Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with crunchy vegetables and coated in a spicy, savory sesame-garlic sauce that delivers a flavorful kick. This korean-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 30 minutes blends soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp honey. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a sear, then stir-fry for another 2 minutes until browned.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 3 sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 2 more minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and beef is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp sesame seeds over the stir fry, toss to combine, then remove from heat and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce?

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-Garlic Sauce 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.

Is Spicy Korean-Inspired Beef Stir Fry with Sesame-Garlic Sauce gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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