Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions

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

Thinly sliced beef quickly stir-fried with a spicy-sweet sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions for an authentic Korean flavor kick. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 28 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 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 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, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to the hot oil; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 3 sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired 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 Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions 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-Inspired 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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