Easy Vegetarian Soboro Don (Japanese Rice Bowl) Recipe

Updated at: 09/06/2025

Soboro Don, a beloved Japanese comfort food, is a delightful and surprisingly easy-to-make rice bowl brimming with flavor and texture. This dish features tender, savory ground meat (though easily adapted for vegetarians!), simmered in a sweet and slightly tangy sauce, served atop fluffy Japanese rice. Its versatility allows for endless customization; add a fried egg for extra richness, sprinkle with sesame seeds for aroma, or garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh pop of color. The satisfying combination of sweet, savory, and umami makes Soboro Don a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful weekend treat.

This simple recipe offers a vegetarian twist on the classic, using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques. Forget complicated cooking – this comforting bowl comes together quickly. Ready to create your own delicious vegetarian Soboro Don? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Cooked rice: 2 servings
  • Scallions
  • Tofu: 1 block
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Sugar: 1 tsp
  • Miso paste: 1 tbsp
  • Water: 2 tbsp
  • Ginger: 1/2 clove
  • Vegetable oil: 1 tbsp
  • Eggs: 3
  • Salt: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Tofu and Sauce

  • Press the tofu to remove excess water for 10 minutes or more.
  • Combine miso paste, soy sauce, sugar, water, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Mix well until the miso is fully incorporated.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu, stirring constantly until the water evaporates and the tofu becomes dry.
  • Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
Press the tofu to remove excess water for 10 minutes or more.Combine miso paste, soy sauce, sugar, water, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Mix well until the miso is fully incorporated.Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tofu, stirring constantly until the water evaporates and the tofu becomes dry.Pour the sauce over the tofu and stir until the tofu is evenly coated.
Prepare the Tofu and Sauce

Step 2. Scramble the Eggs

  • Crack the eggs into a bowl, add some salt, and beat them until well combined.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
Crack the eggs into a bowl, add some salt, and beat them until well combined.Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
Scramble the Eggs

Step 3. Assemble the Donburi

  • Scoop cooked rice into serving bowls. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the rice and garnish with chopped scallions.
Scoop cooked rice into serving bowls. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the rice and garnish with chopped scallions.
Assemble the Donburi

Read more: Ochazuke Recipe: Easy Japanese Green Tea Rice Bowl

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables in my vegetarian Soboro Don?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

2. What can I substitute for the soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives. For a less salty option, reduce the amount and add a touch more mirin.


This easy vegetarian Soboro Don recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and satisfying plant-based meals can be. Enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of this Japanese classic, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables and toppings. Now go forth and create your own bowl of happiness!