Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang
A quick and spicy stir fry featuring thinly sliced beef and vegetables coated in a savory gochujang sauce, perfect for a half-serving meal. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces, thinly sliced flank steak, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces, thinly sliced flank steak
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 stalk, sliced green onion
- 1/2 medium, julienned carrot
- 1/2 small, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp, toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons gochujang, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add 6 ounces thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat, marinating for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Step 4: Add 1/2 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 small sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green onion. Stir-fry another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Portion Spicy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Gochujang?
Korean beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
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