Tamago Don
Tamago Don (Japanese Egg Rice Bowl) with Tempura Flakes
Back in my college days, Tamago Don was my go-to comfort food. It was the most affordable thing on the menu at our campus diner—warm, filling, and cozy enough to make me feel taken care of on even the most stressful days.
Tamago Don literally means egg rice bowl, and it’s exactly that—soft, savory eggs simmered in a light dashi-based sauce and spooned over hot rice. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug.
These days, I still make it at home—especially when I want something quick but satisfying. My little upgrade? I add tenkasu (tempura flakes) for a bit of texture and extra umami. The result is still budget-friendly, but with a bit more richness.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
6 eggs
1 cup water
1/4 cup mentsuyu (noodle soup base)
1 tbsp mirin
1/2 cup tenkasu (tempura flakes)
Chopped green onions, for garnish
My Kitchen Tools
Instructions:
Prep the veggies
Thinly slice the onion and chop the green onion for garnish.Simmer the onion
In a small frying pan, combine the water, mentsuyu, mirin, and sliced onion.Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add the eggs and tempura flakes
Beat the eggs in a bowl.Pour half of the beaten egg into the pan.
Sprinkle in the tenkasu and let it simmer gently for about 1 minute.
Then pour in the remaining egg, cover with a lid, and cook for another minute until just set but still soft.
Serve
Fill serving bowls with warm rice.Spoon the soft egg mixture over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy while warm!
Tips & Variations
No tenkasu? You can skip it or substitute with a handful of crispy rice crackers for a similar crunch.
Want it spicier? Add a few drops of shichimi togarashi for a kick.
For extra protein, you can add a few slices of cooked chicken or tofu before the egg goes in.
