Oyakodon (Chicken and Egg Rice Bowl)

Updated October 10, 2023

Media 1 of 1
Total Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
4(845)
Comments
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Oyakodon is pure bliss, combining the ease of lightly poached chicken with the velvety richness of eggs and onions simmered in sauce. In Japanese, oya means parent, while ko translates to child. Consequently, chicken and egg come together in a blend of dashi, mirin and soy sauce. A perfect weekday meal, oyakodon cooks in just under 30 minutes and is delightful alongside pickles and a bowl of miso soup. The chicken and egg bowl is a dream of soulfulness ladled over rice. Leftovers, if you have any, will hold in the refrigerator for a day.

Featured in: The Particular Magic of Chicken, Egg and Rice

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Ingredients

Yield:2 to 4 servings
  • 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice 

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into bite-size pieces

  • 1 tablespoon sake

  • 1 cup dashi

  • 2 tablespoons mirin

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, or more to taste

  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 large eggs 

  • 2 scallions, sliced, or 3 sprigs mitsuba

  • Togarashi (optional), for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 to 4 servings)

84 grams carbs; 293 milligrams cholesterol; 610 calories; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 11 grams fat; 1 gram fiber; 719 milligrams sodium; 37 grams protein; 4 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook rice according to package directions.

    1. Step 2

      Meanwhile, stir chicken and sake in a bowl. In a measuring cup or bowl, stir dashi, mirin, soy sauce and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add more soy sauce or sugar to taste.

    2. Step 3

      In a deep medium frying pan (or an oyakodon pan, if you have one), add dashi mixture and then onion. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, then add chicken in a single layer, making sure the dashi mixture covers the chicken and onion.

    3. Step 4

      Bring the heat down to medium-low. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip each piece of chicken with a pair of cooking chopsticks or tongs. Continue cooking until chicken is just cooked through and onion has softened, about 3 minutes more.

    4. Step 5

      In a measuring cup or small bowl, lightly beat eggs. Bring the heat up to medium, and add three-quarters of the eggs in a clockwise pattern over the chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer, swirling the pan to ensure the eggs cover it throughout. When the eggs are slightly set, around 1 minute, add the remaining eggs around the pan’s edges in a clockwise fashion. Once again, swirl the pan to ensure coverage.

    5. Step 6

      Continue to cook the oyakodon to your preferred doneness (less than a minute or so is great), then add scallions (or mitsuba) to the pan.

    6. Step 7

      Divide the rice among individual bowls, then slide enough of the oyakodon over the rice to cover. Serve immediately and sprinkle with togarashi if preferred.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
845 user ratings
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Comments

My brother is left handed. He wants to know if he can add the eggs counterclockwise. Or will this just ruin the whole dish?

Shortcut: You can buy dashi packets. You make them into a reasonable version of dashi just like you would steep a tea bag. When I see this dish on a menu, I'm always excited to order it. When Paul Simon saw it on a menu, it became a song. Guess some people just have that talent.

Also, I've found the best way to add eggs if you're left handed is to stand on your head while adding ;-)

I agree with others that this is a little bland. I’ve never had it before, so perhaps it’s supposed to have a mild flavor? It’s fine, just not sure I’d make again. Made stir fried green beans on the side which helped with flavor and texture.

This was a big hit with the family! 100% loved the add of the Togarashi. I think the only comment would be to double the broth - so tasty!!!

This is an authentic version of the dish. I lived in Japan for a couple of years and enjoyed this dish many times. Thanks you for transporting me back to many fond memories. The Dashi stock makes all the difference.

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