Korean Gochujang Beef & Broccoli Rice Bowl

Bold, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Korean-inspired beef and broccoli rice bowl combines tender strips of beef with crisp vegetables and a savory, slightly sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. Served over fluffy rice and finished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it’s a satisfying iron-rich meal that brings exciting Korean-inspired flavors straight to your kitchen. 🇰🇷🥩🥦

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs lean sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons gochujang
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3 cups cooked brown or white rice
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Optional: extra gochujang or red pepper flakes for more heat

Instructions

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and water until smooth.
2. Cook the beef: Heat half of the avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary. Transfer the beef to a plate.
3. Cook the vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and red bell pepper and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, until brightly colored and crisp-tender.
4. Add the aromatics: Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Bring it together: Return the beef to the skillet and pour the gochujang sauce over everything. Toss well and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the beef and vegetables are coated in the glossy sauce and heated through.
6. Build the bowls: Divide the warm rice among serving bowls and spoon the gochujang beef and vegetables over the top.
7. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add a little extra gochujang or red pepper flakes if you like more heat. 🌶️

Iron Tip

Beef is a rich source of heme iron, the form of iron your body absorbs most easily. Broccoli and red bell pepper provide vitamin C, which can help your body absorb iron from the meal more efficiently. Keeping these colorful vegetables crisp-tender also makes this bowl fresh, vibrant, and delicious. 🥩🥦🫑

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

❤️ Iron-rich and satisfying – Tender beef provides heme iron along with plenty of protein to make this bowl hearty and filling.

🌶️ Big, bold flavor – Gochujang, garlic, ginger, and sesame create a delicious combination of savory, sweet, spicy, and slightly smoky flavors.

🥦 Loaded with colorful vegetables – Bright broccoli and red bell pepper add crunch, freshness, and vitamin C.

⏱️ Perfect for busy nights – Once everything is prepped, this colorful bowl comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight dinner.

🍚 Easy to customize – Adjust the spice level, switch between brown and white rice, or add extra vegetables depending on what you have on hand.

🌍 A little culinary adventure – An easy way to bring Korean-inspired flavors to your Iron Rich Kitchen table. 🇰🇷

Serving Suggestions

Serve this gochujang beef and broccoli over warm brown or white rice and finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra burst of freshness and vitamin C, add sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or a squeeze of fresh lime on the side. If you enjoy more heat, drizzle a little extra gochujang sauce over the finished bowl. 🌶️🥒🥕

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover beef and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best texture, keep the rice in a separate container.

Freezer: The cooked beef mixture can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, prepare fresh rice when you’re ready to serve it again.

Reheating: Warm the beef and vegetables in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a small splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. You can also microwave individual portions until steaming hot. Reheat the rice separately, then assemble your bowl and add fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Highlights

🥩 Protein: Lean beef provides high-quality protein to make this bowl hearty and satisfying.

🩸 Iron: Beef is a rich source of heme iron, which is generally absorbed more efficiently by the body than non-heme iron from plant foods.

🥦 Vitamin C: Broccoli and red bell pepper provide vitamin C, which supports the absorption of iron from the meal.

🌾 Fiber: Choosing brown rice along with the broccoli and bell pepper adds fiber to this balanced bowl.

🥕 Colorful nutrients: The combination of beef, broccoli, red bell pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds provides a variety of nutrients in one vibrant meal.