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Savory Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl

korean beef bulgogi bowl - featured image

A quick and easy Korean beef bulgogi bowl with tangy pickled vegetables, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp rice wine or mirin (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • Optional: soft-boiled eggs or sliced avocado for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced green onions, rice wine (if using), and black pepper until sugar dissolves (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (ideally 30 minutes).
  3. Make the quick pickled vegetables by combining rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt, then add carrots, cucumber, and radishes. Toss to coat and let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Cook the rice according to package instructions, adding a pinch of salt or splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor. Keep warm.
  5. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add marinated beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear about 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through but tender.
  6. Assemble the bowl by spooning warm rice into bowls, topping with cooked bulgogi beef, drained pickled vegetables, and garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions. Optionally add soft-boiled egg or sliced avocado.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Marinate beef at least 15 minutes for flavor, but not too long to prevent mushiness. Drain pickled vegetables well to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Thinly slice beef about 1/8 inch thick for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bulgogi, bulgogi bowl, quick Korean recipe, pickled vegetables, easy weeknight dinner, savory beef bowl