16 Japanese Chicken Don Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
For those who are looking for a simple yet flavorful dish to add to their recipe repertoire, look no further than the Japanese chicken don. This classic comfort food is a staple in Japanese cuisine, often served in restaurants and homes alike. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and fluffy rice, it is a dish that is both satisfying and easy to make. In this article, we will dive into the history of this dish, its key ingredients, and a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect Japanese chicken don at home. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious donburi dish.
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
If you're new to cooking Japanese cuisine, yaki udon is a great dish to start with. This stir-fry noodle dish is packed with flavor and can be made with various toppings, including chicken. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Japan.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan, consisting of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal. It's a simple dish that packs a lot of flavor and can be served as an appetizer or main course. The key to making delicious yakitori is in the marinade, which typically includes soy sauce, mirin, and sake.
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Chicken Katsu Don
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Onion, Egg, Panko, Corn Flour, Salt
Chicken katsu don is a hearty meal that combines crispy chicken cutlets with a savory egg and onion sauce served over a bed of rice. The chicken is breaded and fried to perfection, giving it a satisfying crunch. This dish is a favorite among both locals and tourists in Japan.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
No list of Japanese chicken dishes would be complete without mentioning ramen. This popular noodle dish is enjoyed all over the world, but nothing beats a bowl of authentic Japanese ramen topped with succulent slices of chicken. The broth, made with a combination of pork and chicken, is what makes this dish truly special.
If you're a fan of spicy food, then you must try Japanese spicy miso ramen. This dish takes the classic ramen and kicks it up a notch with a spicy miso broth and toppings like chicken, bean sprouts, and bamboo shoots. It's the perfect meal for a cold day.
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Japanese Street Food - Chicken Karaage
Main Ingredients: Chicken Leg, Sake, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Potato Starch
Chicken karaage is a popular Japanese street food that consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger and then deep-fried. The result is crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken that is perfect for snacking on the go.
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Japanese Curry With Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Carrots, Onions, Red
Japanese curry is a staple dish in Japan and is often served with chicken. This dish is different from the Indian or Thai curries you may be used to, as it has a thicker consistency and a sweeter flavor. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Yakitori Don
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Fresh Ginger Root, Garlic, White Sugar, Soy
Yakitori don is a delicious one-bowl meal that combines yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) with rice. The chicken is topped with a slightly sweet and savory sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It's a popular dish in Japan and is often enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch option.
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Japanese Chicken Udon
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Broth, Water, Sugar
Udon noodles are thick and chewy, making them the perfect base for a hearty chicken udon dish. This noodle soup is typically served with a soy sauce-based broth and various toppings like chicken, green onions, and mushrooms. It's a filling and flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy.
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Shoyu Ramen
Main Ingredients: Dried Kombu, Cold Water, Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce
Shoyu ramen is another type of ramen that is popular in Japan. This dish features a clear broth made with soy sauce and chicken, giving it a rich and savory flavor. It's typically served with toppings like chicken, green onions, and bamboo shoots.
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Japanese Curry from Scratch
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Salt, Black Pepper, Oil, Garlic
If you want to try making Japanese curry from scratch, you won't be disappointed. This dish is made with a variety of vegetables, meat, and spices, including chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions. It's a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Karaage Chicken (Japanese fried chicken)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thigh, Potato, Plain Flour, Lemon
Karaage chicken is a popular dish in Japan and is often served as an appetizer or side dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It's a delicious and addictive snack that is loved by many.
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Japanese Chicken Katsu Curry
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast Fillets, All Purpose Plain Flour, Eggs
Chicken katsu curry is a combination of two beloved dishes in Japan - chicken katsu and curry. This dish features crispy chicken cutlets topped with a rich and flavorful curry sauce and served over a bed of rice. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
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Japanese Fried Chicken (Chicken Karaage) Bento
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken, Ginger Juice, Mizkan Bonito Flavored
Bento boxes are a popular lunch option in Japan and often feature a variety of dishes, including fried chicken. Chicken karaage is a common filling for bento boxes, as it is easy to eat and tastes great at room temperature. It's a convenient and tasty way to enjoy fried chicken on the go.
