Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor and texture, you’re going to love these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce. This recipe marries tender, juicy flank steak marinated in a savory and slightly sweet blend with vibrant sautéed vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice. The star of the show, though, is that creamy, spicy sauce that ties every bite together, delivering an exciting kick and cooling balance all at once. It’s a perfect dish for any night when you want something impressive yet totally doable in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all you need to create these Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce. Each element plays a key role: the soy sauce and sesame oil bring savory depth and nuttiness, the brown sugar adds a subtle caramelized sweetness, and the fresh garlic and ginger give a zesty punch. Together, they’ll create that luscious marinade and complex flavor foundation.

• 1 pound flank steak: This cut is perfect for grilling or searing and absorbs marinade beautifully.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, essential to Korean BBQ flavors.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Brings a rich, nutty aroma that elevates the dish instantly.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory notes with gentle sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds sharpness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated: Offers a bright, slightly spicy kick.
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice to soak up all those delicious flavors.
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli): Adds vibrant color and crispy-tender texture.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to sauté the veggies to perfection.
• For the Spicy Cream Sauce: A luscious combo of sour cream, Sriracha, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper—making every bite creamy with a spicy zing.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Creates the silky base of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce: Adjust to your heat preference for that spicy punch.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the heat with subtle sweetness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all other flavors.
• Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish: Adds a lovely crunch and fresh color.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. This magical marinade infuses the flank steak with layers of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Make sure the steak is fully coated, then cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also locks in that signature Korean BBQ taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

While the steak marinates, cook your jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to keep it light and airy—this will create a perfect base for your bowls that soaks up all the delicious juices from the steak and sauce.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Cream Sauce

Next, whip up the unforgettable spicy cream sauce by mixing sour cream, Sriracha, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is where creamy meets fiery, with lime adding a zesty brightness to balance out the heat from Sriracha. Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat to get a beautiful sear on your steak. When ready, remove the steak from its marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes to achieve medium-rare, or cook it a little longer if you prefer your steak more done. The high heat caramelizes the sugars and locks in the juices for a perfect Korean BBQ charred crust.

Step 5: Rest and Slice the Steak

Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping every bite tender and juicy. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same pan, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in your mixed vegetables. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still retain a fresh, crisp bite. This step adds vibrant color and a welcome crunch to contrast the silky rice and steak.

Step 7: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part—layering all those beautiful components. Start with a base of jasmine rice, followed by slices of your flavorful Korean BBQ steak, and top it off with the sautéed vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle your spicy cream sauce generously over the top for that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the bowls. These garnishes not only amp up the visual appeal but also add delightful textures and fresh bursts of flavor. Your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce are now ready to impress!

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

Garnishes

Enhance the bowls with crunchy sesame seeds that add a subtle nuttiness and chopped green onions for a fresh, peppery finish. These little touches elevate the dish from great to unforgettable and add beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce and rich steak.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, pair the bowls with simple Korean sides like kimchi, pickled radishes, or a light cucumber salad. These sides offer brightness and acidity that balance the richness of the steak and sauce, making every bite exciting and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls in colorful ceramic bowls to make the vibrant ingredients pop. For a fun twist, add a fried egg on top or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can even turn these flavors into lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld variation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, any leftovers of Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce should be stored in airtight containers and refrigerated promptly. This keeps the steak juicy and the vegetables crisp, making your next meal just as delightful.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but for best texture, store components separately—freeze the cooked steak and rice in freezer-safe containers. The spicy cream sauce is best kept fresh, so prepare it only when you’re ready to serve again.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the steak and vegetables gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their juicy texture. Microwave the rice with a sprinkle of water to keep it fluffy. Add the spicy cream sauce fresh after reheating to keep its vibrant flavor and creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its texture and marinade absorption, skirt steak or sirloin can also work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.

How spicy is the spicy cream sauce?

The sauce has a balanced heat thanks to the Sriracha combined with cooling sour cream and lime. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less Sriracha based on your preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the steak for marinated tofu or tempeh, and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative for the sauce. The bold flavors will still shine through wonderfully.

What’s the best rice to use for these bowls?

Jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, but you can also use basmati or even brown rice for a nuttier, more robust base.

How long can I marinate the steak?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes is essential, but you can also marinate up to 4 hours for even more flavor and tenderness. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.

Final Thoughts

Making Korean BBQ Steak Rice Bowls with Spicy Cream Sauce is truly a rewarding experience—you get to enjoy a dish packed with layers of flavor, enticing textures, and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself to a meal that feels special yet approachable. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite of these mouthwatering bowls!

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