Name: Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen); 2 cups cooked white rice; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Sriracha or gochujang; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar or lime juice; 2 green onions, chopped

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful dinner that tastes like your favorite Korean BBQ spot but takes less than 30 minutes, you’ll love this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish layered with bold umami-rich beef, buttery corn, and a creamy drizzle that ties it all together. Each bite hits with sweet, savory, tangy, and rich tones, making it an instant favorite.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend dinners. The secret lies in the marinated beef, which gets a quick sear in a hot pan to lock in all the flavor. Then comes the corn—charred or sautéed to a golden finish—and finally, a luscious creamy sauce that brings everything together in the bowl. All served over fluffy white rice, it’s a bowlful of comfort that feels both special and effortlessly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce

This bowl is packed with texture, color, and balance. The beef is deeply seasoned with garlic, soy, sesame, and a touch of sugar for that signature Korean BBQ taste. The corn adds sweetness and crunch, while the creamy sauce cools everything down and adds a layer of indulgence. Best of all, it’s a one-bowl wonder that’s easy to customize and great for meal prepping.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a grill—just a good skillet, a few pantry staples, and dinner is on the table in no time. It’s satisfying enough for adults but kid-friendly too. Once you try it, it’ll likely find a regular spot in your rotation.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use for Korean BBQ Bowls?

Thinly sliced beef is key to this dish. Flank steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye sliced against the grain into thin strips will work beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, shaved beef (often found in the freezer section) is a handy shortcut. Look for beef with some marbling—that fat equals flavor.

If you want to go leaner, sirloin or even ground beef can work too, though the texture will be slightly different. Marinate well and don’t skip the high-heat sear to get that caramelized finish that makes Korean BBQ so irresistible.

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

To make this delicious bowl, you don’t need anything complicated. The magic comes from a few key ingredients that bring bold flavor and satisfying textures together.

Beef – Thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak works best, absorbing the marinade and searing beautifully.
Soy Sauce – This adds saltiness and depth to the beef marinade.
Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness to balance the savory and give that caramelized BBQ flavor.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings heat and a strong aromatic foundation.
Sesame Oil – Rich and nutty, this is essential for that authentic Korean BBQ aroma.
Corn Kernels – Fresh, canned, or frozen—just give them a quick sauté or char for sweetness and texture.
White Rice – The perfect base to soak up all those flavors.
Mayonnaise – This forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Sriracha or Gochujang – Adds a spicy kick to the creamy sauce.
Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice – For tanginess that balances the richness of the sauce.
Green Onions – Optional, but excellent for fresh bite and garnish.

Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce 2

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

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the sliced beef in the mixture and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook without moving it for 1-2 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir-fry until just cooked through, about 3-4 more minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Corn

In a separate pan or the same skillet (after removing the beef), sauté the corn until golden and slightly charred. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Mix mayonnaise, Sriracha or gochujang, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or tanginess to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Scoop cooked rice into bowls. Top with the sizzling beef, then add a layer of the golden corn. Drizzle with the creamy sauce and finish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce

This recipe makes enough for about 4 hearty servings, depending on how generous you are with the toppings. It’s best served fresh while the beef is still sizzling and the creamy sauce is cool and tangy. The rice acts as a neutral base, absorbing the flavor-packed juices and making every bite perfectly balanced.

If you’re prepping ahead, store each component separately. The beef, corn, rice, and sauce all keep well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm the beef and rice in a microwave or skillet, but keep the creamy sauce cold and drizzle it on just before serving to maintain its smooth texture.

For longer storage, the beef and corn can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce, however, is best made fresh.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Beef Bowl?

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

A simple green side that pairs perfectly with the savory beef. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Kimchi

This classic Korean fermented side dish adds a spicy, tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Pickled Cucumbers

Cool and refreshing, these cut through the richness of the meat and sauce.

Miso Soup

A light, comforting broth-based starter that doesn’t overpower the main bowl.

Edamame

Lightly salted and steamed, they make a great finger food side or snack to accompany the bowl.

Sesame Cabbage Slaw

Crunchy and nutty with just a hint of acidity, slaw keeps the bowl meal feeling fresh.

Soft-Boiled Eggs

Add protein and that delicious creamy yolk texture to your bowl.

Seaweed Salad

Salty, chewy, and bright green—a great flavor contrast that adds variety to the table.

Want More Dinner Bowl Ideas?

If you love this Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce, there are plenty more delicious and creative dinner bowls to explore. Here are some reader favorites to inspire your next meal:

• The Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is bursting with fresh herbs and creamy toppings.
• Try this Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl for a spicy twist on your high-protein dinners.
• Our Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon adds a citrusy, rich contrast to your weeknight lineup.
• Dive into the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you’re craving something indulgent and savory.
• Or keep it light with a Classic Caprese Salad turned into a rice bowl with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra spicy sauce? Did you char the corn or keep it buttery sweet?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Your questions are welcome, and feel free to share your tips so we can all keep our weeknight dinners interesting.

Explore beautifully curated healthy, cozy meals and more delicious bowls on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner!

Conclusion

This Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce is a fast, flavorful, and fun way to enjoy a Korean-inspired meal without much effort. From the sizzling beef to the tangy sauce and golden corn, it checks all the boxes for comfort and flavor. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your meal prep list, it’s a recipe that delivers every single time.