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Are you craving the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine without leaving your kitchen? Look no further than these incredible Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce. This homemade recipe brings together tender marinated steak, fluffy rice, and a creamy spicy sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to Seoul! Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, these Korean BBQ bowls are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe that combines traditional Korean flavors with modern convenience.

Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Packed with authentic Korean BBQ flavors in every bite
• Completely customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings
• Perfect for meal prep – components can be prepared ahead of time
• Balanced meal with protein, carbs, and vegetables in one bowl
• The spicy cream sauce takes these bowls to the next level of flavor
• Easier and more affordable than takeout
• Impresses friends and family with restaurant-quality results
• Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free options available

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

For the Korean BBQ Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak or ribeye, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons Korean gochujang paste
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 pear, grated (traditional Korean BBQ tenderizer)
• 2 green onions, chopped

For the Spicy Cream Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Korean gochujang paste
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Rice Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (short-grain or jasmine work well)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cups spinach, lightly sautéed
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons kimchi
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions, chopped for garnish
• Cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Korean BBQ Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang paste, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and grated pear.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until sugar is dissolved and the marinade is well combined.
3. Place your thinly sliced steak in a ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
4. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2: Make the Spicy Cream Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang paste, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
2. Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochujang according to your preference.
3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time.

Step 3: Cook the Korean BBQ Steak

1. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
2. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until smoking hot.
3. Add the marinated steak pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if needed).
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done.
5. Transfer cooked steak to a clean plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls.
2. Arrange the sliced Korean BBQ steak on top of the rice.
3. Add the cucumber, carrot, spinach, avocado, radishes, and kimchi around the steak.
4. Drizzle the spicy cream sauce generously over the bowls.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and cilantro if using.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

• Freeze the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to get thin, even slices.
• The secret to authentic Korean BBQ flavor is the grated pear in the marinade – it not only adds sweetness but also helps tenderize the meat.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the marinated steak outdoors instead of using a pan.
• Make the marinade and sauce in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
• Gochujang paste can vary in spiciness between brands – always start with less and add more to taste.
• For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or serve over mixed greens.
• Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor before using as garnish.
• Letting the steak marinate overnight will develop the deepest, most authentic Korean BBQ taste.

Best Ways to Serve Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

These Korean BBQ bowls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions:

• For a traditional Korean experience, serve with banchan (small side dishes) like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seaweed salad.
• Create a DIY Korean BBQ bowl bar for entertaining, letting guests assemble their own bowls with various toppings.
• Pack components separately for lunch meal prep, assembling just before eating to maintain optimal texture.
• Serve family-style with all components in separate dishes for a fun, interactive meal.
• For a lighter option, serve the Korean BBQ steak over a salad instead of rice.
• Pair with a cold Korean beer like Hite or Cass, or a crisp white wine like Riesling.
• For a complete Korean feast, serve alongside Homemade Kimchi or Korean Vegetable Pancakes.

Nutritional Information for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 950mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

These Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls make excellent leftovers and can be stored properly for later enjoyment:

• Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The spicy cream sauce will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.
• Reheat the steak gently in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it to maintain moisture.
• For best results, assemble the bowls right before eating, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness over time.
• Korean BBQ steak can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

Can I make Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components 1-2 days ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. The marinade can even be made and frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, cook the steak right before serving and assemble the bowls fresh.

What can I use instead of gochujang in Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls?

If you can’t find gochujang paste, you can substitute with a mixture of 2 parts sriracha, 1 part miso paste, and 1 part honey. While not exactly the same, this will provide a similar sweet-spicy-umami flavor profile essential to Korean BBQ.

Are Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls gluten-free?

They can be! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your gochujang paste is certified gluten-free (some brands contain wheat).

What’s the best cut of beef for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls?

Traditionally, Korean BBQ uses cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. For the best texture in these bowls, ribeye offers excellent marbling and tenderness, while flank steak provides great flavor at a lower price point. Whichever you choose, slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Related Recipes

If you love these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls, try these other delicious Asian-inspired recipes:

• Bibimbap with Gochujang Sauce
• Easy Homemade Kimchi
• Korean Fried Chicken
• Beef Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps
• Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls

The Perfect Korean BBQ Experience at Home

Now you know how to make the best Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls at home! These flavorful bowls bring together all the elements of a satisfying meal – tender marinated steak, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible spicy cream sauce. They’re the perfect way to enjoy the bold flavors of Korean cuisine without leaving your kitchen.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking to impress dinner guests with something special, these Korean BBQ bowls deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors creates a truly memorable eating experience that you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Have you tried making Korean BBQ at home before? Let us know your favorite combinations and tips in the comments below!

Note: This recipe was updated on May 21, 2025, to include more detailed instructions and tips for achieving authentic Korean BBQ flavor.

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