Soboro Don is a simple and flavorful Japanese rice bowl featuring sweet-savory ground chicken (soboro) and fluffy scrambled eggs served over steamed rice. This dish is easy to make, high in protein, and perfect for a quick meal. Follow this step-by-step recipe to enjoy an authentic Japanese soboro donburi at home!
Soboro Don
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆2
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
- For the Chicken Soboro (Ground Chicken Topping):
200g (7 oz) ground chicken (Substitute: Ground turkey for a leaner option)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin (Substitute: 1 tbsp honey or sugar + 1 tsp water if unavailable)
1 tbsp sake (Substitute: Dry white wine with a pinch of sugar)
2 tsp honey (Substitute: 2 tsp sugar if unavailable)
50ml (about ¼ cup) water
- For the Scrambled Eggs:
2 eggs
1 tsp white dashi (Substitute: ¼ tsp salt + ½ tsp soy sauce)
1 tsp soy sauce
- For Serving:
Steamed Japanese rice (as needed) (Short-grain sushi rice recommended for the best texture)
Directions
- Prepare the Scrambled Eggs
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, white dashi, and soy sauce until well combined.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Stir the eggs constantly using chopsticks or a wooden spatula to create small, fluffy curds.
Remove from heat while still slightly soft and transfer to a separate bowl to cool. - Make the Chicken Soboro
In a separate bowl, mix together ground chicken, soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, and water.
Before turning on the heat, place the chicken mixture into a dry, cold pan and use chopsticks to break it up into small pieces. (This prevents clumping!)
Turn the heat to medium and cook while continuously stirring and breaking up the meat until all the liquid evaporates and the chicken is crumbly but moist. - Assemble the Soboro Don
Scoop steamed rice into serving bowls.
Top with half chicken soboro and half scrambled egg to create a two-tone effect.
Optionally garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or shredded nori (seaweed). - Serve & Enjoy!
Enjoy warm with a side of miso soup and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- ✔ For fluffier eggs: Cook the eggs slowly over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
✔ For extra umami: Add ½ tsp grated ginger to the chicken soboro while cooking.
✔ For a sweet-savory balance: Adjust the amount of honey or sugar to taste.
✔ For a bento-friendly meal: Store soboro in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ For variety: Try adding green peas or shredded nori on top for extra color and texture.