Yoshinoya Beef Bowl

"What was the best thing you ate?" That's the question people ask me when I tell them about my recent trip to Japan. 

Let me tell you, we ate a lot. 

A lot of fish, or fish based things that were crazy good and pretty fancy. Yes, the sushi was great, but what I loved the most was a bit simpler. Not only was it delicious, it was the setting that made it pretty great. 

It was our last day in Japan, and we were hurrying around our neighborhood trying to find all our last minutes souvenirs and goodies for our friends and family. We had time for just a quick lunch.

In a small building (they are all small honestly) we squished our way upstairs to a crowded lunch counter. We sat down and looked at a picture menu on the wall just above the kitchen. By kitchen I mean three women, two pots and some ladles. In a separate room only seen through an open window was a small sink.

After making our selection we had just a few moments to watch the culinary furry take place in this little lunch time haven. The two pots percolated quickly with lots of steam coming out. The women yelled orders at one another and bowls came sliding out on the counter from the sink room. The wet bowls were quickly filled with rice and a heavenly mixture made of beef, onions and flavorful broth. A swift woman handed us our bowls of goodness and we ate happily. 

That was my favorite thing I ate. It was very simple, but so delicious.

As soon as we came home I looked up several recipes and decided this combination of a few is the closest to the real thing. I hope you love it! 

Ingredients 

1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons mirin or Japanese plum wine

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 medium onion sliced

1 pound of beef sirloin sliced thinly

rice for serving

Place all of the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This is best served over some fluffy white rice.  The beef is so tender and delicious while the onions are soft and sweet. You will melt over this tasty beef bowl.