Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is a flavorful and satisfying dish that layers tender ground beef seasoned with a delicious Korean BBQ sauce over a bed of fluffy rice. Topped with fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and green onions, along with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this dish is both vibrant and comforting. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cups cooked white rice
½ cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup carrots, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon kimchi (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium bowl, I mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and rice vinegar. I stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
In a large skillet, I heat it over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked through, I pour the prepared sauce over the meat and stir to coat it evenly. I let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef. Then, I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
While the beef is simmering, I prepare the rice and vegetables.
To assemble the dish, I place a layer of rice on each plate and top it with a generous portion of the Korean BBQ beef mixture.
I add the sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions over the beef.
Finally, I sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and add kimchi if desired.
I serve it immediately and enjoy this flavorful, hearty meal!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, I could replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh. I’d press the tofu to remove excess moisture before sautéing it.
Extra Heat: If I like things spicier, I can increase the amount of gochujang or add some fresh chili peppers for extra heat.
Protein Swap: I could swap the beef for chicken, pork, or even shrimp for a different take on this dish.
Rice Alternatives: If I prefer, I can switch the white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I can warm it in the microwave or heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. I would cook the rice fresh when I’m ready to serve the dish.
Can I freeze Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack?
While I could freeze the beef mixture, I recommend making the rice fresh each time to maintain its texture. The beef can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness of this dish depends on the amount of gochujang I use. If I’m sensitive to spice, I can reduce the gochujang or leave it out entirely. The dish will still be delicious without it.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! I can substitute the ground beef with chicken, pork, or even turkey. Just cook the meat through and proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, I can use tamari instead of soy sauce. I’d also want to check the label of the gochujang, as some brands may contain gluten.
Conclusion
Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the rich umami of Korean BBQ with the freshness of vegetables and the heartiness of rice. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I love how customizable it is, so I can adjust the flavors and ingredients based on my preferences. Whether I’m in the mood for something spicy or a bit milder, this recipe is always a winner!
Recipe:

Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Korean BBQ Beef Rice Stack is a flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef cooked in a savory Korean BBQ sauce, layered over fluffy rice and topped with fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and green onions. This vibrant and satisfying meal is perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cups cooked white rice
½ cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup carrots, julienned
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon kimchi (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked beef and stir to coat evenly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the beef is simmering, prepare the rice and vegetables.
- To assemble, layer rice on each plate and top with a generous portion of the Korean BBQ beef mixture.
- Add sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions over the beef.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and add kimchi if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with tofu or tempeh.
For extra heat, increase the amount of gochujang or add fresh chili peppers.
Rice alternatives: Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little water or broth.
For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check the gochujang label for gluten.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg