Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with a spicy, savory sauce, crisp vegetables, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an addictive Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil 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: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger until smooth. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium sliced green bell pepper and 1 large julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry together for another 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 thinly sliced scallions. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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-Inspired Beef 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef 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-Inspired Beef Stir Fry 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef 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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