Dinner

Hot Honey Beef Bowl Recipe

Byreem everly November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

The hot honey beef bowl is a viral sensation that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one bold dish. Made with caramelized beef and a sticky hot honey glaze, it’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Four rectangular glass containers are neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing a meal divided into four layers. The bottom layer consists of fluffy white rice, topped with a thick layer of dark brown cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of red pepper. Above the meat, in the top left corner, there is a small pile of bright yellow corn kernels, while next to the corn, on the top right side, are three to five thin, round slices of fresh cucumber with a light green center and darker green skin. Finally, thin rings of red chili pepper with visible seeds are placed on top of the meat but slightly overlapping with the cucumber slices, adding a pop of red color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or sliced steak
2 tbsp hot honey (or honey + chili flakes)
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp oil for cooking
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked rice or your choice of grain base
Toppings: fried egg, scallions, sesame seeds, pickled onions (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef until the edges are crispy.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in soy sauce and hot honey. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, coating the beef evenly.
Step 4: Prepare your base such as rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Step 5: Spoon the hot honey beef over the base and top with your choice of garnishes like a fried egg, scallions, sesame seeds, or pickled onions.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy the flavorful combination.

Tips & Variations

Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey.
Add vegetables such as steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or cabbage for extra fiber and texture.
Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms to make a vegan-friendly bowl.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the beef and base gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the glaze and maintain texture. Avoid overheating in the microwave to prevent drying out the beef.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark bowl filled with white rice at the bottom, topped on one side with glossy, dark brown pieces of meat in thick sauce and on the other side with a sunny-side-up egg with a bright yellow yolk and slightly crispy white edges. Thin green onion rings are scattered on top of the meat and egg, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do you make the viral hot honey beef bowl?

It’s simple: brown beef until crispy, add a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze made from honey and chili flakes, then serve over rice or noodles with your favorite toppings like scallions or a fried egg for extra richness.

Why is honey used on beef?

Honey adds sweetness that caramelizes the meat, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that contrasts beautifully with the spicy elements. It locks in moisture and enhances the savory umami flavors of the beef.