Butadon - Japanese Pork Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork loin, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 4 cups cooked Japanese rice 4 cups cooked Japanese rice
• Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
2. 2.
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the pork slices. Cook until browned on both sides.
3. 3.
   Pour the sauce over the pork and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. 4.
   To serve, place a generous portion of cooked rice in a bowl. Top with the simmered pork slices and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork loin — For the best results, choose thinly sliced pork loin from your local butcher or supermarket. If you can't find pre-sliced pork loin, you can slice it yourself by partially freezing the meat for easier handling.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the sauce, you can add a splash of sake or rice vinegar.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.
• Make sure to cook the pork slices on medium heat to prevent them from becoming tough.
• Leftover Butadon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve Butadon hot, straight from the skillet, to fully enjoy the tender pork and flavorful sauce. Pair it with a side of miso soup and a simple cucumber salad for a complete Japanese meal experience.

Presentation advice

When serving Butadon, arrange the pork slices neatly on top of the rice, allowing the sauce to drizzle down the sides. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a vibrant pop of green from the thinly sliced green onions. The contrasting colors and textures will make the dish visually appealing.