The Perfect Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowl Recipe with Spicy Cream

Juicy korean bbq steak sizzles with mouthwatering potential right in your kitchen.

Marinated beef delivers incredible flavor combinations that will make you smile.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques for creating restaurant-quality meals without complicated steps.

Tender slices of meat nestled over fluffy rice create a perfect comfort food experience.

Spicy cream sauce adds a zingy kick that complements the rich, savory protein.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delectable dish in under thirty minutes.

Trust me, one bite will transport you straight to seoul’s vibrant street food scene.

Reasons Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls Are Delicious

  • Savor Bold Korean Flavors: Experience a tantalizing fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory notes that transform a simple steak into an exciting culinary adventure.
  • Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality Korean BBQ steak bowls with minimal kitchen skills, using everyday ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
  • Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Personalize the rice bowls by adjusting spice levels, adding extra vegetables, or swapping proteins to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Impress with Minimal Effort: Deliver a stunning meal that looks professionally prepared but requires surprisingly little cooking expertise, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

For the Proteins:
  • Steak Cubes: Tender beef pieces that soak up the delicious Korean-inspired marinade for maximum flavor.
For the Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Gochujang, Honey, Sesame Oil, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A combination of sweet, spicy, and savory ingredients that create a bold and complex flavor profile for the steak.
For the Spicy Cream Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Sriracha, Salt, Black Pepper: A creamy and spicy sauce that adds a tangy kick and cool contrast to the warm, marinated steak.
For the Base:
  • Rice: A classic base that perfectly complements the flavorful steak and creamy sauce.

Stepwise Instructions for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Flavor Bomb

Create a magical marinade by combining:
  • Soy sauce
  • Gochujang
  • Honey
  • Sesame oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss steak cubes into the marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let the meat soak up those incredible flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Crank up a skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lay those marinated steak cubes down and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

You want a beautiful caramelized exterior with a juicy interior. Once done, let the meat rest and relax for a few minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Cream Magic

In a small mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Sriracha
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Bowl

Scoop fluffy rice into serving bowls. Arrange the seared steak cubes on top.

Generously drizzle the fiery cream sauce over everything. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Tips for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls Success

  • Let the steak soak in the marinade for the full 2 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavors that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the ideal doneness, with medium-rare around 135°F for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
  • Drizzle the spicy cream sauce in a zigzag pattern for an Instagram-worthy presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Adjust the sriracha in the cream sauce to match your spice tolerance – start with a little and add more for extra kick.
  • Use day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy when assembling the bowl.

Flavor Variations for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

  • Veggie Power Bowl: Replace steak with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same Korean-inspired sauce for a plant-based protein option.
  • Chicken Swap: Use diced chicken thighs instead of steak, maintaining the same marinade and cooking technique for a lighter protein alternative.
  • Seafood Fusion: Substitute steak with seared shrimp or salmon, keeping the bold Korean BBQ flavors and spicy cream sauce for a maritime twist.
  • Cauliflower Rice Remix: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version while preserving the original recipe's exciting flavor profile.

Best Pairings with Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

  • Crisp Soju Pairing: Chilled Korean soju perfectly cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the BBQ steak, offering a clean and refreshing contrast that elevates the entire meal experience.
  • Kimchi Side Kick: Tangy, fermented kimchi provides a zesty and crunchy complement to the tender marinated steak, balancing the creamy spicy sauce with its sharp acidic notes.
  • Asian Slaw Boost: Prepare a light, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and green onions to add texture and freshness that harmonizes with the BBQ steak's intense marinade.

Storage Guidelines for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

  • Store leftover steak and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap steak and rice individually in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label containers with date to track storage time.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water on rice, cover with damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated thoroughly. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • What is gochujang and can I substitute it?

Gochujang is a Korean red chili paste with a sweet, spicy, and savory flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of sriracha, miso paste, and a touch of honey to mimic its complex taste.

  • How should I slice the steak for the best texture?

Cut the steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized cubes. This ensures each piece is tender and easy to chew, maximizing the meat’s softness and absorbing the marinade’s flavors.

  • Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by changing the amount of gochujang or sriracha in the marinade and sauce. Use less for a mild version or add more for an extra kick.

Print
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Korean Bbq Steak Rice Bowls With Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls bring bold flavors from Seoul’s street food scene straight to your dinner table. Rich marinated beef, tangy sauce, and perfectly steamed rice create a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) beef steak (flank, skirt, or New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon (1/8 tsp) black pepper

Rice Base:

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

Spicy Cream Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) sriracha
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon (1/8 tsp) black pepper

Instructions

  1. Craft a robust marinade by blending rich soy sauce, fiery gochujang, golden honey, fragrant sesame oil, and aromatic spices. Thoroughly coat the steak cubes, allowing them to absorb flavors for 30-120 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Sear marinated steak cubes for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring a caramelized exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
  3. Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and preserve tenderness.
  4. Simultaneously prepare the zesty cream sauce by whisking mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, bold sriracha, and delicate seasonings until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Layer fluffy steamed rice as the foundation in serving bowls. Strategically arrange seared steak cubes atop the rice.
  6. Generously drizzle the spicy cream sauce over the steak, creating an enticing visual and flavor profile. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum temperature and taste integrity.

Notes

  • Marinate overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense Korean BBQ flavor infusion.
  • Use high-quality, tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin for maximum juiciness and tenderness.
  • Adjust spice levels in the cream sauce by reducing or increasing sriracha to suit personal heat preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and use lean steak cuts like flank steak.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes (or up to 125 minutes)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 717 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 1133 mg
  • Fat: 49 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 116 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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