Spicy Tuna Donburi Rice Bowl

By
Judy Ung
Judy Ung
Food writer, recipe developer, and blogger who has published hundreds of Japanese home-cooking recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/19/23
Spicy Tuna Donburi Rice Bowl

The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1119 Calories
52g Fat
120g Carbs
38g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 1119
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 52g 67%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 351mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 120g 44%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 38g
Vitamin C 3mg 16%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 657mg 14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Spicy tuna donburi, or don, is a Japanese dish where spicy tuna is served atop a bowl of steamed rice. This dish is quite popular at Japanese restaurants in the West, and it can also be found in the deli section of many Japanese grocery stores.

Spicy tuna don is just one of many different types of donburi-style dishes available in Japanese cuisine. Donburi, or don, refers to a meal where rice is served in a deep bowl and topped with beef, chicken, egg, fish, seafood, tempura, etc. It’s a staple dish in Japanese cuisine.

For this spicy tuna donburi recipe, the spiciness of the tuna—the Sriracha chili sauce, chile pepper (shichimi togarashi), and chili oil (rayu)—may all be adjusted to suit the level of heat you desire.

As for the rice, either white or brown rice may be used. Some restaurants and delis serve spicy tuna donburi with sushi rice, while others use plain steam rice—either is acceptable.

Less mayonnaise may be used, but the mixture will not be as creamy. Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is best if you’re able to get your hands on it, as it tastes quite different from American mayonnaise. If you substitute American mayonnaise, keep in mind the taste of the spicy tuna mixture will be altered.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked Japanese rice

  • 1/2 pound fresh sashimi-grade tuna, diced

  • 2 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie brand mayonnaise), or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1/8 teaspoon Japanese shichimi togarashi, or seven-chili pepper spice

  • 6 tablespoons chili oil, or to taste

  • Thinly sliced scallions, roasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce, optional, for optional garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Spicy tuna donburi rice bowl ingredients

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  2. Spoon rice into small Japanese donburi-style bowls, which are slightly larger than traditional rice bowls. Make sure rice has cooled to almost room temperature.

    Rice in bowls

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  3. Chop tuna so that it is almost minced.

    Chopped tuna in a bowl

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  4. In a medium bowl, gently combine minced tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, Sriracha, sesame oil, shichimi togarashi, and Rayu chili oil until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    Spicy tuna in a bowl

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  5. Split the mixture into 2 portions, generously spreading it over rice in donburi bowls.

    Spicy tuna and rice in bowls

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

  6. Top each spicy tuna donburi with sliced green onions, roasted sesame seeds, if using, and a drizzle of soy sauce.​

    Spicy tuna donburi rice bowl

    The Spruce / Maxwell Cozzi

What Is a Typical Japanese Meal?

Steamed rice "gohan" is served at every Japanese meal. It is always a little sticky so that it's able to be easily picked up and eaten with chopsticks. Also, every meal includes soup; miso soup is the most common one served. Other dishes include seaweed "nori," pickled vegetables "tsukemono," seafood or other protein, vegetables, and salad. 

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