Japan's Answer to Burnout: The Ultimate Garlic Pork Stamina Bowl (Sutamina Don)
Details
Sutamina Don, literally "Stamina Rice Bowl," was born in a Tokyo ramen shop in the 1970s. The goal was simple: create a delicious, affordable, and energy-boosting meal for hungry students and workers. The secret lies in the potent combination of pork and garlic, both considered "stamina" foods in Japan, all brought together by a killer garlic-soy sauce.
Ingredients
*For the Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and optional dashi/chicken powder. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Pork
Add the sliced pork belly to the pan. Stir-fry until the pork is cooked through and slightly browned. If a lot of excess fat renders out, you can carefully drain some of it off.
Combine
Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook for another minute until they just begin to soften.
Sauce it Up
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the pork and onions. Continue to stir-fry, allowing the sauce to bubble and reduce slightly, coating every piece of pork until glossy. This should only take 1-2 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls
Divide the hot cooked rice between two large bowls. Arrange the garlic pork mixture on top of the rice.
Finishing Touches
Create a small well in the center of the pork and gently place an egg yolk in it. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and shredded nori, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the power-up!
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