Spicy Korean-Inspired Low Carb Beef Stir Fry with Sesame

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

A quick and spicy beef stir fry flavored with gochujang, garlic, and toasted sesame for a satisfying low carb meal. This korean-inspired stir fry (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sirloin beef strips, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb sirloin beef strips with 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium julienned zucchini to the wok. Stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, tossing to combine. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Low Carb Beef Stir Fry with Sesame?

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 sirloin beef strips from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Low Carb Beef Stir Fry with Sesame?

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 Low Carb Beef Stir Fry with Sesame 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.

Is Spicy Korean-Inspired Low Carb Beef Stir Fry with Sesame low carb?

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

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