How to Make Pork Soboro Don with Egg (Japanese Rice Bowl Recipe)

How to Make Pork Soboro Don with Egg (Japanese Rice Bowl Recipe)

by Ayako Kidokoro

Easy Japanese Comfort Food Kid-Friendly Under 25 Minutes Meal Prep Friendly

Pork Soboro Don with Egg is a simple yet satisfying Japanese rice bowl made with seasoned ground pork and fluffy scrambled eggs. “Soboro” refers to finely crumbled meat or egg that’s cooked until tender and flavorful. In this recipe, ground pork is simmered in soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, creating a savory-sweet topping that pairs perfectly with the gentle richness of scrambled eggs.

Unlike more complex dishes like sushi or ramen, soboro don is rooted in home cooking. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’s quick to make, often served for weeknight dinners or packed into bento lunches. With its mild flavor and soft texture, it’s especially popular with children.

One of the reasons this dish is a staple in Japanese households is its convenience and affordability. Made with just a few ingredients, pork, eggs, and rice, it’s a protein-rich meal that’s both budget-friendly and nutritious. The components can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy days.

The pork is cooked until crumbly and slightly caramelized in a sweet-savory glaze, while the eggs are gently scrambled over low heat to keep them soft and moist. Served over freshly steamed Japanese short-grain rice, it’s a visually pleasing and flavorful meal. Add green peas or scallions for color and a hint of freshness.

To achieve the perfect soboro texture, stir the pork continuously over medium-low heat so it stays moist and absorbs the sauce evenly. For the eggs, cook gently over low heat and avoid overmixing for a fluffy finish.

Pork is the most common protein used, but ground chicken is a popular and equally delicious alternative. You may also come across tri-color soboro don in bento boxes, which includes a green vegetable topping like spinach or green beans to round out the flavors and presentation.

Some modern twists include a drizzle of mayonnaise, shichimi togarashi for spice, or pickled ginger for brightness. Leftovers store well, making this dish great for meal prep and easy lunches.

Excerpt/Meta: Pork Soboro Don with Egg is a comforting Japanese rice bowl featuring savory-sweet ground pork and fluffy scrambled eggs, perfect for bento or a quick meal.

Overview

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Total servings: 2

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
  • 200g ground pork
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp mirin
  • 1 Tbsp sake
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 large eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 2 bowls of steamed Japanese rice
  • Green onions (optional topping)

Expert’s Tip

How to Make Pork Soboro Don with Egg (Japanese Rice Bowl Recipe)

To make perfect soboro, stir constantly with long stainless cooking chopsticks over medium-low heat. This helps create fine pork crumbles and prevents drying out. For fluffy scrambled eggs, cook slowly over low heat without over-stirring.

Instructions

1) Gather the Ingredients

Collect the ingredients for pork toppings: ground pork, soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger. Also prepare the ingredients for the egg: eggs, sugar, and salt.

2) Cook the Pork

Heat a pan over medium heat with oil. Add the ground pork and grated ginger. Stir-fry until the pork changes color and is mostly cooked through.

3) Season the Pork

Pour the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar into the pan with the pork. Stir constantly to break the meat into fine crumbles. Continue cooking until the sauce is mostly absorbed and the pork is glossy.

4) Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a small bowl, crack and beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and 1/2 tsp sugar until combined.

5) Scramble the Eggs

In a clean pan, heat a little oil over low heat. Pour in the egg mixture and gently stir with chopsticks or a spatula until the eggs are soft and just set. Remove from heat immediately.

6) Gather the Ingredients to Make Bowls

Get your serving bowls ready along with steamed rice, cooked pork soboro, scrambled eggs, and optional toppings like chopped green onions.

7) Assemble the Donburi

Spoon the pork on one half of each rice bowl and the scrambled egg on the other half. Keep the edges clean for visual appeal.

8) Add Optional Toppings & Serve

Top with chopped green onions or pickled ginger for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

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