Name: Tontoro Don
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1.3 lbs Pork Jowl (Tontoro), sliced 1/4 inch thick; 4 cups Cooked Short-Grain White Rice; 1 tsp Sea Salt; 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 2 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Mirin; 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 2 tbsp Scallions, finely sliced; 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

Main Dishes

Tontoro Don

Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth texture of premium pork neck, expertly seared until crispy and served over a bed of steaming white rice. This Tontoro Don perfectly balances rich, fatty pork with a vibrant lemon-soy glaze and fresh aromatics.

Prep

15m

Cook

15m

Serves

Calories

680kcal

Qty	Ingredient
1.3 lbs 600 g	Pork Jowl (Tontoro), sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 cups 800 g	Cooked Short-Grain White Rice
1 tsp 5 g	Sea Salt
0.5 tsp 1 g	Freshly Ground Black Pepper
2 tbsp 30 ml	Soy Sauce
1 tbsp 15 ml	Mirin
1 tbsp 15 ml	Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tbsp 10 g	Scallions, finely sliced
1 tsp 3 g	Toasted Sesame Seeds

2 Method

Step 1. Prepare the pork by slicing the jowl into bite-sized strips if not already pre-cut. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-high heat. Do not add oil, as the pork jowl has sufficient fat that will render out.

Step 3. Place the pork slices in the pan in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.

Step 4. Flip the pork and cook for another 2 minutes. The fat should become translucent and the edges should be slightly charred.

Step 5. While the pork cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

Step 6. Once the pork is fully cooked, pour the sauce over the meat and toss quickly for 30 seconds to coat. Remove from heat immediately to prevent the sauce from burning.

Step 7. Scoop warm steamed rice into four deep serving bowls.

Step 8. Top each bowl with a portion of the grilled pork, then garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

·
Pork jowl (Tontoro) is very fatty; use a splatter screen to keep your kitchen clean while searing.
·
For a smoky flavor, cook the pork over a charcoal grill instead of a skillet.
·
Serve with a side of shredded cabbage or pickled ginger (beni shoga) to cut through the richness of the pork.
·
If you can't find pork jowl, fatty pork belly is the best substitute.

? FAQ

What exactly is Tontoro?

Tontoro is the Japanese term for pork jowl or neck meat. It is prized for its high fat marbling and distinctive 'snappy' or crunchy texture when grilled.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Tontoro Don is best served immediately while the fat is hot and the edges are crispy. If reheating, use a pan rather than a microwave to maintain the texture.

Is Tontoro Don healthy?

It is a high-fat, high-calorie comfort dish. To make it lighter, serve it with a large portion of steamed vegetables or over cauliflower rice.

Where can I buy pork jowl?

Look for 'Pork Jowl' or 'Pork Neck' at Japanese or Korean grocery stores, where it is often sold pre-sliced for yakiniku.