If you’re after a quick and flavour-packed dish that hits all the right notes of sweet, savoury, and spicy, this Japanese Soboro-Style Minced Beef Chilli is for you. Inspired by the traditional soboro donburi — a simple rice bowl topped with seasoned ground meat — this version adds a gentle heat using Japanese or Korean chilli, bringing a warming twist to a classic comfort food.
Soboro mince is often made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, giving it a rich, slightly sweet umami flavour that clings beautifully to fluffy steamed rice. In this variation, we’ve introduced just the right amount of chilli to balance the sweetness without overpowering the dish, making it family-friendly yet satisfying for chilli lovers. An optional runny egg on top takes it to the next level, adding creaminess and richness to every bite.
Whether you’re serving it in a rice bowl, bento box, or even wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is incredibly versatile. It’s a brilliant midweek meal that feels a little bit special but doesn’t require much effort — and it’s one you’ll likely return to again and again.
Ingredients
- 500 gram beef mince
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 cup peas
- 3 mini capsicums (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru
- 1 teaspoon ginger (greated or minced)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 egg (optional)
- spring onions and toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- steamed Jasmine rice
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (if using) and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add grated ginger and garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the minced beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir-fry until no longer pink and starting to brown (about 4–5 minutes).
- Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and chilli flakes or shichimi togarashi. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and coat the beef.
- Taste the mixture — add more chilli if you want it spicier, or a splash more soy/mirin if you'd like it sweeter or saltier.
- Spoon the beef over steamed rice. Top each bowl with a soft-boiled egg or a scrambled egg if desired. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 320 kcal / 1338 kJ
- Fat: 22 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 9 g
