Bulgogi Beef Bowl (Printable View)

Thinly sliced marinated beef served over rice with fresh vegetables for a vibrant meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef & Marinade

01 - 1.1 lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
02 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
08 - 1 pear, grated (Asian pear preferred or substitute sweet apple)
09 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (optional)
10 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Bowl Assembly

13 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice
14 - 1 cup carrot, julienned
15 - 1 cup cucumber, sliced into matchsticks
16 - 1 cup blanched bean sprouts
17 - 1 cup kimchi (optional)
18 - 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, grated pear, gochujang (if using), scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
02 - Add thinly sliced beef to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry marinated beef in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly into four bowls. Top with cooked beef, julienned carrot, cucumber matchsticks, blanched bean sprouts, and kimchi if using.
05 - Sprinkle extra sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds over the bowls. Serve immediately for best taste.

# Best Practices:

01 -
  • The marinade does most of the flavor work while you prep veggies, so you're never rushed or stressed.
  • Everything comes together in 30 minutes flat, which somehow feels like cheating when the taste is this good.
  • It's endlessly customizable—add kimchi, top with an egg, or skip whatever doesn't speak to you that day.
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating step—those 15 minutes make a dramatic difference in tenderness and flavor, and skipping them leaves you with decent beef instead of unforgettable beef.
  • High heat is non-negotiable when searing; if your pan isn't hot enough, the beef releases moisture and steams instead of developing that gorgeous caramelized crust.
  • Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking the beef, because once that beef is done, everything comes together in seconds.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before using them—that small step transforms them from pleasant to unforgettable and releases their full nutty aroma.
  • If you're marinating the beef longer than 30 minutes, keep it in the refrigerator so it stays safe while the flavors develop even further.
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