Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls with Creamy Gochujang Sauce – Sweet, Savory & Spicy
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These Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls feature tender marinated steak, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and a creamy gochujang sauce for the perfect flavor balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bulgogi — meaning “fire meat” in Korean — is one of the most beloved Korean dishes for a reason. Thin slices of beef are marinated in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, then quickly cooked for maximum tenderness. Paired with fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, slightly spicy gochujang sauce, these bowls are a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bulgogi:
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1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon grated ginger
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 green onions, chopped
For the Creamy Gochujang Sauce:
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3 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon honey
For Serving:
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Cooked white or brown rice
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Sliced cucumbers, carrots, or kimchi
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Sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Add sliced ribeye and green onions. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Gochujang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Bulgogi
Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and caramelized.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Divide rice among bowls. Top with bulgogi beef, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of creamy gochujang sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Tips for the Best Bulgogi Bowls
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Freeze beef slightly before slicing for paper-thin cuts.
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Use short-grain rice for an authentic Korean texture.
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Adjust gochujang amount for more or less heat.
Save This Recipe
These Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls with Creamy Gochujang Sauce are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy — plus, they’re customizable and meal-prep friendly.