Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love a meal that is bold, juicy, and packed with flavor, then this is for you. These Korean BBQ steak bowls are a game-changer.
The steak is perfectly marinated, grilled to perfection, and served over a bed of rice with fresh toppings. But the real star? That SPICY sesame dressing. It ties everything together and takes this dish to another level.
And guess what? It’s easier to make than you think. Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Serving bowls
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $18 – $22, depending on your location
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Additional time: 30 minutes for marinating (highly recommended)
- Calories per serving: 650 kcal
- Cook method: Grilling
- Season: Perfect for Summer and Fall
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
- Diets: Not suitable for vegetarian, vegan, or halal diets due to the steak and marinade ingredients
How to Make Korean BBQ Steak Bowls
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Steak Marinade
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
For the Spicy Sesame Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Ribeye or sirloin steak | Chicken breast or tofu (for a vegetarian option) |
| Gochujang | Sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste |
| Soy sauce | Tamari or coconut aminos (for a gluten-free option) |
| Brown sugar | Honey or maple syrup |
| Rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar |
| Jasmine rice | Brown rice or quinoa |
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and gochujang. Add the sliced steak, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the spicy sesame dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the steak: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak slices for about 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with shredded lettuce, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and the grilled steak slices.
- Drizzle with dressing: Spoon the spicy sesame dressing over the bowl and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy while warm!
Helpful Tips
- For extra tenderness, slice the steak against the grain.
- If you want a stronger flavor, marinate the steak overnight.
- No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet over high heat for a similar effect.
- Want it spicier? Add more gochujang or sriracha to the marinade and dressing.
- Use day-old rice for a firmer texture in your bowls.
What to Serve with Korean BBQ Steak Bowls
This meal is already packed with flavor, but you can make it even better with:
- A side of kimchi for a tangy crunch
- Miso soup for a warm and comforting starter
- Pickled radish to balance the spice
- Chilled green tea or a light beer to cool things down
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
These bowls are best served fresh in deep bowls that can hold all the toppings and dressing. If you like, you can use chopsticks to get the full experience, but a fork works just as well.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dish is great for casual dinners, meal prep, or even a lunchbox meal. It’s perfect for:
- Summer BBQs – Because grilling season needs something exciting.
- Picnics – Just pack the ingredients separately and assemble on-site.
- Weeknight Dinners – Quick, easy, and satisfying after a long day.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re eating within an hour, keep everything separate until serving.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy toppings.
Freezing
- The cooked steak can be frozen for up to 2 months in a sealed bag.
- Do not freeze the fresh vegetables or dressing; they will lose their texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, you can. Just marinate the chicken the same way and cook it for about 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the gochujang in the marinade and use less sriracha in the dressing. You can also add more honey to balance the heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance. Store the cooked steak, rice, and toppings separately, then assemble when ready to eat.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just portion everything into containers and store the dressing separately. It makes a great grab-and-go lunch.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! A cast-iron skillet on high heat will give you a similar charred effect. You can also use an air fryer at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes.
Meta Description
Korean BBQ steak bowls with spicy sesame dressing recipe – juicy grilled steak over rice with fresh toppings and a bold, spicy dressing. Quick, easy, and delicious.