Sweet and savory bulgogi over rice with kimchi
Korean BBQ Beef Bowl
Korean BBQ Beef Bowl
25 minEasy
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Korean BBQ Beef Bowl
Sweet and savory bulgogi over rice with kimchi
Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet soy-pear-sesame sauce, seared until caramelized, and served over steamed rice with kimchi, pickled daikon, and a fried egg.
15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Korean BBQ at home is easier than you think. The secret is in the marinade—Asian pear tenderizes the beef naturally while soy, sesame, and garlic build layers of sweet, savory depth.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 grated Asian pear
- 3 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1 cup kimchi
- 4 eggs for frying
- Sesame seeds, scallions, and pickled daikon for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated pear; marinate sliced beef for at least 1 hour.
- 2
Cook short-grain rice and keep warm.
- 3
Sear marinated beef in a smoking-hot skillet in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until caramelized.
- 4
Fry eggs sunny-side up in the same pan, basting with the beef drippings.
- 5
Serve beef over rice with kimchi and pickled daikon; top with a fried egg, sesame seeds, and scallions.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Beef sirloinPork belly or chicken thighs
Adjust cook time—pork needs longer, chicken needs 5 min per side
Asian pearKiwi or pineapple juice
Both contain meat-tenderizing enzymes
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing for paper-thin cuts without a mandoline.
Marinate overnight for the most flavorful, tender bulgogi.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked beef and rice separately for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Microwave beef and rice for 2 minutes; fry a fresh egg to top each bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (280mg) · 4 servings
Calories540
LowModerateHigh
A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates54g
Fat38g
Fiber880mg
Sugar2g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I cannot find Asian pear?
- Substitute with a grated apple or 1 tbsp pineapple juice.
- What cut of beef is best?
- Ribeye or sirloin sliced thin work best; flank steak is a budget option.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
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