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Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowl Recipe Easy Homemade with Spicy Kimchi

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A quick and flavorful Korean beef bulgogi bowl paired with spicy kimchi, perfect for an easy weeknight meal that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Asian pear or apple (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup kimchi, spicy and fermented
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If your beef isn’t pre-sliced, place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up, then slice it as thinly as possible—about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and grated Asian pear or apple if using. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add sliced beef and green onions to the marinade. Toss everything to coat evenly. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  4. While the beef marinates, cook your rice according to package instructions or in a rice cooker. Keep warm.
  5. Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the marinated beef in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan—to get a nice sear. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through.
  6. Spoon warm rice into bowls, top with the cooked bulgogi beef, a generous scoop of spicy kimchi, sliced cucumber if using, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro or green onions.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Korean beef bulgogi bowl with spicy kimchi.

Notes

If the beef sticks to the pan, ensure the pan is hot enough and avoid overcrowding. Let the beef sit undisturbed to caramelize properly. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Pat beef dry before cooking if too wet from marinade. Marinate beef for 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef bulgogi, bulgogi bowl, spicy kimchi, easy Korean recipe, weeknight dinner, quick marinade, Korean comfort food

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/korean-beef-bulgogi-bowl-recipe-easy-homemade-with-spicy-kimchi/