Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack
A Quick and Flavorful Way to Satisfy Your Korean BBQ Cravings
Introduction
Looking for a fast and flavorful meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make? This Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is your answer. Inspired by Korean bulgogi, this dish layers tender marinated beef over sticky sushi rice and tops it off with scallions, sesame seeds, and pickled ginger. It’s bold, fresh, and satisfying—everything you want in a quick weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the sweet-savory-smoky combo in Korean BBQ sauce. It caramelizes beautifully on thin-sliced beef, and when paired with soft sushi rice and crunchy toppings, it delivers an irresistible bite every time. I also love that this dish can be served as a stacked plate, in a bowl, or even as part of a DIY rice bar for parties.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Korean BBQ sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ginger powder
For the Rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 1½ cups water
For the Toppings:
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ¼ cup pickled ginger
Substitutions & Add-Ons
- Rice Options: Swap sushi rice with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a fiber-rich twist.
- Protein Alternatives: Try thinly sliced chicken, tofu, or shrimp in place of beef.
- Spicy Lovers: Add a dash of gochujang, red pepper flakes, or sriracha to the marinade.
- Extra Crunch: Add shredded carrots or thin-sliced cucumbers for freshness and color.
- Make it a Bowl: Toss everything in a bowl for a Korean BBQ beef rice bowl vibe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Rice
Rinse sushi rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 1½ cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender. Let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. - Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, toss thinly sliced flank steak with Korean BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor. - Cook the Beef
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. - Slice & Prep
If not pre-sliced, slice the beef into thin, bite-sized pieces after cooking. Prepare all toppings for assembly. - Assemble the Stack
On each plate, start with a generous scoop of sushi rice. Layer on the sliced Korean BBQ beef, followed by a sprinkle of scallions, sesame seeds, and a few slices of pickled ginger. - Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm, optionally with soy sauce or wasabi on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife to slice your beef thinly—freeze it for 15 minutes first for easier slicing.
- Cook the beef in a hot skillet or grill pan to get a nice sear.
- Don’t skip the resting time for rice—this helps it absorb the final bit of steam for perfect texture.
- Use toasted sesame seeds for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make this dish the centerpiece of a full Asian-inspired dinner spread by adding:
- Kimchi or quick pickled cucumbers
- A side of miso soup or seaweed salad
- A refreshing drink like a blueberry lemonade or sparkling jasmine tea
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Store rice and toppings separately for best texture when reheating.
- Reheat beef in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water to the rice to prevent drying out.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of easy meals with bold flavor, check out:
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage for a quick Southern twist
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – spicy, hearty, and soul-warming
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for when you need fast and filling
- Easy Turkey Wings – Sunday dinner made simple
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole – perfect for meal prep and one-pan convenience
Final Thoughts
This Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is proof that you don’t need a dozen ingredients or a long cook time to create something truly memorable. With its juicy beef, fluffy rice, and vibrant toppings, it’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Serve it for dinner, lunch meal prep, or even as part of a build-your-own rice bar for guests.
If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version! And for more crave-worthy dishes like this, follow along at ChefManiac.com. 🍚🥩🌶️
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