Spicy Korean-Style Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Scallions

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

Quick stir fry featuring tender strips of beef coated in a spicy garlic sauce, balanced with fresh scallions and a hint of sweetness. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, vegetable oil, garlic cloves 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. 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: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a good char, then stir-fry for another 2 minutes until browned but still tender.
  2. Step 2: Push the beef to the side, add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Mix in 2 tbsp Gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar, tossing everything together to coat the beef evenly with the spicy sauce.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 sliced scallions and cook for another 2 minutes until scallions soften slightly but remain bright green.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir fry before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Garlic Beef Stir Fry with 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 flank steak from drying out.

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

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