Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for a meal that brings friends and family together with its vibrant flavors and comforting textures, then you’ve come to the right place! The Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. The combination of marinated beef, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings creates a symphony of savory goodness that’s hard to resist!

What makes this recipe truly special is the spicy cream sauce that ties everything together. It’s rich, flavorful, and adds a delightful kick that elevates the whole dish. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for customizing to your liking. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making these bowls!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy building their own bowls with favorite toppings. Kids love it!
• Customizable: Mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the steak ahead of time for an even more flavorful dish when you’re ready to cook.
• Packed with Flavor: Each bite is bursting with savory, spicy goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Korean BBQ Steak Bowls along with the spicy cream sauce:

For the Marinade

• 1.5 – 2 lbs sirloin, flank, or skirt steak, 1-inch thick
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sriracha or gochujang (optional)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (divided)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/4 cup white grape juice (optional)

For the Spicy Cream Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1-2 tbsp water or milk (to thin)
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice (optional)

For Serving

• 4 cups cooked short-grain white, brown, or jasmine rice
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
• A few radishes, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1-2 ripe avocados, sliced or diced
• 1/2 cup kimchi (optional)
• Optional: 1 fried egg per bowl

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you enjoy most or have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try chicken breast or tofu instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add seasonal veggies: Broccoli florets or bell peppers make great additions for color and crunch.
• Spice it up: If you like more heat, add extra Sriracha or chili flakes to your spicy cream sauce.
• Go vegan: Use plant-based mayo for the sauce and skip the meat altogether for a veggie-packed version.

How to Make Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preparing your steak marinade. Pat the steak dry and trim any excess fat. Then slice it against the grain into ½-inch pieces. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger, rice vinegar, Sriracha/gochujang (if using), black pepper, half the green onions, sesame seeds, and white grape juice (if using). Add your steak pieces to this flavorful mixture and ensure they are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but preferably overnight to really let those flavors soak in!

Step 2: Craft Spicy Cream Sauce

While your steak marinates away happily in the fridge, it’s time to whip up that mouthwatering spicy cream sauce! In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with gochujang, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, minced garlic clove, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk until smooth. If it feels too thick for drizzling later on your bowls, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste it—this is where you can adjust by adding more gochujang or lime juice if you’d like a little extra zing!

Step 3: Cook Perfect Rice

Next up is cooking your rice! Rinse uncooked short-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear; this helps remove excess starch. You can use either a rice cooker or stovetop method—if you’re going stovetop: combine rinsed rice with cold water in a pot using a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover it tightly and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes. Once done cooking, let it rest off heat for another 10-15 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.

Step 4: Grill or Pan-Sear Steak

Now comes the exciting part—cooking your marinated steak! Heat up a cast-iron skillet (or grill pan) over medium-high heat with some high-smoke-point oil. Shake off excess marinade from your steak pieces before placing them in batches in the hot skillet. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are beautifully charred but still juicy inside. Once cooked to your liking (medium rare is best!), transfer them onto a cutting board and tent them with foil so they can rest while you prepare everything else.

Step 5: Prepare Toppings

While your steak rests like royalty under foil blissfully soaking in all its juices, get those toppings ready! Thinly slice or julienne your cucumber and carrot; if you’re using avocados ahead of time then sprinkle them lightly with lime juice so they don’t brown too quickly. If you’d like some crunchiness from radishes—slice them thinly now too! Lay out any kimchi you’ve decided to include along with reserved green onions and extra sesame seeds as garnishes.

Step 6: Assemble Ultimate Bowls

Finally—it’s assembly time! Scoop warm cooked rice into individual serving bowls as your base layer. Next comes those perfectly grilled slices of Korean BBQ steak arranged artfully throughout each bowl—because we eat with our eyes first! Surround everything generously with julienned carrots & cucumbers; add avocado slices next followed by radishes & kimchi if using them as well—it’s all about balance! Now drizzle on that chilled spicy cream sauce liberally over everything—you want every bite filled with flavor! Garnish lastly with remaining green onions & an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. And if you’re feeling indulgent? Go ahead and top each bowl off with an optional fried egg for added richness!

Serve immediately while everything’s fresh & warm—enjoy every delectable bite of these Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce!

Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce

Creating the perfect Korean BBQ Steak Bowls is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some pro tips to ensure your dish is a hit!

• Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allowing the steak to marinate overnight not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a juicier, more delicious bite.

• Use High Heat for Grilling: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that beautiful char and caramelization on the steak. This adds depth to the flavor while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Prep Toppings Ahead: Slice and prepare your toppings before starting to cook. This makes assembly quick and easy, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without any last-minute stress.

• Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of gochujang or Sriracha in both the marinade and sauce according to your spice preference. This allows everyone at your table to enjoy it just how they like it!

• Serve Immediately: For that freshly made taste and optimal texture, serve each bowl right after assembly. This keeps everything crisp and vibrant.

How to Serve Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce

Presentation is key when serving these delightful bowls! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing as well as delicious.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle additional sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and an attractive texture contrast.
• Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side provides a zesty kick that diners can squeeze over their bowls for added brightness.

Side Dishes

• Korean-Style Pickled Vegetables: These tangy, crunchy vegetables complement the rich flavors of the steak and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy: Lightly steamed greens add a nutritious element to your meal while balancing out the richness of the sauce.
• Spicy Cucumber Salad: A simple salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes offers a cool yet spicy accompaniment that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
• Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with herbs, lettuce, or other veggies provide a fun way to enjoy an extra dose of crunch alongside your main dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable dining experience with your Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious Korean BBQ Steak Bowls throughout the week. With a few simple steps, you can create make-ahead components that save time and enhance your dining experience.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the spicy cream sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Store cooked rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze any leftover steak by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the spicy cream sauce; just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

• To reheat steak, microwave it on low power or warm it gently in a skillet until heated through.
• Reheat rice either in the microwave with a splash of water or on the stovetop with a little water added until warmed.
• The spicy cream sauce can be enjoyed cold or warmed slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries about making your Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls + Spicy Cream Sauce.

Can I use other cuts of beef for the Korean BBQ Steak Bowls?

Absolutely! While sirloin, flank, or skirt steak are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can also experiment with cuts like ribeye or even chicken if you prefer.

How can I customize my Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls?

You can easily customize your bowls by adding different toppings such as bell peppers, sprouts, or other fresh vegetables. Feel free to adjust spice levels by adding more gochujang or Sriracha to suit your taste!

Can I prepare these bowls without rice?

Yes! You can serve your Ultimate Korean BBQ Steak Bowls over lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something different.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and flavor to your dining table! The combination of marinated beef, fluffy rice, and that delightful spicy cream sauce creates a meal that’s not only satisfying but also makes any dinner feel special. Enjoy making these bowls, share them with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Happy cooking!