Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Spinach and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of marinated beef quickly stir-fried with fresh spinach and a savory sesame sauce for a nutritious and fast dinner. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, soy sauce, brown sugar 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 more minced garlic cloves and 6 cups fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 2 sliced green onions, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil over everything, stir well, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Serve immediately with steamed rice if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Korean Beef with Spinach 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 flank steak, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Spinach 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 Spinach 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.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Korean Beef with Spinach 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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