Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice (warm)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber or cucumber ribbons
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- For the Spicy Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste; substitute with Sriracha if needed)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Start by marinating the steak. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add the thinly sliced steak and the white parts of the green onions. Toss until the steak is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- While the steak marinates, prepare the spicy cream sauce. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Gochujang, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Adjust the heat by adding more Gochujang if you like it spicier. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked to your desired doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the steak in batches if necessary.
- Remove the steak and let it rest for a few minutes. In the same pan, quickly sauté the sliced onions until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes. This step adds a sweet contrast that reminds me of how Mama Lou would always balance flavors in her dishes.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the warm rice evenly among four bowls. Layer on the caramelized onions, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and cooked steak.
- Drizzle the spicy cream sauce generously over the top, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and the remaining green parts of the green onions for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately, and watch as everyone digs in with big smiles. Ouma always says this bowl is her favorite “quick fancy” dinner—something simple but feels like a treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
