Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Gochujang and Sesame
Quick stir-fried thinly sliced beef tossed in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired stir fry (high protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef sirloin, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 small, thinly sliced green bell pepper
- 2, sliced diagonally green onions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 tbsp gochujang, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 2 tbsp sesame oil until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
- Step 4: Add 1 julienned carrot and 1 thinly sliced green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry another 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 sliced green onions, season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Gochujang and 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Gochujang 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 Korean Beef with Gochujang 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 Korean Beef with Gochujang and Sesame 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.
Is Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Gochujang and Sesame high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This dish was a hit with my family! The gochujang gave it such a deep, spicy kick. Will make again.
- ★★★★☆
Amazing recipe! Very easy and flavorful. My kids loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The sesame and gochujang combo is amazing.
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