These Easy Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a delicious, Korean-inspired dish featuring tender beef marinated in a flavorful sauce, paired with rice and vegetables. It’s an easy, customizable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a savory and satisfying meal in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Simple: The marinade takes just minutes to prepare, and once the meat is cooked, the bowl comes together in no time.
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Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or vegetables to make this dish your own.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well and is perfect for preparing in advance for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
For the Bulgogi:
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1 lb beef (top sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
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2 green onions, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
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1 small pear, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Bowls:
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2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or basmati)
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup sliced cucumber
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Optional toppings: fried egg, avocado, sriracha, sesame seeds, pickled vegetables, kimchi, or bell peppers
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade: Toast the sesame seeds, then mix soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, garlic, ginger, and pear (if using) in a bowl. Slice the beef thinly and marinate it in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
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Cook the Beef: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Remove the beef from the marinade and quickly sear it in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
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Assemble the Bowls: Cook the rice and divide it into bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked bulgogi beef, shredded carrots, cucumber, and any additional toppings you prefer.
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Serve: Add fried eggs, sriracha, avocado, or kimchi as desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Marination Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes (including marination time)
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
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Grain-Free Option: Replace the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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Additional Vegetables: Add bell peppers, cabbage, or mixed greens for more color and texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store cooked beef and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the beef and rice in the microwave and assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank steak, ribeye, or any tender cut of beef works well for bulgogi.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the beef ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready. It’s also great for meal prep!
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh red chilis to the marinade or as a topping.
Can I make bulgogi bowls with chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe for a lighter option.
Can I freeze the bulgogi?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked bulgogi beef and rice. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Can I use a different marinade?
Yes, you can experiment with adding flavors like gochujang (Korean chili paste) or pear juice for more sweetness.
How do I slice the beef thinly?
For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Can I add a fried egg on top?
Yes, a fried egg adds great richness and flavor when served on top of the bulgogi bowls.
What vegetables can I add to the bowl?
You can add bell peppers, cabbage, bean sprouts, or even kimchi for extra crunch and flavor.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce.
Conclusion
These Easy Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a flavorful, customizable, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week. With tender, marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a variety of tasty toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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The BEST Beef Bulgogi Bowls
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Beef Bulgogi Bowls are a delicious, Korean-inspired dish featuring tender marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and savory rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this customizable recipe offers a savory, satisfying meal in just 45 minutes. Whether you add a fried egg, kimchi, or avocado, these bowls are versatile and full of flavor, making them a go-to dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Bulgogi:
1 lb beef (top sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar (white or brown)
2 green onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
1 small pear, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Bowls:
2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or basmati)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup sliced cucumber
Optional toppings: fried egg, avocado, sriracha, sesame seeds, pickled vegetables, kimchi, or bell peppers
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade:
Toast the sesame seeds, then mix soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, garlic, ginger, and pear (if using) in a bowl. Slice the beef thinly and marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). -
Cook the Beef:
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and quickly sear it in the hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through. -
Assemble the Bowls:
Cook the rice and divide it into bowls. Top each bowl with cooked bulgogi beef, shredded carrots, cucumber, and any additional toppings you prefer. -
Serve:
Add fried eggs, sriracha, avocado, or kimchi as desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Grain-Free Option: Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Add More Vegetables: Enhance with bell peppers, cabbage, or mixed greens for more variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
