Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir fry of thinly sliced beef marinated in a spicy, savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame, garnished with scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 32 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 7 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, then remove from heat. Stir in 4 sliced scallions and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the beef.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a bold Korean-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (25 min prep + 7 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 Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?

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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?

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 Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Korean-Style Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?

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.

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