
Yoshinoya has been serving “tasty, low-priced and quick” gyudon (beef bowls) in Japan for over a century. In recent years, the chain’s bright orange signs can also be found at around 600 locations throughout Southeast Asia and the United States. It seems the world has fallen in love with the original Japanese fast food.
Now anyone can enjoy the beefy goodness of gyudon from the comfort of their own home thanks to this easy recipe. It’s the closest you’ll get to an authentic Yoshinoya beef bowl without having to put on pants.
Ingredients
160 – 200g sliced beef
½ Onion
Sauce:
200ml water
1 Tbs sugar
1 Tbs white wine
1 Tbs red wine
1 Tbs mirin
2 Tbs soy sauce
½ tsp dashinomoto (dashi powder)
1 tsp grated garlic
1 tsp grated ginger
Topping:
Benishouga (red pickled ginger)
Shichimi tougarashi (seven spice)
*The beef doesn’t need to be high quality, any kind will do. When it comes to the meat, the thinner, the better (the original Yoshinoya beef bowl uses very thinly sliced beef). If your local supermarket doesn’t sell thin-cut meat, you can ask the butcher or cut it yourself at home.
*You may be thinking, “But why use wine in a Japanese dish?” It might sound like a strange ingredient, but wine is actually an important part of making a beef bowl that taste like the ones from Yoshinoya.
*If you don’t have access to mirin, you can substitute one teaspoon of sugar.
*Dashinomoto may be hard to find at your local grocery store, so you may have to check at a Japanese market.
Directions
1. Add all of the sauce ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium heat.
2. Slice the onions and cut the meat into bite-size pieces. The onions should be fairly thick, just like at Yoshinoya.
3. Once the sauce has come to a boil, add the onions and reduce to low heat. Allow the onions to cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the beef and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. (If you have time, it’s best to turn off the heat once the beef is no longer pink and let everything cool until ready to serve. This allows the beef and onions to soak up the sauce. Reheat before serving.)
5. In a large bowl, add rice and place beef and onion mixture on top. You can add as much benishouga (red pickled ginger) and shichimi tougarashi (seven spice) as you like.
Makes two servings
*Adding shichimi tougarashi (seven spice) gives the beef bowl a spicy flavor.
*Serve with miso soup or salad for a healthy meal.
*Pants optional.
Enjoy! We’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so drop us a line either in the comments section below or via our Facebook page. Happy cooking!






New fried take on Yoshinoya’s original beef bowl really hits the spot! 【Recipe】
The best way to eat a gyudon beef bowl, according to staff at Yoshinoya
What does three months of Yoshinoya beef bowls do to your body? Medical study announces results
Secret way Yoshinoya’s president customizes his beef bowl orders is a secret no more【Taste test】
Mix-and-matching Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Sukiya to create the ultimate beef bowl【Taste test】
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Tsukimi Moon-Viewing season begins in Japan with new Yoshinoya gyudon beef bowls
Yoshinoya beef bowls become miniature gacha toys
Who eats the most cheese beef bowls? Not young, dorky men, survey says
Yoshinoya teams up with Wagyumafia for a super expensive beef bowl
Beef bowl chain Yoshinoya’s historic first store to close, special countdown site launched!
Yoshinoya studying what happens to the body after three months of eating beef bowls
Japan’s beef bowl king, Yoshinoya, releases new line of canned, ready-to-eat beef bowls
Yoshinoya beef bowl set vs. its mini capsule toy version: how do they size up next to each other?
Beef bowl king Yoshinoya to start serving ramen this summer with new beefy mazesoba
From beef bowl to beef pouch? Taste testing Yoshinoya’s instant gyudon packs
How to make a mouth-watering Japanese beef bowl in just five minutes 【RocketKitchen】
Yoshinoya sells frozen beef bowl topping packs, but are they as good as the restaurant kind?
Yoshinoya, Japan’s biggest beef bowl chain, is now serving fried chicken in Tokyo
Japanese Black Wagyu from Yoshinoya – Premium beef isn’t just for politicians anymore!【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Yoshinoya releases new canned, ready-to-eat rice bowls 【Taste Test】