Bulgogi Beef Bowl (Print Version)

Thinly sliced marinated beef stir-fried with savory and sweet flavors, served over steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

# What You Need:

→ Beef & Marinade

01 - 1.1 pounds 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 Asian pear, grated (or substitute with a 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, julienned
16 - 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
17 - 1 cup kimchi (optional)
18 - 2 scallions, sliced (for garnish)
19 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

# How To Make:

01 - Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated pear, gochujang if using, sliced 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 let rest for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry marinated beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until just browned and cooked through.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top with cooked beef, julienned carrot and cucumber, blanched bean sprouts, and kimchi if desired.
05 - Sprinkle extra scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like you've been cooking all day.
  • The sweet and savory balance is genuinely addictive—once you taste it, you'll understand why people crave this bowl.
  • You get to build your own bowl, so everyone can load it up exactly how they like it.
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating time—even 15 minutes makes a difference, but 30 minutes is when you really taste what this dish can be.
  • High heat is non-negotiable; a timid flame will steam the beef instead of searing it, and you'll lose that caramelized crust that makes this bowl special.
03 -
  • Freeze your ginger and garlic in small portions early so you always have them ready—grated garlic and ginger are game changers for quick meals.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two; the difference in flavor is worth the tiny bit of effort.
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