Welcome to Nippon Spoon!
Today, we’re making gyudon, a Japanese beef bowl, prepared in a halal-friendly way.
Gyudon is basically Japanese fast food, so the recipe is very simple.
Many recipes use mirin and sake, which contain alcohol, but this version is made without alcohol while keeping the flavor rich and comforting.
Let’s get started!
Halal-Friendly Notes
No Mirin or Sake (Alcohol-Free)
Many gyudon recipes use mirin and sake, which contain alcohol.
In this recipe, we skip them entirely to keep it halal-friendly.
Instead of mirin, sugar is used to add sweetness.
Since we are not using sake in this recipe, ginger plays an important role in reducing any meat odor.
Soy Sauce Choice
Soy sauce without added alcohol is used in this recipe.
Halal-certified soy sauce is also a good option if available.
Added alcohol-free soy sauce I used is here.
Halal Beef
Halal-certified beef is used in this recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Halal beef – 250 g (about 9 oz)
- Onion – 150g (5 oz)
- Ginger – 1 knob
- Dashi – 240 ml (1 cup)
- Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
- Sugar – 1½ tbsp
- Cooked rice – for serving
Prepare the Ingredients
- Prepare halal beef.
Thinly sliced beef with some fat is recommended—it stays tender and adds rich flavor when simmered.
If needed, slice it yourself.
2. Slice the onion into thin 5 mm slices.
3. Slice the ginger thinly, then cut it into very thin matchsticks.
Feel free to add more if you like.
4. Prepare 240 ml (1 cup) of dashi. Use any type you prefer.
Dashi packet I used is here.
5. Prepare some cooked rice.
Cooking
- Add 240 ml (1 cup) dashi, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1½ tablespoons sugar to a pot.
Then add the ginger and onion, and turn on the heat.
2. Simmer over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
This takes about 8 minutes.
If foam rises to the surface, skim it off.
3. Once the onion is tender, add the beef, separating the slices as you put it in.
To keep the beef tender, do not overcook it.
4. If foam rises again, skim it off.
As soon as the red color disappears, turn off the heat.
If you let the gyudon rest, the flavors soak in even more.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve over cooked rice.
Your halal-friendly gyudon is ready.
Sweet and savory, a classic Japanese comfort taste without using alcohol.
Enjoy this classic Japanese gyudon at home.
Watch How to Make It
This video shows how to make halal-friendly gyudon step by step.