Donburi Tanindon (他人丼) - Japanese Beef and Egg Bowl

Tanindon (他人丼) is a delicious variation of donburi, where thin slices of beef are cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, then topped with beaten eggs and served over a bed of rice. This dish is flavorful, comforting, and simple to make, making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Below is the detailed recipe to prepare this traditional Japanese dish.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 400g of thinly sliced beef (ideally tender cuts like flank or sirloin)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 4 eggs
• A small handful of mitsuba (Japanese parsley) or finely chopped green onions
• 1 cup of bonito dashi (Japanese broth)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet cooking sake)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups of cooked Japanese rice (ideally sushi rice)
• Seasoning (Shichimi Togarashi and other spices)

Shichimi Togarashi (七味唐辛子): A Japanese spice blend consisting of seven ingredients, including red chili pepper, mandarin or orange zest, white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, hemp seeds, nori or aonori seaweed, and sansho berries.

Sansho Berries: This spice adds a fresh, citrusy, woody fragrance with a touch of menthol and a mild spiciness, perfect for bringing a refreshing note to the dish.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Slice the onion into thin strips.
   • Chop the mitsuba or green onions into small pieces.
   • Crack the eggs into a bowl and lightly beat them.

2. Prepare the sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Cook the onions and beef:

   • In a large pan, heat a little vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes tender and slightly golden.
   • Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s cooked through but still tender.

4. Add the sauce and simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the sauce mixture over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the sauce.
   • Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to soak up the liquid.

5. Add the eggs:

   • Slowly pour the beaten eggs over the beef, spreading them evenly. Let it cook for a few minutes until the eggs begin to set, but don’t let them cook too much to maintain a creamy texture.

6. Finish and garnish:

   • Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
   • Garnish with mitsuba or chopped green onions to add freshness and color.

7. Assemble the donburi:

   • Place the cooked rice into individual bowls and top with the beef and egg mixture. Be sure to drizzle some of the sauce over the rice to let it absorb the flavors.

8. Serve:

   • Sprinkle sansho berries on top, and optionally add some shichimi togarashi for a bit of heat and complex flavors.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for a Perfect Tanindon:

• Choice of meat: Opt for a tender cut like flank or sirloin. Thin slices of beef allow for quick cooking while maintaining tenderness.
• Rice: Japanese rice is key to this dish. It should be steamed to achieve a sticky texture, ideal for absorbing the flavors of the beef and eggs.
• Seasoning: Shichimi togarashi and sansho berries add complexity to the flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preference for spiciness and freshness.

Conclusion:

Tanindon is a comforting and flavorful Japanese dish, perfect for a family meal or gathering with friends. The combination of tender beef, creamy eggs, and fragrant rice creates a unique culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or a beginner, this dish is easy to prepare and will transport you right to the heart of Japan.