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A close-up shot of tender, thinly sliced Korean BBQ steak being cooked in a hot skillet, with pieces caramelizing to a perfect char.

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!)

Create the most delicious Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls at home with this easy recipe! A quick, flavorful marinade makes tender, juicy steak perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Steak Marinade
  • 1.5 lbs flank or sirloin steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp gochujang optional, for a spicy kick
For Assembly
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice for serving
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup kimchi optional
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 2 Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add gochujang if using. Add the thinly sliced steak and toss to fully coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. While the steak marinates, prepare your toppings. Cook the rice, shred the carrots, slice the cucumbers, and chop the green onions.
  3. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil. Once hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  4. Cook the steak for 1-2 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. The thin slices will cook very quickly.
  5. To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the cooked steak, and arrange the carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi around the sides. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For the most tender steak, be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; this ensures it sears rather than steams.
You can marinate the steak overnight for even deeper flavor.