In their video, “The GREATEST Japanese Rice Bowl in 15 Minutes,” Aaron and Claire share their take on a popular Japanese comfort food: Butadon (豚丼), or pork rice bowl. Typically known as a simple and affordable meal—often seen at places like Yoshinoya—Aaron and Claire make a few improvements to enhance the dish while still keeping its traditional feel.
A Brief History of Butadon
Butadon originated in Hokkaido in the early 20th century as a filling and nutritious lunch for laborers. The dish is simple: sliced pork simmered or seared, coated in a sweet and savory sauce, and served over hot white rice. Over time, it became popular across Japan for its well-balanced mix of protein, rice, and flavorful sauce. Aaron and Claire’s version keeps the traditional elements but adds a modern touch with a cleaner presentation, more depth in flavor, and a slightly more playful visual style.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Key Ingredients
- Pork Belly – Chosen for its tender texture and layered fat, this cut ensures richness in every bite.
- Aromatics – Garlic, ginger, and green onions bring warmth and fragrance to the dish.
- The Sauce – A blend of soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and hondashi, simmered with aromatics, creates a robust tare (glaze) that embodies the essence of Japanese flavor: savory, sweet, and deeply umami.
- Rice – Served hot, plain Japanese short-grain rice acts as the perfect neutral base.
- Optional Garnishes – A soft-boiled egg and extra green onions elevate presentation and nutrition.
Image via Aaron and Claire
The Method: How It’s Made
Aaron takes a practical approach to making this dish. He focuses on keeping the steps efficient without skipping important details. Each part of the process is done carefully to ensure the final result tastes great.
Searing the Pork Belly
Aaron starts by pan-searing thick slices of pork belly until both sides are golden brown. The purpose isn’t to make it crispy, but to add flavor through browning. This step also helps keep the pork soft and juicy inside.
Making the Sauce
In a separate pan, he simmers a sauce made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and a bit of hondashi, along with garlic and ginger. Once it reduces and becomes fragrant, he strains out the solids to get a smooth, rich glaze.
Glazing the Pork
Aaron brushes the pork belly with the prepared sauce, turning down the heat. He ensures the surface is fully coated and repeats the process a few times. This makes the glaze stick well and gives the pork a rich, shiny finish.
Finishing Touch
As a final step, Aaron uses a kitchen torch to lightly char the surface of the glazed pork. This adds a subtle smoky flavor and improves the overall look of the dish. It’s a quick technique that boosts taste and presentation without adding complexity. Each step is designed to be simple but effective in creating a flavorful and well-balanced dish.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Serving & Presentation
Presentation is a key part of this dish. The pork slices are carefully arranged over the rice, sometimes in a circular or flower-like shape to make the bowl look more appealing. A soft-boiled egg is added in the center for extra richness, and chopped green onions are sprinkled on top, similar to what you’d find in udon. Aaron also points out that the dish should be served immediately, as the pork belly is at its best when it’s hot and freshly cooked.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Bringing Japan to Your Table: Sakuraco
If Aaron and Claire’s butadon draws you deeper into the world of Japanese food and culture, Sakuraco offers a monthly opportunity to expand that journey. Each Sakuraco box delivers authentic Japanese snacks, sweets, and teas curated from local makers across Japan, along with a beautifully crafted piece of traditional tableware. Every delivery is seasonally themed and comes with an English-translated cultural guidebook that shares the stories behind the flavors and the artisans.
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So grab your apron, try out the recipe, and if you want to explore more traditional Japanese flavors, let Sakuraco take your tastebuds on a journey through authentic regional treats.
📺 Watch the full video here: The GREATEST Japanese Rice Bowl in 15 Minutes l BUTADON
