My stomach was grumbling and growling as I stepped out of the crowded elevator . I looked down with slight embarrassment, hoping no one else recognized the hungry culprit. Good thing it was lunch time. Any second longer I think I’d die of hunger.

I gave the waiter the name, and he guided us rather swiftly to our table next to the window. Little China teacups was laid out filled with hot water, dainty chopsticks and napkins was placed in the front of each of us. From my seat, I pressed my small little face against the clear glass window beside me curious to see the traffic below. It was lunch hour in Wanchai (one of the busiest areas in Hong Kong) and from my view I could barely make out the fast moving “blobs” of black and white dots 20 floors down below me.

Time to order. I was filled with excitement, because I was finally allowed to order my own personal meal without having to share with my twin sister. My parents let us do that occasionally when we went out and when I had a big enough appetite to finish all my food – which seemed pretty evident today! My 14 year old little mind scanned through the blur of miniature Chinese figures on the large menu trying to decide what to fill my tummy. No pictures, no descriptions. This would be a challenge. Somehow I managed to make out the words “mackerel” and remembered the delicious looking grilled fish on the glass display outside the restaurant. That sounded delicious. I smiled and smirked, wiggling in my seat in anticipation for food.

Seconds, minutes and hours seem to be tick by. Finally I saw the first signs of absolute glory and delight- MY FOOD was coming! The waiter carefully arranged a bowl of steamed white rice, a piece of char-grilled mackerel, tofu miso soup and yellow pickled daikon right in front of me. Ooo..this was so exciting for me. I looked over to see that my mum had ordered the same thing. I gave myself a pat on the back, feeling like a sophisticated adult because I ordered what my mum loved – “grilled fish”. I look at my sister’s simple choice of chicken and egg donburi, and gave myself another pat on the back – MY MEAL seemed to look better.

I took one bite of my fish. It was delicious. I handed my sister a piece of my fish so she could try how good this is. I watched her take a bite waiting for her reaction. She smiled and said it was delicious.

“But…” she said “mines is even better.”

I looked at her in disbelief. How could my beautiful fish compare to her simple chicken and egg mixed together? Impossible.

She scooped a large spoonful of her chicken and egg and shoved it into my mouth.

My grin disappeared when the tender chicken, soft runny egg with sweet broth hit my tongue.

She was right. IT WAS AMAZING. INCREDIBLE. FLAVORFUL. SOFT.

I hated to admit it but hers tasted so much better.Seeing my reaction she kindly offered to share hers with me. My pride wouldn’t let me take up her offer (event though she could see it written all over my face). I gobbled down the fish without another word and left the restaurant promising myself I would ALWAYS order this chicken and egg dish next time we came.

SO there. That is my childhood story of how I first fell in love with one of the simplest Japanese famous dishes – Oyakodon.

That experience was rather unromantic, and childish, but definitely a defining and “memorable” moment. I’m surprised I still remember. Maybe it was the embarrassment or the regret that wouldn’t allow me to let this memory go…but one thing I do know – Oyakodon is REALLY good. It may sound ordinary, but the combination of the broth, egg, chicken is rather magical.

Peering into my fridge, I could see a carton of eggs and a bag chicken thighs – a smile spread on my face…this could mean one thing: oyakodon! It really is the easiest, most delicious thing ever AND I get to eat a whole pan of it.

The first bite into the succulent chicken coated in warm runny eggs, drenched in that soy sauce dashi broth…ohhh my goodness..it was so good.

Every time I surprise myself at how good this really is. I think I fell in love with it again.

Oyakodon Japanese Chicken and Egg (GF, Oil-Free)

 

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Oyakodon Japanese Chicken and Egg (GF, Oil-Free) Author: Unconventional Cooks Serves: 2 Adapted from Justonecookbook

Author: Unconventional Cooks

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 8 oz chicken thighs (about 3 chicken thighs)
• ½ white onion
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp GF Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp honey/ sugar
• ¼ cup Dashi Stock (or ¼ cup water + ⅓ tsp dashi powder)
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Chicken Breast : Cut chicken breast into bite size pieces. Add in ¾ tsp baking soda. Mix and fridge for 30 mins.
2. Chicken Thigh: Trim off the skin and fat from the chicken. Cut the chicken into small bite-size pieces. Set aside.
3. Thinly slice the onions and set aside.
4. Prepare all the rest of ingredients before cooking.
5. In a bowl, mix dashi stock, vinegar, soy sauce and honey together until sugar is dissolved.
6. In another bowl, crack 3 eggs. Lightly beat with chopsticks until fully incorporated.
7. Spread onions over the pan. Pour sauce to cover the onion and chicken.
8. Layer the the chicken on top.
9. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the chicken and onions to simmer until fully cooked. (I like to flip the chicken pieces to the other side to make sure both sides Is cooked).
10. Taste the broth, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
11. Slowly and carefully DRIZZLE the beaten eggs over the chicken, distributing it across the pan evenly. Cover with a lid and allow the egg to set.
12. Turn off heat. Sprinkle with green onions.

Notes

Traditional Method: Although Oyakodon has Japanese origins, The chinese Chinese Name for it is 親子丼 or "Parent and Egg Rice Bowl". It is meant to be a rather poetic, sophisticated description for a Chicken and egg rice bowl. Like many other Japanese "Donburi" Or "Rice Bowls", this is a one pan dish that can be made at home. Other famous donburis include beef, salmon roe, or sashimi. It is extremely popular and can be found in many restaurants

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 2 Calories: 247.2 Fat: 7.6g Carbohydrates: 22.9g Sugar: 21g

3.5.3251

LOVE,

Zoe & Mia

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