Name: Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (Substitute with sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak.); 3 tbsp soy sauce (Essential for marination.); 1 tbsp brown sugar (Can use honey as an alternative.); 2 tbsp sesame oil (Use olive oil if unavailable.); 1 tsp grated ginger (Substitute with ground ginger.); 1 tsp garlic (Minced; substitute with garlic powder if necessary.); 1/2 tsp black pepper (Omit or replace with white pepper if desired.); 2 cups rice (Use jasmine or short-grain rice for authenticity.); 1 cup fresh vegetables (Shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber; substitute with preferred salad greens.); 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Can use Greek yogurt for a healthier version.); 1 tbsp gochujang (Substitute with chili paste or sriracha mixed with miso paste.); 1 tsp rice vinegar (Omit if unavailable but adjust other ingredients.); 1 tsp honey (Adjust based on spice tolerance.); green onions (Replace with chives if desired.); sesame seeds (Optional, can be omitted for simplicity.)

The aroma of marinated steak sizzling in a hot skillet can transport me straight to the bustling streets of Seoul, where vibrant flavors and comforting dishes come alive. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce—perfect for anyone craving a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on authenticity. This recipe not only boasts tender, flavorful steak, but it’s also topped with a creamy, spicy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate plant-based options, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied. Whether you’re aiming to impress family or simply indulge your taste buds, these bowls promise a delightful crunch and a satisfying warmth in every bite. Are you ready to embark on this delicious journey with me?

Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try?

Authentic Flavors: Transport yourself to Seoul with every bite of these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls; the marinated steak delivers that rich, umami depth.

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be prepped in 30 minutes, making it a go-to for your dinner repertoire.

Creamy Spicy Sauce: The spicy cream sauce brings everything together, enhancing the dish with delightful heat and creaminess.

Versatile Options: Substitute flank steak for grilled chicken or tofu, accommodating diverse dietary preferences while still satisfying those cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its colorful presentation and combination of textures, this meal is certain to impress family and friends—perfect for gatherings!

For an equally exciting experience, check out our Chicken Cordon Sauce or try a comforting Garlic Butter Steak for your next meal!

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls Ingredients

• Get ready to explore the essentials of this flavorful dish!

For the Marinated Steak

Flank Steak (1 lb) – Main protein; adds heartiness. Substitute with sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak for flavor preference.
Soy Sauce (3 tbsp) – Provides salty umami flavor; essential for marination.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp) – Adds sweetness to balance the savory; can use honey as an alternative.
Sesame Oil (2 tbsp) – Enhances flavor profile with nuttiness; use olive oil if unavailable.
Grated Ginger (1 tsp) – Contributes fresh, peppery notes; substitute with ground ginger.
Garlic (1 tsp, minced) – Adds aromatic depth; substitute with garlic powder if fresh is unavailable.
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Provides mild heat; omit or replace with white pepper if desired.

For the Bowl Assembly

Rice (2 cups, cooked) – Base of the dish, providing bulk and texture. Use jasmine or short-grain rice for authenticity.
Fresh Vegetables (1 cup total, shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber) – Adds freshness, crunch, and color; substitute with any preferred salad greens.

For the Spicy Cream Sauce

Mayonnaise (1/4 cup) – Base of the sauce providing creaminess; can use Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Gochujang (1 tbsp) – Essential for the spicy sauce; can substitute with chili paste or sriracha mixed with miso paste.
Rice Vinegar (1 tsp) – Adds tanginess to the sauce; omit if unavailable but adjust other ingredients for balance.
Honey (1 tsp) – Adds sweetness to the sauce; adjust based on spice tolerance.

For Garnishing

Green Onions – Provides freshness, flavor, and visual appeal; can be replaced with chives.
Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish) – Adds nuttiness and texture; omit for simplicity.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper until fully combined. Add the thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the steak for those delicious Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls.

Step 2: Prepare the Spicy Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir until smooth and well-blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve the desired drizzle consistency. Set the spicy cream sauce aside in the refrigerator to chill while you cook the steak, ensuring that it’s ready to complement your rice bowls.

Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, adding a splash of cooking oil once hot. Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator and cook in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are beautifully seared and reach a medium-rare doneness, indicated by a juicy, tender cut that still has a slight pink inside. Allow the cooked steak to rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture.

Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
Start by placing warm, cooked rice as the base in each serving bowl, filling about two-thirds of the bowl. Layer on the fresh, shredded vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and cucumber for crunch and color. Slice the rested steak against the grain and arrange it generously on top of the vegetables, creating an inviting and visually appealing presentation.

Step 5: Drizzle with Sauce and Garnish
Once your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls are layered, drizzle the prepared spicy cream sauce generously over the steak and vegetables, letting it cascade beautifully. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds, adding a touch of freshness and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal together!