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Chicken Teriyaki Don
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Chicken Thigh, Salt, Shredded Nori, Mirin
Teriyaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is often used to glaze chicken, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Chicken teriyaki don is a popular dish that combines this delicious sauce with chicken and served over a bed of rice. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made in just a few minutes.
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Katsu Curry (Japanese Curry with Chicken Cutlet)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Potato, Carrot, Oil, Curry, Water, Cooked Rice
Katsu curry is a variation of the popular Japanese curry and features a crispy chicken cutlet on top. The chicken is breaded and fried, giving it a satisfying crunch, and is then served with a generous amount of curry sauce. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to impress.
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Chicken Karaage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Sake, Ginger, Garlic, Eggs
Chicken karaage is a popular dish in Japan and can be found on the menus of many restaurants. This dish is typically made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It's a tasty and addictive snack that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Fried chicken may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it is a popular dish in Japan. Japanese fried chicken is typically made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a light and crispy batter and then fried to perfection. It's a delicious and simple dish that is loved by many.
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Yoshinoya-style gyudon / Japanese beef and rice bowl
Main Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Onion, Beef, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy
Gyudon is a popular Japanese dish that features thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory sauce and served over a bowl of rice. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a favorite among busy Japanese families. You can also substitute the beef with chicken for a delicious twist on this classic dish.
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Chicken Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Light Brown Sugar, Fresh
Teriyaki is a simple and delicious way to enjoy chicken in Japanese cuisine. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, and then grilled or pan-fried. It's a popular dish that is often served with rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Origins of Japanese Chicken Don
The History of Donburi
The origins of the Japanese chicken don can be traced back to the Edo period in the 18th century. Donburi, which translates to "bowl" in Japanese, refers to a dish served in a large bowl filled with rice and topped with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and seafood. This style of serving food originated from the busy streets of Tokyo, where street vendors would sell donburi dishes to workers and travelers. Over time, donburi became a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, with different variations of toppings and sauces being created.
The Influence of Donburi in Japanese Culture
Today, donburi dishes are still a significant part of Japanese cuisine, with many restaurants and fast-food chains specializing in these flavorful and convenient meals. The popularity of donburi has also spread to other parts of the world, with variations of the dish being served in Japanese restaurants worldwide. It has become a staple dish for those looking for a quick and delicious meal that is both filling and satisfying.
The Key Ingredients of Japanese Chicken Don
Chicken: The Star of the Dish
As the name suggests, the main ingredient in Japanese chicken don is chicken. The preferred cut of chicken for this dish is thigh meat, which is known for its tenderness and juiciness. The chicken is sliced into bite-sized pieces and marinated in a flavorful sauce before being cooked.
Soy Sauce and Mirin: The Perfect Flavor Combination
The key to the rich and savory taste of Japanese chicken don lies in the sauce. A combination of soy sauce and mirin creates a perfect balance of umami and sweetness, making it a staple in Japanese cooking. These two ingredients are also the base for many other traditional Japanese sauces, making them essential in creating an authentic Japanese chicken don.
Scallions and Eggs: The Finishing Touches
Scallions and eggs are often added to the dish as a garnish, adding a pop of color and texture to the already flavorful dish. The scallions provide a fresh and slightly pungent taste, while the eggs add a creamy and velvety texture to the dish.
How to Make Japanese Chicken Don: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we know the history and key ingredients of Japanese chicken don, let's dive into how to make this delicious dish at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinating it in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a hot pan, cook the marinated chicken until it is fully cooked and slightly caramelized. This step is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate pan, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi (Japanese fish stock) to create the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
In a bowl, add a generous amount of fluffy rice, top it with the cooked chicken, and pour the sauce over it. Garnish with sliced scallions and a soft-boiled egg.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your Japanese chicken don is now ready to be enjoyed. The combination of fluffy rice, tender chicken, and flavorful sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In conclusion, the Japanese chicken don is a simple yet delicious dish that has stood the test of time. Its rich history, key ingredients, and ease of preparation make it a must-try for any food lover. So the next time you crave something hearty and flavorful, give this classic Japanese dish a try.