Name: Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tsp gochujang (optional); 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup kimchi (optional but recommended!); 1/4 avocado, sliced (optional); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1 tsp neutral oil for cooking; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tsp gochujang; 1 tsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp honey

If you’ve been craving something hearty, flavorful, and unforgettably delicious, you’re in for a treat today! This Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is one of those recipes that makes you stop mid-bite and just savor. Layers of tender, savory-sweet bulgogi beef, sticky jasmine rice, crispy vegetables, and a luscious drizzle of gochujang mayo—every bite is a journey of textures and taste!

Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack recipes like this one are absolute gold for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Think of it as your go-to flavor bomb when you want something comforting but far from ordinary.

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What Is a Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack?

This recipe takes inspiration from Korean bulgogi—thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and other aromatics—and reimagines it in a stackable, bowl-style presentation. It’s a perfect marriage between your favorite rice bowl and a composed, layered dish.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack

Flavor-packed – The marinade alone is a masterpiece. It’s sweet, salty, garlicky, and umami-rich!
Visually stunning – A stack of rice, beef, and colorful toppings looks amazing whether plated or in a meal prep container.
Customizable – From swapping the rice to playing with sauces, it’s easy to make it your own.
Perfect for meal prep – Store everything separately or pre-layer for grab-and-go meals.
Crowd-pleaser – From kids to adults, the slightly sweet, deeply savory flavors appeal to everyone.

What Does a Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack Taste Like?

Imagine tender slices of beef soaking up a bold and slightly sweet soy marinade, grilled or seared until caramelized, layered over fluffy rice, and finished with fresh veggies and a creamy, spicy drizzle. It’s sweet, savory, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. Every forkful has a bit of crunch, chew, and creaminess.

Honestly, it’s addictive in the best way.

Health Benefits of This Recipe

Protein-rich thanks to the beef
Balanced with carbs from the rice and fiber from veggies
Good fats from sesame oil and avocado (optional)
Gluten-free options available by swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos

Ingredients

For the Bulgogi Beef

1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp gochujang (optional for heat)

For the Rice Stack

2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain white rice
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup kimchi (optional but encouraged!)
1/4 avocado, sliced (optional)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp neutral oil for cooking

For the Gochujang Mayo Drizzle

2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp gochujang
1 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp honey

Tools You’ll Need

Nonstick skillet or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Rice mold or measuring cup for stacking (optional)
Sharp knife
Tongs or spatula
Small whisk for sauces

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Rice: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Beef: Thin-cut chicken thighs or even tofu slices can work wonderfully.
Sauce: Use sriracha mayo, plain sesame dressing, or even Greek yogurt-based sauces.
Veggies: Radishes, red cabbage, or blanched spinach all add a great crunch and color.

How to Make Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a large bowl, combine all bulgogi marinade ingredients. Add beef slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Cook your rice and fluff it. If you’re stacking, allow it to cool slightly so it holds shape better.

Step 3: Make the Gochujang Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, gochujang, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, then cook the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized.

Step 5: Assemble the Stack

Using a rice mold or small bowl, layer:

A scoop of rice (press down gently)
A layer of cooked beef
Shredded carrots, cucumbers, and kimchi
Drizzle with gochujang mayo
Garnish with sesame seeds and avocado slices

Unmold onto a plate if stacking—or just layer in a bowl for a more rustic approach!

What to Serve with Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack

Miso soup or Korean seaweed soup
Pickled radishes or daikon
Cold Korean noodles (naengmyeon)
Steamed or grilled vegetables

Tips for Perfect Rice Stacks

Let the rice cool slightly before molding—warm is good, piping hot will fall apart
Wet your hands or mold slightly to prevent sticking
Slice beef against the grain to keep it tender
Don’t skip the gochujang mayo—it ties everything together!
Make everything ahead and assemble just before serving

How to Store Leftovers

Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheat beef and rice in the microwave or a pan
Veggies and sauce are best added fresh
Avoid freezing the assembled dish, but you can freeze the cooked beef!

General Info

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes (can be done ahead)
Total time: ~1 hour
Serves: 4

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for pan-seared tofu or mushrooms, and use the same marinade (minus fish sauce, if using).

Is gochujang spicy?

Yes, it has a mild heat and deep umami flavor, but you can adjust the amount or omit if sensitive to spice.

Can I serve it cold?

Definitely. This dish is delicious both warm and chilled—perfect for meal prep or a summer lunch.

What’s the best rice to use?

Short-grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal for the sticky texture needed in stacking.

If you’re still on the fence about making this Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack, just know this: it’s comfort food with flair. Bold, vibrant, and satisfying in every way—it’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. And once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe holds a top spot in my flavor arsenal!

✨ Craving more delicious dishes? You’ll love these:

Made this stack? I would love to see it! Share your creations and tag me on Pinterest. Don’t forget to leave a review below—it helps others find and fall in love with this recipe too!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g