Crispy Beef Rice Bowl

The Crispy Beef Rice Bowl is a flavorful, satisfying dish featuring thinly sliced beef cooked to a perfect crisp, served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal—fast, filling, and absolutely delicious with a great balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rice bowl is a great way to turn simple ingredients into something spectacular. The crispy beef brings savory, umami-rich flavor, while the rice and veggies provide balance and freshness. It’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re craving something bold, quick, or comforting, this dish delivers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin
• Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
• Cooked white rice or jasmine rice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar or honey
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated or minced)
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Green onions (sliced)
• Shredded carrots
• Cucumber (sliced or julienned)
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional for heat)

directions

1. In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add beef in batches, frying until browned and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to make the sauce.
5. Pour out excess oil from the pan, then return the beef to the pan and add the sauce.
6. Toss to coat and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef.
7. In serving bowls, add a scoop of rice, then top with crispy beef, carrots, cucumber, and green onions.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds and chili oil, if using. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
• Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed mushrooms for more veggies.
• Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Make it spicy with sriracha or Korean gochujang sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave or heat in a skillet until warmed through.
For best results, keep crispy beef and rice separate until serving to maintain texture.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they cook quickly and crisp up nicely when thinly sliced.

How do I get the beef crispy?

Coating in cornstarch and cooking in hot oil in small batches helps the beef crisp without steaming.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What kind of rice should I use?

White rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice work well as the base.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Pre-cooked beef won’t crisp the same way, but you can still use it by sautéing in the sauce for a fast version.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not spicy by default, but you can add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sriracha for heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well for meal prep. Keep components separate for best texture when reheating.

What vegetables go well with this?

Cucumbers, shredded carrots, steamed broccoli, and sautéed mushrooms are all great additions.

How do I slice beef thinly?

Freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly against the grain.

Can I air fry the beef instead of pan-frying?

Yes, you can air fry the cornstarch-coated beef at 400°F for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Conclusion

The Crispy Beef Rice Bowl is a crave-worthy meal that combines tender, crunchy beef with fresh veggies and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for busy nights or planned-ahead lunches. Try this recipe and enjoy a restaurant-style bowl right from your kitchen.

Print