Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce are perfect when you want big flavor with minimal fuss. The steak gets deeply savory and slightly sweet from its marinade while crunchy veggies and spicy cream sauce bring lots of contrast and zing. This dinner packs tons of satisfaction into each bowl and comes together faster than takeout.

The first time I tried making this, my family could not stop talking about all the flavors and textures in each bite. It quickly became our go to for both casual dinners and make ahead lunches.

Ingredients

• Flank or sirloin steak: Thinly sliced steak soaks up the marinade and stays tender Look for good marbling for extra juiciness
• Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and seasoning Choose high quality for the best taste
• Brown sugar: Provides subtle sweetness and caramelizes during cooking
• Sesame oil: Delivers toasty nutty flavor Use toasted sesame oil for extra richness
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives punchy aromatic character Chop just before using for the best flavor
• Ginger: Grating fresh ginger lifts the marinade with brightness Pick smooth pieces with minimal wrinkles
• Rice vinegar: Balances flavors with gentle acidity
• Gochujang: Optional but adds a smoky heat Seek out Korean brands for authentic taste
• White or brown rice: The hearty base Choose short grain for stickiness or jasmine for subtle aroma
• Shredded carrots: Crunch and color Use pre shredded for convenience or freshly grate
• Cucumber: Sliced thin for crisp texture and freshness
• Kimchi: Optional for spicy tang Homemade or store bought both work
• Green onions: Sliced for vivid flavor and color
• Sesame seeds: Optional but great for light crunch Toast in a skillet for extra flavor
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce Use your favorite brand
• Sriracha: Brings bold heat Adjust to your spice preference
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and pop
• Honey: Rounds out heat and adds a touch of sweetness

Instructions

Marinate the Steak:

Mix soy sauce brown sugar sesame oil garlic ginger rice vinegar and gochujang in a medium bowl Add the steak and turn to fully coat Press the marinade into the meat a bit Use your hands to ensure all slices are covered Cover and let sit at least thirty minutes in the fridge For the most flavor leave for up to eight hours

Make the Spicy Cream Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sriracha lime juice and honey in a small bowl Whisk until completely smooth Taste and adjust sriracha or honey as you like Cover and keep in the fridge until using

Cook the Steak:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium high until hot Use tongs to lay steak strips in a single layer Cook for two to three minutes without moving so the surface caramelizes Flip and cook another two to three minutes until edges are crispy and steak is just cooked through Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest

Prepare the Rice Bowls:

Fluff hot cooked rice with a fork Spoon into four bowls Arrange shredded carrots cucumber kimchi and green onions in separate sections over the rice You want a rainbow of toppings showing

Top and Finish:

Lay slices of cooked steak across the rice and veggies Drizzle generously with spicy cream sauce For extra crunch scatter with sesame seeds Serve immediately while everything is warm

Gochujang is my favorite ingredient in this recipe I love the hint of smoky heat it adds to steak and sauce My family always has a giggle racing to see who can get the prettiest photo of their finished bowl

Storage Tips

These bowls keep well for three days covered in the fridge Store the steak and sauce separately to prevent soggy rice and veggies Only assemble right before eating Microwaving the steak for one minute before adding to the bowl works great for leftovers

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chicken thighs or pork slices if you are out of steak Tofu works beautifully for a vegetarian version Swap out brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower carb meal You can swap kimchi for other tangy pickled veggies

Serving Suggestions

Build a DIY bowl bar for family or guests to pile up their ideal bowl Add extra toppings like radish sprouts or sautéed mushrooms A side of miso soup or steamed edamame is always welcome on the table

Cultural or Historical Context

Korean BBQ is a celebration of grilled marinated meat eaten with rice and punchy side dishes inspired by Korea’s vibrant food culture Gochujang is a classic Korean fermented chili paste that brings the sauce and marinade to life

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in shredded cabbage or blanched snap peas in spring Use grilled zucchini or sautéed corn in summer Pile on roasted butternut squash in fall

Success Stories

After serving these to friends everyone asked for the recipe My kids even started requesting steak bowls instead of takeout BBQ on busy Fridays The short marination time makes it weeknight friendly yet delicious

Freezer Meal Conversion

Flash freeze cooked steak slices on a baking tray and then store in a resealable bag for up to a month Microwaving or quickly stir frying in a pan reheats them perfectly Cooked rice also freezes well Freeze sauce in an airtight container and stir before serving

Korean BBQ bowls make dinner feel like a treat yet are weeknight-friendly. Enjoy building your own favorite combination each time you serve them.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How long should I marinate the steak?

For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if time allows.

→ Can I substitute the steak with another protein?

Yes, chicken or tofu work well as alternatives. Adjust marinating and cooking times as needed for your choice.

→ What kind of rice works best for these bowls?

Both white and brown rice complement the flavors well. Use your favorite or try jasmine or short-grain white rice for a classic touch.

→ Is the spicy cream sauce very hot?

The sauce adds a gentle heat from sriracha, balanced by creamy mayo. Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spiciness.

→ Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Absolutely! Slice and prep vegetables and make the sauce ahead to save time when serving.

→ What garnishes enhance these bowls?

Green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and freshness, while kimchi provides an extra kick if you like more heat.