Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir Fry with Gochujang and Sesame

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

A vibrant stir fry combining crisp vegetables and tender beef, tossed in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce and finished with toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; set sauce aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 sliced red bell pepper, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the beef and vegetables, toss well, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the stir-fry.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 3 sliced scallions and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang and 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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Inspired Stir Fry with Gochujang and 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang and Sesame 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 Stir Fry with Gochujang and Sesame?

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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