Name: Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 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; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp black pepper; 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp sriracha; ¼ tsp salt; ⅛ tsp black pepper

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If you’re craving something flavorful, comforting, and a little bit spicy, I’ve got just the dish for you: Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe. These bowls are packed with tender, juicy steak cubes glazed in a sweet and spicy Korean BBQ marinade, laid on a bed of fluffy rice, with a luscious creamy sauce that brings everything together. Whenever I want an easy but impressive weeknight meal, this recipe never lets me down.

What makes Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe so worth trying is how effortlessly the bold flavors come together without needing tons of complicated steps. Plus, it’s super flexible—whether you want to use brown rice for a healthier spin or play around with heat levels in the sauce, you can easily make it your own. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to meals, just like it did for me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines through its simple yet harmonious ingredients. Each one is chosen to balance the savory, sweet, spicy, and creamy elements that make these rice bowls so crave-worthy. When shopping, look for fresh steak cuts and quality gochujang for that authentic Korean flavor.

Beef steak (flank, skirt, or New York strip): These cuts are perfect for quick cooking and absorb marinades well.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth to the marinade, so don’t skip this staple.
Gochujang (Korean chili paste): The secret to that signature spicy-sweet kick—grab a good quality jar.
Honey: Balances the heat nicely and helps create a beautiful glaze on the steak.
Sesame oil: Just a touch gives a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Convenient and provide steady savory background notes.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all flavors to life.
Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine): Your choice depending on preference—each makes a great base.
Mayonnaise & sour cream: Combined for a creamy, tangy sauce with a cool contrast to the heat.
Sriracha: Boosts the spice in the creamy sauce—add more or less to suit your tastes.

Variations

I love tweaking this Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe every now and then. It’s super adaptable, so you can make it milder, vegetarian, or add veggies for a fresh crunch. Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor it to what you enjoy most!

Variation: For a vegetarian twist, I swap the steak for marinated tofu or mushrooms—still gives that smoky flavor with a great texture.
Heat level: If you’re sensitive to spice, dial back the gochujang and sriracha or use a milder chili paste.
Rice alternatives: Sometimes I use cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, and it works surprisingly well here.
Add veggies: Sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or kimchi on top add veggies and a fresh bite that’s delicious.

How to Make Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinade Magic – Preparing Your Steak

Start by cutting your steak into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the steak cubes in this marinade, making sure they’re evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes—this step is key because the flavors need time to seep into the meat. I usually prep this while getting the rice ready, so everything flows smoothly.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Perfectly

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the marinated steak cubes in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized and cooked through but still tender. Avoid overcrowding your pan—do this in batches if needed to get that perfect sear. Once done, set the steak aside to rest briefly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up the Spicy Cream Sauce

This sauce is the star that brings everything to life. Simply mix mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level to your liking. I always make a bit extra because it’s delicious drizzled over every bite of steak and rice.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Place a generous scoop of warm cooked rice in your bowl, top with the sizzling Korean BBQ steak cubes, and finish with a good drizzle of the spicy cream sauce. Feel free to sprinkle with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or any garnishes you like. Then dive in—this is comfort food elevated!

How to Serve Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I swear by a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions—they add that extra nutty crunch and fresh brightness. Sometimes, I throw on some pickled radishes or a few slices of cucumber for a crisp contrast to the rich steak and creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish plays nicely with light sides like kimchi or a simple cucumber salad to cut through the richness. On a lazy weekend, I pair it with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. Trust me, adding veggies boosts the meal’s balance and makes it feel more complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For get-togethers, I love assembling individual bowls in colorful stoneware and providing extra sauces on the side so guests can customize their spice levels. For a fun twist, using lettuce leaves as wraps instead of rice adds a fresh crunch and makes it more casual for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover steak and rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the steak tender, I reheat gently rather than microwaving on high, which can dry it out.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this dish freezes fairly well. I freeze the cooked steak and rice separately in freezer bags and thaw overnight before reheating. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can store it refrigerated for a couple of days.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the steak and rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Then, add the sauce just before serving or drizzle it cold—both taste fantastic.

FAQs

What cut of steak is best for Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe?

I find that flank, skirt, or New York strip steaks work best because they cook quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully. They stay tender when sliced into cubes and develop great flavor from the marinade and searing.
Can I make Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the steak for tofu, tempeh, or thick mushrooms like portobello for a tasty vegetarian alternative. Just marinate them the same way and adjust cooking times as needed.
How spicy is the spicy cream sauce?

The sauce has a nice kick thanks to the sriracha, but it’s balanced by the mayonnaise and sour cream. You can easily control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha to your preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep since the steak holds up well refrigerated and reheats nicely. Keep sauce separate until ready to eat for best freshness.
Can I use brown rice or jasmine rice instead of white rice?

Definitely! The recipe works well with any type of cooked rice. Brown rice adds nuttiness and more fiber, while jasmine gives a fragrant aroma—both delicious choices.

Final Thoughts

Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between bold flavors and ease of preparation. Its versatility makes it great for any occasion, whether a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for busy days. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll love how the spicy, savory, and creamy elements come together in every bite, guaranteed to impress both yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your meal!