Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Succulent, caramelized slices of marinated beef nestled over a fluffy bed of rice, paired with sweet skillet corn and a bold, creamy dipping sauce—this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl is a flavor-packed meal that brings together heat, sweetness, and umami all in one satisfying dish. It’s hearty enough for dinner and stylish enough to impress, with textures and flavors that truly pop.

Inspired by the bold street food culture of Seoul, this bowl blends smoky grilled beef with fresh cilantro, fire-kissed corn, and a rich, pepper-speckled dipping sauce you’ll want to put on everything. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting friends for a casual lunch, this bowl is as versatile as it is mouthwatering.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl perfectly, having the right kitchen tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: For getting that ideal sear and char on your beef, which brings in the smoky, caramelized edges central to Korean BBQ.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing the beef thinly and evenly, ensuring it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for marinating the beef and preparing the creamy sauce.
• Small Saucepan: To warm or reduce the sauce ingredients if making from scratch.
• Rice Cooker or Pot: Fluffy, well-cooked rice is the foundation of this bowl, so precision here is key.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping beef and roasting corn evenly without losing juices.

With these tools in your corner, the entire process becomes not just doable but enjoyable.

---

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce

Each component of this bowl brings balance and depth. Here’s why these ingredients matter:

• Beef (ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced): The star of the show. Marbled beef absorbs the marinade beautifully and grills up tender with crispy edges.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami to the beef marinade.
• Brown Sugar: Gives that signature Korean BBQ sweetness and promotes caramelization.
• Garlic & Ginger: Fresh, aromatic layers that cut through richness.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty and toasty, it rounds out the marinade.
• Cooked White Rice: The neutral, fluffy base that absorbs every flavor.
• Sweet Corn Kernels: Adds a pop of color and sweetness to complement the savory beef.
• Butter: For sautéing corn, enhancing flavor with a touch of richness.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides a fresh herbal finish that lightens the dish.
• Creamy Sauce (mayo, sour cream, crushed pepper, lime juice): A zesty, creamy dipping sauce that balances the heat and adds creaminess.

---

How To Make the Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Add thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better).

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the beef marinates, cook your white rice according to package instructions using a rice cooker or pot. Fluff and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer and cook until seared and slightly caramelized on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Saute the Corn

In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn and sauté until golden brown with slight charring. Season with a pinch of salt and chopped cilantro.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, crushed red pepper flakes, and a splash of lime juice. Stir until smooth and chill until ready to serve.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

In each serving bowl, add a generous scoop of rice. Top with grilled beef, sautéed corn, and a side of creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

---

Best Way to Serve and Store Your Korean BBQ Beef Bowl

To serve this dish at its flavorful best, plate everything fresh while the beef is hot and the corn is warm. The contrast between the creamy dipping sauce and freshly grilled beef is one of the highlights, so don’t skip that element. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

For storing, keep each component in separate airtight containers. The rice, corn, beef, and sauce can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the rice and beef gently in the microwave or a skillet; avoid reheating the sauce—serve it cold for contrast.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the beef?

Slice the beef as thinly as possible—ideally 1/8-inch thick. This ensures a fast cook time and allows the marinade to penetrate deeply.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Chicken thighs or even tofu work great with the same marinade. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is the creamy sauce spicy?

It has a mild kick from the crushed red pepper, but you can tone it down or amp it up based on your preference.

Can I grill the beef instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely. A grill gives you even more smoky flavor, just be sure to use a grill basket or skewers to keep pieces from falling through.

What type of rice is best?

Short or medium-grain white rice is ideal for texture and stickiness. Jasmine rice also works well.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes. Marinate the beef and prep all components up to a day in advance. Assemble when ready to serve for best texture.

---

Want More Bowl & BBQ Ideas?

If you loved this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce, check out these other satisfying favorites from my recipe collection:

• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a bold pasta spin on your favorite protein.
• Sweet Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta if you enjoy a blend of smoky heat and sweetness.
• Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for rich, creamy comfort food.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot when you need something hands-off and cozy.
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein for a noodle bowl that’s quick and satisfying.

---

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29.

Tried this dish out? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go classic with ribeye, or try it with tofu? Leave a comment and share your take!

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?