Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)
KOENJapaneseMain course⏱ 17 minEdit history

Oyakodon (Chicken & Egg Rice Bowl)

A Japanese rice bowl of chicken and onion simmered in a sweet-savory sauce, then set with softly cooked egg and spooned over rice. 'Oyako' (parent-and-child) refers to the chicken and egg. One pan, about 15 minutes — one of the easiest Japanese home dishes.

Ingredients

1servings
  • Chicken thigh · bite-size pieces150 g
  • Onion · thinly sliced0.5 each
  • Eggs · lightly beaten2 each
  • Warm rice1 bowl
  • Scallion or mitsuba1 to garnish
  • Sauce (1 serving)
  • Dashi stock · dashi pack, anchovy stock, or water + seasoning all fine80 ml
  • Soy sauce1.5 tbsp
  • Mirin1.5 tbsp
  • Sugar0.5 tbsp

Steps

  1. In a small pan (or a single-portion pot), bring the dashi, soy, mirin, and sugar to a simmer.

    ⏲ 2 min
  2. Add the onion and cook until slightly translucent, then add the chicken and simmer 4-5 minutes until cooked.

    ⏲ 5 min
  3. Pour in two-thirds of the beaten egg in a swirl, cover, and cook 1-2 minutes until half-set.

    ⏲ 2 min
  4. Add the rest of the egg, turn off the heat, cover, and rest 30-60 seconds to your liking (slightly runny is traditional).

    ⏲ 1 min
  5. Slide it, sauce and all, over a bowl of warm rice.

    ⏲ 1 min
  6. Garnish with scallion or mitsuba and eat right away. Add shichimi to taste.

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Katsudon: Top with a pork cutlet instead of chicken, same method.
  • Tanindon: Use beef or pork instead of chicken ('stranger', not parent-and-child).
  • With mushroom/leek: Add shiitake or scallion for extra aroma.
  • Cheese oyakodon: Melt a little cheese on top to finish.

Tips

  • A small dedicated pan or making single portions sets the egg evenly and soft.
  • Add the egg in two stages for soft layers — don't over-stir.
  • No dashi? A dashi pack, anchovy stock, or chicken stock works fine.
  • Finish off the heat with residual warmth so it doesn't overcook and dry out.
  • Slightly runny egg is traditional — cook 30 seconds longer if you prefer it set.

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