Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Scallions and Sesame Seeds

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

Quick stir-fried thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet Korean sauce, tossed with scallions and garnished with toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired stir fry ready in about 26 minutes pairs soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil 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: 20 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 sliced green onions and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry together for 1 minute until scallions are slightly softened but still vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving. Serve over steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a delicious Korean-inspired meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Scallions and Sesame Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (20 min prep + 6 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 Scallions and Sesame Seeds?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Scallions and Sesame Seeds?

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 Scallions and Sesame Seeds 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Scallions and Sesame Seeds?

Korean stir fry 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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