Name: How to Make Gyutan Don (Japanese Beef Tongue Rice Bowl)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 150g thinly sliced gyutan (beef tongue slices); Salt and black pepper (as needed); Cooking oil (for coating the frying pan); 200g steamed rice; 20g chopped negi (green onion; for the sauce); 1 tsp chicken soup stock powder (for the sauce); 1.5 Tbsp sesame oil (for the sauce); 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (for the sauce); A pinch of salt and black pepper (optional, to taste)

How to Make Gyutan Don (Japanese Beef Tongue Rice Bowl)

Gyutan Beef tongue Under 10 minutes Easy Quick Dinner

Do you like beef tongue? While it might not be for everyone, today we’re sharing gyutan don recipe, a beloved Japanese dish featuring the rich, smoky flavors of grilled beef tongue.

Beef tongue is rich in protein, vitamin B, and minerals, offering a satisfying chewiness and tender texture. Although it feels lighter than other beef cuts, it contains a significant amount of fat, so portion control is key.

Known as “tan” in Japanese, beef tongue is a rare and prized delicacy. A single cow yields only about 1–2 kg of tongue, making it especially valuable when sourced from premium wagyu beef.

In Japan, beef tongue is famously associated with Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture, where it’s prepared by marinating slices in salt or a special sauce and grilling them over charcoal.

While beef tongue can be a bit pricy due to its scarcity, it’s also enjoyed at home for everyday meals. At supermarkets, beef tongue is usually sold in two forms:

Block type: Ideal for stews or simmered dishes
Sliced type: Perfect for BBQ and grilled recipes, and the preferred choice for quick meals like gyutan don

Each part of the tongue offers a different texture and flavor, making it versatile for various dishes:

Tip: Firmer, best for simmered or stewed dishes
Middle: Tender, ideal for BBQ and grilling
Base and back: Contains more gristle, suitable for stews or ground meat

If you ever purchase a whole tongue, divide it into these sections to make the most of its unique qualities.

Gyutan don is easy to make and perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoyed this flavorful dish!

Overview

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 5 mins

Total time: 10 mins

Total servings: 1

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

150g thinly sliced gyutan (beef tongue slices)
Salt and black pepper (as needed)
Cooking oil (for coating the frying pan)
200g steamed rice
20g chopped negi (green onion; for the sauce)
1 tsp chicken soup stock powder (for the sauce)
1.5 Tbsp sesame oil (for the sauce)
1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (for the sauce)
A pinch of salt and black pepper (optional, to taste)

Expert's Tip:

Japanese supermarkets offer a variety of BBQ sauces, but this yakiniku sauce stands out as a favorite. Made with soy sauce, miso, and sesame oil, it offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and umami flavors. Its mild sweetness comes from apples and honey, making it versatile for dipping, grilling, or seasoning your dishes.

Instructions

1) Gather the Ingredients

Collect all the ingredients. If you’re using thick gyutan slices, make shallow cuts on the surface to ensure even cooking and enhanced flavor absorption.

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2) Prepare the Negi (Green Onion) Sauce

In a bowl, combine the chopped negi with the seasonings. Mix well until evenly combined. Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes, allowing the negi to soften and fully absorb the flavors of the seasonings.

3) Prepare the Frying Pan

Lightly coat the frying pan with cooking oil. Heat it over medium to medium-high heat until the surface is hot and ready for cooking.

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4) Cook the Gyutan

Once the pan is hot, place the gyutan slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then pan-fry for about 1 minute. Flip the slices and fry for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

If needed, cook slightly longer until fully done. Add more salt and black pepper to taste if desired.

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5) Combine Rice, Gyutan, and Sauce

Start with a bowl of freshly steamed rice. Arrange the cooked gyutan slices neatly on top, then drizzle the prepared negi sauce over the dish.

Enjoy your delicious gyutan don!

About the author

Megumi Moriya

Megumi is a recipe writer based in Chiba, Japan. She carries a Bachelor in the Faculty of Foreign Studies and is interested in creating content about Japanese cuisine and traditional confectioneries. Megumi is most interested in making Japanese recipe content, and in her free time, she likes to play the piano, make handcrafted goods, and hula dance. She hopes to inspire Japanese Taste readers to make Japanese recipes at home and of course share more about Japanese culture.

View articles by Megumi Moriya