Spicy Korean-Style Beef and Scallion Stir Fry

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

Tender beef strips quickly stir-fried with scallions and a spicy gochujang glaze for a vibrant Korean-inspired dinner. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 23 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, gochujang (Korean chili paste) 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: 8 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 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade and toss well, letting it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 6 sliced scallions and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil; stir-fry together for another 1-2 minutes until scallions are tender but still bright green.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish and toss gently before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Beef and Scallion Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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-Style Beef and Scallion 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Beef and Scallion 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-Style Beef and Scallion 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-Style Beef and Scallion 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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