Pork Rice Bowl (Sweet-Salty Glazed Pork over Rice)
Butadon is a Japanese pork rice bowl originating from Obihiro, Hokkaido, where thin slices of pork are simmered with onion in a sauce of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until the meat absorbs every drop of the sweet-salty glaze. The onion melts down during cooking, adding natural sweetness that deepens the sauce. Served over a mound of steamed rice, it is straightforward comfort food - no complex techniques, no long ingredient lists, just well-balanced flavors that come together quickly. The caramelized edges of the pork develop a slight char that adds dimension to the otherwise smooth, saucy topping. It makes an excellent weeknight dinner when time is short but satisfaction cannot be compromised.
Adjust Servings
Instructions
- 1
Slice onion and mince ginger.
- 2
Bring water, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger to a boil.
- 3
Add onion and simmer for 2 minutes.
- 4
Add pork and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
- 5
Turn off heat when sauce is slightly reduced.
- 6
Serve pork and onion over rice with sauce.
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