Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Scallions
A vibrant beef stir-fry with spicy gochujang sauce and fresh scallions, delivering authentic Korean flavors in under 30 minutes. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 23 minutes pairs pound flank steak, thinly sliced, 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 stalks scallions, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons gochujang, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly; marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Add 4 sliced scallions and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Scallions 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 Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Scallions 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 Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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.