Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice

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Korean BBQ is known for its rich, complex flavors that strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and smoky. Whether you’re a fan of bulgogi, galbi, or spicy pork, the combination of marinated meat and fragrant rice is irresistible. These Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice bring all those delicious elements together in an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the perfect Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice, including detailed ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

To create an authentic and flavorful dish, you’ll need high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Korean BBQ Meat:

• 1 lb beef (ribeye, sirloin, or short ribs), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp mirin (optional, adds depth)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

For the Garlic Scented Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine or short-grain rice
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter or sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Additional Toppings and Sides:

• Kimchi (for tang and spice)
• Sautéed or pickled vegetables (carrots, cucumber, radish, etc.)
• Soft-boiled egg (for richness)
• Spicy gochujang sauce (for extra heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, mirin, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well, ensuring every piece is coated in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-4 hours.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Scented Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat butter or sesame oil over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add the rinsed rice and stir for another minute to coat it in the garlic-infused oil.
4. Pour in the water and salt, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
5. Let simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and fully cooked.
3. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before removing from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the garlic scented rice among serving bowls.
2. Top with cooked Korean BBQ beef.
3. Add kimchi, sautéed veggies, soft-boiled eggs, and a drizzle of gochujang sauce.
4. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use a hot pan: High heat ensures the meat caramelizes properly without overcooking.
• Slice the beef thinly: The thinner the slices, the better the marinade absorbs, and the meat cooks faster.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Let the rice sit after cooking for a fluffier texture.
• Balance your toppings: Aim for a mix of textures—crunchy pickled vegetables, tender beef, and soft-boiled eggs create the perfect bite.

Variations

• Chicken or Pork Alternative: Swap out beef for chicken thighs or pork shoulder, adjusting the cook time accordingly.
• Spicy Kick: Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or increase the gochujang sauce for extra heat.
• Vegan Option: Substitute beef with marinated tofu or king oyster mushrooms.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a refreshing drink like Korean barley tea or iced matcha latte.
• Serve family-style for a fun, interactive meal where everyone builds their own bowl.
• Make it meal-prep friendly by storing ingredients separately and assembling fresh.

Final Thoughts

These Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice offer an explosion of flavors in every bite. From the garlicky aroma of the rice to the juicy, caramelized beef and vibrant toppings, this meal is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress!

Meal Prep & Freezer-Friendly

Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice

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Cooking Method: Grilling, Stovetop Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 200  C Servings: 4 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

These Korean BBQ Bowls with Garlic Scented Rice are a perfect combination of bold, smoky flavors and aromatic rice infused with garlic. The marinated beef is seared to perfection, served over fluffy rice, and topped with fresh vegetables and a spicy-sweet sauce. A quick, delicious, and well-balanced meal for any time of the year!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Garlic Scented Rice:

• 1 cups 1.5 jasmine rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups water
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 0 tsp 0.5 salt

For the Korean BBQ Beef:

• 500 g beef (ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 0 tsp 0.5 black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup kimchi (chopped)
• 1 small cucumber (julienned)
• 1 medium carrot (shredded)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 soft-boiled egg (per bowl, optional)

For the Spicy-Sweet Sauce:

• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Scented Rice

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef, coating it well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Cook the Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in a single layer for about 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Make the Spicy-Sweet Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.

Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with a generous serving of garlic-scented rice as the base. Top with cooked Korean BBQ beef. Add kimchi, julienned cucumber, shredded carrot, and chopped green onions. Drizzle with spicy-sweet sauce and garnish with sesame seeds. Optionally, add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.

Note

• Storage: Leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Variations: Swap beef for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
• Spice Level: Adjust the gochujang amount based on heat preference.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of miso soup or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Quick, Easy, Meal Prep, High-Protein, Flavorful