Imagine a dish where bold, savory flavors meet creamy, spicy goodness. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you dive into these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce. It’s a delightful mix of tender marinated steak and a luscious sauce that adds a kick to every bite, making it a perfect weeknight indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of savory steak and spicy cream sauce will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20-40 minutes, this dish makes an excellent weeknight option.
- Flexible Ingredients: Customize with your choice of rice and add-in veggies for a personal touch.
- Everyday Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a dish bursting with colors and flavors. Each one plays a key role in making these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce an extraordinary meal.
- Beef steak (1 lb): Flank, skirt, or New York strip are great choices that absorb marinade brilliantly.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a savory, umami base to your marinade.
- Gochujang (1 tbsp): Korean chili paste that brings sweet, spicy depth to the beef.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the heat and saltiness with sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tsp): Provides a nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic powder & Onion powder: Essential for rounding out the marinade’s savory notes.
- Cooked rice (1 cup): White, brown, or jasmine rice serves as the perfect foundation.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup) & Sour cream (¼ cup): Form the base of the spicy cream sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adds the heat to the sauce, bringing everything together.
Variations
Feel free to experiment and make these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce uniquely yours. It’s incredibly easy to adapt this dish to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the steak for tofu or mushrooms for a fantastic meat-free alternative that still captures the flavors.
- Lower Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter version.
- Different Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to cater to your spice tolerance.
How to Make Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, create a rich marinade by combining soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add your steak cubes to this aromatic mix, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them sit and soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes — though waiting up to two hours will reward you with a deeper taste.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, and place the marinated steak cubes on it. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, playing with that delicate balance to reach the perfect texture. Remove from heat and let them rest a bit, absorbing the retained heat for that juicy bite.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Cream Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust the seasonings if you crave more spice or tanginess to complement the savory steak.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Layer a hearty scoop of cooked rice into each bowl, then top with the juicy steak cubes. Drizzle generously with your spicy cream sauce and prepare to enjoy a bowl of utter delight.
Pro Tips for Making Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce
- Perfect Marinade Time: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure robust flavors throughout.
- Searing Secrets: Use a hot pan to achieve a lovely sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Customizing the Sauce: Taste the sauce before serving and tweak the sriracha level to match your personal heat preference.
- Rice Choices Matter: Experiment with various types of rice like jasmine or brown to change the texture of your dish.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top for extra flavor, color, and crunch. A few julienned carrots or sliced radishes can also provide vibrancy and a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup for a light and refreshing side that complements the rich flavors of the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bowls in rustic stoneware to emphasize their earthy qualities. Alternatively, present individual components separately and let everyone assemble their bowls to create a fun, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cooked steak and rice separately from the spicy cream sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, reheating each component remains straightforward while keeping flavors fresh.
Freezing
The steak can be frozen, allowing you to have a vibrant meal ready any time. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the steak gently in a pan on low heat to preserve its tenderness. Warm the rice separately before assembling your bowls. Add a dash of fresh sauce after reheating for the best flavor profile.
FAQs
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the spicy cream sauce can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
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What if I don’t have gochujang?
If lacking gochujang, a mix of red chili paste and a touch of sugar can substitute in a pinch, but acquiring gochujang will truly elevate the dish’s authenticity.
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Is there a substitute for steak?
Tofu, chicken, or pork can all be great alternatives to beef, each bringing its own texture and taste to the dish while adapting well to the same flavors.
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Can I use any type of rice?
Indeed! While the recipe is adaptable to various types of rice, jasmine and white rice are traditional favorites for their delightful texture and fragrance.
Final Thoughts
These Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce are a symphony of flavors and textures, waiting to delight your senses. Perfect for impressing guests or pampering yourself on a cozy night, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it—your taste buds are in for a treat!
PrintKorean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
This flavorful Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowl features tender marinated beef cooked to perfection, served over fluffy rice and topped with a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, it combines bold flavors and textures for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb beef steak (flank, skirt, or New York strip), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
For the Spicy Cream Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the steak cubes, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Steak: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Spicy Cream Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Bowls: Add a scoop of cooked rice to each bowl. Top with steak cubes and drizzle with the spicy cream sauce.
Notes
- You can add extra vegetables like sautéed spinach or pickled cucumbers to enhance the flavor and texture.
- For a less spicy sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha to taste.
- Ensure the steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness, typically medium-rare to medium for optimal tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg