Korean BBQ Beef Pickled Bowl (Printable Version)

Bold marinated beef pairs perfectly with pickled vegetables and fluffy rice, packed with vibrant Korean-inspired flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Korean BBQ Beef

01 - 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
02 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
07 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
10 - 2 green onions, finely sliced

→ Pickled Vegetables

11 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
12 - 1 small cucumber, julienned
13 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1/2 cup rice vinegar
15 - 1 tablespoon sugar
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Bowl Essentials

17 - 2 cups steamed white rice (jasmine or short-grain)
18 - 2 tablespoons kimchi (optional)
19 - 1 sheet nori, cut into strips (optional)
20 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
21 - 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sesame seeds. Add sliced beef and mix until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
02 - Combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl. Add julienned carrot, cucumber, and sliced red onion. Toss to coat and let stand for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once pickled, drain excess liquid.
03 - Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Arrange marinated beef in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the meat is caramelized and cooked through.
04 - Portion steamed white rice into individual bowls. Arrange cooked beef and drained pickled vegetables on top. If desired, add a spoonful of kimchi and garnish with sliced green onions, nori strips, toasted sesame seeds, and gochugaru.
05 - Present immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses easy-to-find ingredients and comes together fast
  • Layers classic Korean flavors for juicy well-seasoned beef
  • Great meal prep option since components can be made ahead
  • Customizable spice level for every palate
02 -
  • Protein-packed and satisfying
  • Naturally dairy free
  • Ready in under forty minutes
  • Great for dinner but makes a fantastic lunch the next day
03 -
  • Always slice your beef as thinly as possible for the most tender bites Freeze meat for fifteen minutes to make cutting easy.
  • Allow pickles to drain fully before adding to bowls for the crispest freshest flavor.
  • A hot pan and quick cooking time ensure the beef caramelizes without steaming or getting tough.