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce

Elevate your meal experience with delightful side dishes that perfectly complement the savory, spicy goodness of your rice bowls.

Kimchi: The tangy, fermented flavors of kimchi add a wonderful contrast and enhance the meal’s authenticity with its spicy crunch.
Miso Soup: A warm, comforting miso soup provides a light, umami-rich companion, cleansing your palate between bites.
Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers crispness and acidity, balancing the richness of the steak and sauce beautifully.
Pickled Radishes: Sweet and sour pickled radishes introduce a delightful zing, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Steamed Broccoli: A light and nutritious addition, steamed broccoli adds color and texture, making every bite more satisfying.
Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed green beans tossed in sesame oil add nutty flavor and crunch, pairing wonderfully with the steak.
Chilled Soba Noodles: These cold noodles, dressed in a light soy or sesame sauce, serve as a soothing contrast to the warm rice bowls.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet potato fries bring a bit of sweetness and fun, perfect for dipping in any leftover spicy cream sauce.
Green Tea: For a refreshing beverage, a cup of green tea perfectly complements the meal while aiding digestion.

Expert Tips for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

Rest the Steak: Allow your cooked steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender!
Marination Time: The longer you marinate the flank steak (up to 4 hours), the more flavorful it will be. Just don’t leave it too long or the texture may change.
Spice Control: Always start with a smaller amount of gochujang in your spicy cream sauce, adjusting to taste. This helps cater to everyone’s spice preferences!
Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix up the fresh vegetables! Bell peppers, radishes, or a sprinkle of pickled veggies bring added flavor and color.
Plant-Based Twist: For a delicious plant-based version, swap steak for marinated grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms—just as satisfying!
Rice Selection: Use short-grain rice for authenticity in your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls, but jasmine rice works well for a lighter texture too!

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls Variations

Feel free to make this dish your own with these flavorful twists!

Plant-Based Substitute: Replace steak with marinated grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms for a satisfying vegan option. The marinade infuses bold flavors right into the plant-based protein.
Different Cuts: Swap flank steak for sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak based on your preference. Each cut brings its own flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite!
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, radishes, or pickled vegetables for a zesty crunch. These extra ingredients not only brighten the dish visually but enhance the flavor profile as well.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of gochujang in the sauce for more heat. If you’re adventurous, toss in some chili flakes for an extra layer of spice!
Grain Base: Switch regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist. This change adds a different texture while keeping the dish healthy and satisfying.
Sauce Variations: Try replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy sauce. This swap adds creaminess without compromising on flavor.
Heat Levels: For those who love mild flavors, reduce the gochujang and add a dollop of plain yogurt to the sauce to balance the spice.
Serving Suggestions: Pair these bowls with a side of kimchi, miso soup, or a refreshing cucumber salad to complete your meal experience, taking your dining path straight to Korea!

Each of these variations ensures that your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls stay exciting and fresh, making them a delightful repeat in your dinner rotation!

Storage Tips for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls

Fridge: Store leftover steak, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezer: You can freeze marinated steak before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking for optimal flavor.
Reheating: When reheating, do so gently over low heat to avoid drying out the steak and rice. Re-add the spicy cream sauce after everything is warmed through for the best flavor.
Serving Leftovers: For a quick meal, reassemble the bowls with fresh vegetables and drizzle with the spicy cream sauce to revamp your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls!

Make Ahead Options

These Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the flank steak up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply for that authentic taste. Additionally, you can prepare the spicy cream sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; just be sure to mix it lightly before serving to restore its creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy a delicious dinner, simply cook the marinated steak, assemble the rice bowls with fresh vegetables, and drizzle with your pre-made sauce for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly prepared!

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of flank steak should I use?
Absolutely! While flank steak is the star of this dish, you can also experiment with sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. Each cut brings its own unique flavors and tenderness, so choose based on your preference!

How should I store leftover Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls?
Very! For best results, store leftover steak, rice, and spicy cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the texture of each component. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent drying out.

Can I freeze the marinated steak before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated steak! Just place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge before cooking for the best flavor and tenderness.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your spicy cream sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply stir in a splash of water or additional rice vinegar until you achieve your desired drizzle consistency. This way, it will easily flow over your vibrant bowl of deliciousness!

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! For a plant-based twist, substitute the flank steak with marinated grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms. Use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo in the spicy cream sauce for a fully vegan delight that everyone at the table can enjoy.

How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
To ensure your steak is cooked just right, aim for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. A juicy, tender cut with a slight pink center indicates medium-rare doneness. Always let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing—it locks in those flavorful juices and makes each bite irresistible!