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Savory Korean Bulgogi Beef Bowl

korean bulgogi beef bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Korean BBQ-inspired beef bowl featuring tender marinated ribeye or sirloin with a sweet and savory bulgogi marinade, served over fluffy rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 small Asian pear or apple, grated
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • Steamed or sautéed vegetables (spinach, carrots, mushrooms recommended)
  • Kimchi or pickled radish
  • Optional: Fried egg for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by combining soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and grated Asian pear (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to dissolve the sugar (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef and white parts of green onions to the marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
  3. Cook the rice according to package instructions (about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  4. Steam or sauté chosen vegetables until tender but still vibrant. Set aside.
  5. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
  6. Just before removing beef from pan, add green onion tops and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Stir briefly.
  7. Assemble the bowl by layering warm rice, cooked vegetables, and bulgogi beef. Add kimchi or pickled radish on the side. Top with a fried egg if desired.

Notes

Use marbled ribeye or sirloin for best tenderness. Marinate beef at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Thinly slice beef by partially freezing it first. Splash water or beef broth during cooking if beef looks dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi, Korean beef bowl, Korean BBQ, easy dinner, weeknight meal, marinated beef, savory beef bowl