Ryukyu-don Recipe & Video
If you’re a fan of flavorful, easy-to-make dishes, then you’ll love Ryukyudon. This delicious bowl of marinated fish served over warm rice is a must-try! A beloved local dish from Oita Prefecture in Japan, Ryukyudon combines fresh fish like yellowtail or mackerel with a rich marinade of soy sauce, mirin, sesame, and ginger. In this post, I’ll show you how to make it at home with a simple recipe and video tutorial!
What is Ryukyudon?
Ryukyudon is a traditional dish that originated in Oita, Japan. It’s made by marinating sashimi-quality fish—usually yellowtail—in a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, then serving it over rice. The name “Atsumeshi” is also used for this dish, but the idea is the same: a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors that pair beautifully with rice.
This dish was created as a practical meal for fishermen who needed something quick, nutritious, and easy while working at sea. With no need for cooking, it was ideal for days when strong winds made it tough to prepare hot food. And though freshly caught fish lacks deep flavor on its own, marinating it in this special blend transforms it into something incredibly tasty.
Ryukyudon Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 4 oz sashimi-quality fish, sliced (I recommend buri or hamachi, but tuna works great too. I used buri in this video!)
- 1 tsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, chopped
- A warm bowl of cooked short-grain rice
Instructions:
Prepare the marinade
In a bowl or container, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and grated ginger.
I got my ceramic ginger grater from a local kitchen store here in Nagoya. You can find the similar ones from your local Japanese market or Amazon!
Marinate the fish
Add the sliced sashimi into the bowl, ensuring that all pieces are fully covered by the marinade. Top with ground sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Let the fish soak up the flavors for at least an hour. If you want a deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight.
Serve over rice
Place the marinated fish on top of a warm bowl of cooked short-grain rice. While the fish can be enjoyed on its own, it’s truly best on rice! Comforting and satisfying!
Why Ryukyudon is Special
What makes Ryukyudon so special isn’t just its simplicity—it’s the amazing transformation of the fish. Freshly caught fish can be a bit chewy and lacks umami, but when soaked in this marinade, it becomes tender and flavorful. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger creates a sweet-savory profile that perfectly complements the natural taste of the fish. It’s no wonder Ryukyudon became such a popular dish for fishermen!
Marinating also helped preserve the fish, making it easier for fishermen to enjoy their catch throughout the day without wasting any. This dish is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, which is why it’s still loved today.
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese food or just looking for a new recipe to try, Ryukyudon is sure to become a favorite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ryukyudon
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 bowl 1x
Description
Ryukyudon is a simple yet flavorful dish from Oita, Japan, featuring marinated sashimi over warm rice. Originally created by fishermen as a quick, easy meal at sea, it brings out the best in fresh fish with minimal effort. Follow this recipe to make Ryukyudon at home, and check out the video for step-by-step guidance!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sake
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 4 oz sashimi-quality fish, sliced (I recommend buri or hamachi, but tuna works great too. I used buri in this video!)
- 1 tsp ground sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, chopped
- A warm bowl of cooked short-grain rice
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade
In a bowl or container, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and grated ginger. - Marinate the fish
Add the sliced sashimi into the bowl, ensuring that all pieces are fully covered by the marinade. Top with ground sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Let the fish soak up the flavors for at least an hour. If you want a deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight. - Serve over rice
Place the marinated fish on top of a warm bowl of cooked short-grain rice. While the fish can be enjoyed on its own, it’s truly best on rice! Comforting and satisfying!
- Prep Time: 1 hour
