Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry

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

Tender beef strips stir-fried with spicy kimchi and scallions, finished with a savory-sweet gochujang sauce for an authentic Korean punch. This Korean-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, kimchi, chopped, scallions, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger to the beef, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup chopped kimchi, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until kimchi softens and sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 3 sliced scallions and cook for 1 more minute until scallions are just wilted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tsp sesame seeds before serving over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry?

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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry?

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 Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Korean Beef and Kimchi Stir Fry?

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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