
Pork Over Rice (Butadon)
Pork Over Rice (Butadon)
Create Delicious Japanese-Style Pork Over Rice (Butadon) at Home
If you’re looking for a slightly different way to enjoy pork, this recipe for Butadon is a must-try! ‘Buta’ means pork in Japanese, and ‘don’ refers to a rice bowl. Butadon is a Japanese-style pork rice bowl. It’s a perfect choice for hosting guests or when you crave a unique pork dish. We highly recommend this flavorful meal!
Main Ingredients- 300g Pork Belly (or your preferred cut like Pork Shoulder)
- A small bunch of Scallions or Green Onions (5g)
- 2 bowls of Warm Cooked Rice
Butadon Sauce- 2 Tbsp Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 6g Minced Garlic (approx. 1 tsp)
- 3g Minced Ginger (approx. 1/2 tsp)
- 2 Tbsp Sake (Japanese Rice Wine)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 6g Minced Garlic (approx. 1 tsp)
- 3g Minced Ginger (approx. 1/2 tsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a small saucepan. Gently heat the sake and mirin to evaporate the alcohol. This process removes any harshness and leaves behind a richer flavor base for the sauce.
Step 2
Once the alcohol has evaporated, add the soy sauce, sugar, thinly sliced garlic, and minced ginger to the saucepan. Adding minced ginger is excellent for neutralizing any gamey odors from the pork.
Step 3
Simmer over low to medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. You should end up with about 4 tablespoons of sauce. Let the sauce cool completely before using. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Step 4
Choose your favorite cut of pork. I often use pork shoulder, but for this recipe, I selected pork belly for its tender texture and visually appealing presentation. Feel free to use any cut you enjoy.
Step 5
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork belly and cook until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Render out some of the fat for a richer flavor.
Step 6
Pour half of the prepared Butadon sauce (about 2 tablespoons) into the skillet with the pork. Stir and coat the pork evenly as the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more sauce if needed, according to your preference. The remaining sauce is perfect for drizzling over the rice.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to low to allow the pork to simmer gently in the sauce. Stir occasionally, flipping the pork to ensure it absorbs the flavors evenly and develops a glossy coating. Be careful not to burn the sauce.
Step 8
Serve the warm rice in bowls. Drizzle the remaining Butadon sauce over the rice for an extra layer of flavor and moisture. This creates a delicious foundation for your toppings.
Step 9
Arrange the simmered pork slices attractively over the rice. While a beautiful presentation enhances the dining experience, the most important part is the delicious taste, so don’t worry too much about perfection!
Step 10
When you need a special dish for guests or are looking for an exciting pork meal, don’t hesitate to choose this delicious Butadon for a satisfying and memorable dining experience. Everyone will love it!
Step 11
I like to garnish mine with a fried egg and some fresh chives. Chives pair wonderfully with pork, and dipping them in a sauce made with wasabi and soy sauce adds a refreshing touch that cuts through the richness. Feel free to add nori flakes or extra scallions as well!

