Why this classic Japanese rice bowl is named parent and child

POV Oyakodon · 15:04 · Video: J. Kenji López-Alt · Watch at the source

In short: Oyakodon is a staple of Japanese home cooking that combines chicken and egg over rice. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a comforting, balanced meal in about ten minutes.

The name oyakodon translates to parent and child rice bowl, referencing the pairing of poultry and egg. To prepare it, chicken and onions are simmered in a seasoned broth made from dashi, soy sauce, sake, and sugar. Once the chicken is cooked, beaten eggs are added to the pan and heated until they reach a soft, barely set consistency before being poured over a bowl of rice.

While the base recipe is straightforward, cooks often include mitsuba, a Japanese three-leaf herb, for added flavor. Some variations, such as the one favored by J. Kenji López-Alt, incorporate an additional egg yolk for richness. This dish serves as an accessible, efficient meal option.

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