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Flavorful Bulgogi Beef Bowl Recipe Easy Savory Sweet Glaze Meal

bulgogi beef bowl - featured image

A quick and easy bulgogi beef bowl featuring thinly sliced marinated beef with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small onion, finely grated or pureed
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin (optional)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced scallions
  • Steamed white or brown rice (about 2 cups cooked)
  • Optional: steamed veggies like spinach, carrots, or kimchi

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, pureed onion, rice wine (if using), and black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended.
  2. Add thinly sliced beef to the marinade, toss well to coat every slice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Cook rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), gochujang, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Adjust sweetness or heat as desired and set aside.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total.
  6. Lower heat to medium and pour savory sweet glaze over beef. Toss well to coat and cook for another 1-2 minutes until glaze thickens and clings to meat.
  7. Assemble bowls by spooning steamed rice, topping with glazed bulgogi beef, and garnishing with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Add steamed or pickled veggies if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking beef to avoid steaming instead of searing. Marinate beef for at least 30 minutes for best tenderness. Adjust glaze sweetness and spice to taste. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Leftovers store well in fridge for up to 3 days; freeze cooked beef up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bulgogi, beef bowl, Korean recipe, sweet glaze, savory, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal