Bulgogi Bowls
Quick and flavorful Bulgogi Bowls featuring tender marinated Korean-style beef served over rice with fresh vegetables. This easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it ideal for fast weeknight meals, meal prep, or customizable dining options.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
Base and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional steamed)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup kimchi (optional)
Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Extra chopped green onions for topping
- Extra drizzle of sesame oil (optional)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and chopped green onions until well combined. This marinade will infuse the beef with a savory-sweet flavor.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches, allowing the edges to caramelize and the beef to cook through in just a few minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.
- Prepare the Rice and Vegetables: While cooking the beef, prepare the base by cooking rice according to package instructions. Prepare fresh or lightly steamed vegetables such as spinach, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices to add crunch and color.
- Assemble the Bulgogi Bowls: Layer a generous scoop of cooked rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with the cooked bulgogi beef and arrange the assorted vegetables around it. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Optionally, drizzle extra sesame oil for enhanced aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Use thin slices of ribeye or sirloin for best tenderness and quick cooking.
- Marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes to deepen the flavor; overnight marinating yields best results.
- Cook beef over high heat to get a nice caramelized sear quickly.
- Include a variety of crunchy vegetables for contrast in texture.
- Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for aromatic brightness.
- Toast sesame seeds briefly before garnishing to enhance nuttiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- Bulgogi bowls can be customized with different proteins, veggies, and grains as desired.
- Store cooked beef and rice separately to maintain freshness. Reheat gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Bulgogi, Korean beef bowl, marinated beef, quick dinner, Korean cuisine, easy meal, beef rice bowl, healthy bowl