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Best Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls - Easy 30-Minute Recipe


  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These delicious Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce bring restaurant-quality Korean flavors to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender marinated steak, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy gochujang sauce, these customizable bowls are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notes

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Korean BBQ, steak rice bowls, gochujang sauce, spicy cream sauce, Korean beef bowl, easy Asian dinner, meal prep bowls, quick Korean recipe