Spicy Tuna Donburi Rice Bowl Recipe

Name: Spicy Tuna Donburi Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 4 cups Japanese rice (short-grain, cooked); 1/2 pound sashimi-grade tuna (fresh, cubed); 2 tablespoons Japanese Kewpie brand mayonnaise (use less if desired); 1 tablespoon Red Rooster Sriracha chili sauce (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/8 teaspoon Japanese shichimi togarashi (7-chili pepper spice); 5 to 6 drops Japanese Rayu chili oil (or to taste); Garnish: Green onions (sliced), sesame seeds (roasted), and soy sauce

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 15 mins

Servings: 2 servings

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Spicy tuna donburi, or don, is a Japanese dish where spicy tuna is served atop a bowl of steamed rice. This dish is quite popular at Japanese restaurants in the West, and it can also be found in the deli section of many Japanese grocery stores.

Spicy tuna don is just one of many different types of donburi-style dishes available in Japanese cuisine. Donburi, or don, refers to a meal where rice is served in a deep bowl and topped with beef, chicken, egg, fish, seafood, tempura, etc. It’s a staple dish in Japanese cuisine.

For this spicy tuna donburi recipe, the spiciness of the tuna—the Sriracha chili sauce, chile pepper (shichimi togarashi), and chili oil (rayu)—may all be adjusted to suit the level of heat you desire.

As for the rice, either white or brown rice may be used. Some restaurants and delis serve spicy tuna donburi with sushi rice, while others use plain steam rice—either is acceptable.

Less mayonnaise may be used, but the mixture will not be as creamy. Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is best if you’re able to get your hands on it, as it tastes quite different from American mayonnaise. If you substitute American mayonnaise, keep in mind the taste of the spicy tuna mixture will be altered.

4 cups cooked Japanese rice
1/2 pound fresh sashimi-grade tuna, diced
2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie brand mayonnaise), or to taste
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon Japanese shichimi togarashi, or seven-chili pepper spice
6 tablespoons chili oil, or to taste
Thinly sliced scallions, roasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce, optional, for optional garnish

Gather the ingredients.

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Spoon rice into small Japanese donburi-style bowls, which are slightly larger than traditional rice bowls. Make sure rice has cooled to almost room temperature.

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Chop tuna so that it is almost minced.

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi
In a medium bowl, gently combine minced tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, shichimi togarashi, and Rayu chili oil until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

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Split the mixture into 2 portions, generously spreading it over rice in donburi bowls.

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Top each spicy tuna donburi with sliced green onions, roasted sesame seeds, if using, and a drizzle of soy sauce.

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

What Is a Typical Japanese Meal?

Steamed rice "gohan" is served at every Japanese meal. It is always a little sticky so that it's able to be easily picked up and eaten with chopsticks. Also, every meal includes soup; miso soup is the most common one served. Other dishes include seaweed "nori," pickled vegetables "tsukemono," seafood or other protein, vegetables, and salad.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1119	Calories
52g	Fat
120g	Carbs
38g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories	1119
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 52g	67%
Saturated Fat 8g	38%
Cholesterol 50mg	17%
Sodium 351mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate 120g	44%
Dietary Fiber 0g	2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 38g
Vitamin C 3mg	16%
Calcium 13mg	1%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 657mg	14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.