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

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

A quick stir-fry featuring tender beef strips tossed with spicy-sweet gochujang sauce and crisp vegetables, perfect over steamed rice. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium zucchini cut into half-moons. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions. Serve immediately over 4 cups steamed jasmine rice and garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Vegetables?

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 Vegetables?

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 Vegetables 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 Vegetables?

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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