Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce

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

A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired stir-fry featuring tender beef strips coated in a spicy-sweet gochujang glaze. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends flank steak, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until smooth and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet, spreading out in an even layer. Let sear for 2 minutes without stirring, then stir-fry for another 2 minutes until beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 1 medium julienned red bell pepper and 1 medium julienned carrot, stir-frying for 2 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened but crisp.
  5. Step 5: Pour the prepared gochujang sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang Sauce?

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

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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