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

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr
Chicken Donburi recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • 4cups
    Chicken breast fillets (cut into strips)
  • 1 1/2cups
    Sushi rice
  • 2tbsp
    Apple cider vinegar
  • 2cups
    Carrots (julienne)
  • 4piece
    Pak choi (cut lengthwise into halves)
  • 1 1/2cups
    Red cabbage (shredded)
  • 1cup
    Edamame beans
  • 1cup
    Light soy sauce
  • 1tbsp
    Dark soy sauce
  • 1tbsp
    Oyster sauce
  • 2tbsp
    Mirin
  • 3tbsp
    Sugar
  • 1tsp
    Fresh red chilli (finely chopped)
  • 1cup
    Spring onions (thinly sliced diagonally)
  • 1tbsp
    Ginger (minced)
  • 1tsp
    Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2tsp
    Sesame seeds (toasted)
  • 3tbsp
    Vegetable oil

How to make Chicken Donburi

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

    Step 1.1: Place sushi rice in a medium pot and run water over it
    Step 1.2: Place sushi rice in a medium pot and run water over it
  3. 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.

    Step 1.1: Heat a pan, add a little vegetable oil, then flash fry the pak choi halves just to get some color
  4. 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.

    Step 1.1: Heat a wok
  5. Heat a pan to medium heat and dry toast the sesame seeds until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  6. 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.

    Step 1.1: 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
  7. Garnish with spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. This bowl is enjoyed at room temperature.

    Step 1.1: Garnish with spring onions and toasted sesame seeds

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the rice is rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch.

  2. Marinating the chicken for longer can enhance the flavor.

  3. You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save on prep time.

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

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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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