Spicy Korean-Style Beef Stir Fry with Sesame

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with a spicy soy-garlic sauce and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, 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 3, 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: 7 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, and let 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 the marinated beef slices in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a good sear.
  4. Step 4: Stir-fry the beef for another 2 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens slightly, coating the meat.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 sliced green onions, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (15 min prep + 7 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 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 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 Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 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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