Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic and Sesame

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

A bold and savory stir-fry combining tender beef strips with tangy fermented kimchi and aromatic garlic, finished with toasted sesame seeds for crunch. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, chopped kimchi, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until beef is browned but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup chopped kimchi, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp gochugaru, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Continue stir-frying for 3 minutes until kimchi is heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 3 chopped green onions over the dish.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles to balance the spicy, savory flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic 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 thinly sliced beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic and 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Kimchi with Garlic 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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