Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang and Sesame

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Korean flavor punch. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, gochujang (Korean red chili paste) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Stir to form a marinade. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 sliced green onions and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (if using), tossing everything together for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the beef before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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-Style Beef 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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Beef 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-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang and 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.

What goes well with Spicy Korean-Style Beef 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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