupsRed cabbage (shredded)
- 1cupEdamame beans
- 1cupLight soy sauce
- 1tbspDark soy sauce
- 1tbspOyster sauce
- 2tbspMirin
- 3tbspSugar
- 1tspFresh red chilli (finely chopped)
- 1cupSpring onions (thinly sliced diagonally)
- 1tbspGinger (minced)
- 1tspGarlic (minced)
- 1/2tspSesame seeds (toasted)
- 3tbspVegetable oil
How to make Chicken Donburi
Marinate the chicken strips: In a bowl, add the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red chilli. Mix well, then add the chicken strips. Mix again, cover, and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Place sushi rice in a medium pot and run water over it. Wash the rice by rubbing it between your hands. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Then add the same amount of water to the pot as rice. Bring the pot to a boil, then turn down the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the lid on the pot for 10 minutes. Add the apple cider vinegar and sugar to the rice. Mix the rice with a fork, making sure the vinegar distributes through the batch.
Heat a pan, add a little vegetable oil, then flash fry the pak choi halves just to get some color. Do the same with the julienne carrots.
Heat a wok. Add some vegetable oil and sauté the marinated chicken strips until golden brown. Then add the sauce and simmer until the chicken has cooked through.
Heat a pan to medium heat and dry toast the sesame seeds until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare your bowl: Place the sushi rice in the bowl, then arrange the carrots, red cabbage, and pak choi so you can see the colors. Place the chicken on top, center. Then place the edamame beans in a spot where you want more green.
Garnish with spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. This bowl is enjoyed at room temperature.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the rice is rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch.
Marinating the chicken for longer can enhance the flavor.
You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save on prep time.
FAQS
How do I properly cook sushi rice for Chicken Donburi?
To cook sushi rice for Chicken Donburi, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, then let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, mix in apple cider vinegar and sugar for flavor.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Chicken Donburi?
If you don't have sushi rice, you can substitute it with short-grain rice or jasmine rice. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of light soy sauce. You can also replace pak choi with bok choy or spinach, and if you prefer a milder flavor, omit the fresh red chili.
Can I make Chicken Donburi ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Donburi ahead of time. Store the marinated chicken and cooked rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and rice, then assemble the bowl with fresh vegetables.
What are some great side dishes or pairings for Chicken Donburi?
Chicken Donburi pairs well with miso soup or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Is Chicken Donburi suitable for a low-carb diet?
Chicken Donburi is not typically low in carbs due to the sushi rice. However, you can make a low-carb version by substituting the rice with cauliflower rice or skipping the rice altogether and focusing on the marinated chicken and vegetables.
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Anna Middleton
(@chefanna)
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking. I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...
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