This Copycat Yoshinoya Beef Bowl recipe brings the iconic Japanese fast-food favorite straight to your kitchen with tender beef, caramelized onions, and a rich, savory broth. Made with simple pantry ingredients like Tamari, mirin, and beef broth, this easy Japanese beef bowl is perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Serve it over hot white rice for a comforting gyudon-style meal that’s budget-friendly, fast to prepare, and full of authentic flavor. Ideal for meal prep, family dinners, and anyone craving classic Yoshinoya beef at home.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1⅓ cups beef broth
5 Tablespoons gluten-free reduced-sodium Tamari (or soy sauce if not GF)
3 Tablespoons mirin
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 lb top sirloin steak, sliced very thin against the grain
Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the broth.
In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth, Tamari or soy sauce, mirin, and sugar to a boil.
Cook the onions.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender.
Add the beef.
Add the thinly sliced sirloin to the simmering broth and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until the meat is barely cooked through.
Serve.
Spoon the beef and onions over hot cooked white rice, along with some of the flavorful broth.

Tips

Slice the beef as thinly as possible for authentic Yoshinoya texture; freezing it for 20 minutes makes slicing easier.
Do not overcook the meat—keeping it tender is key.
Use low-sodium broth or sauce if you prefer a lighter salt profile.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Substitute with chicken, pork, or tofu slices.
Sweetener: Replace sugar with honey or brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Broth: Vegetable broth works if you prefer a lighter taste.
Add-ins: Mushrooms, shredded carrots, or napa cabbage can be added to bulk up the bowl.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Store the beef and broth separately from the rice and reheat gently on the stove.

What cut of beef works best?
Top sirloin is ideal, but flank steak or ribeye also work well if sliced thinly.

Is mirin necessary?
Mirin adds sweetness and depth, but you can replace it with a mix of rice vinegar and extra sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice.
Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
Pair with miso soup, pickled ginger, or a simple green salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version delivers the comforting, savory-sweet flavor of classic Yoshinoya bowls in minutes. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and requires only a handful of ingredients—perfect for easy weeknight dinners with a takeout-style taste.