Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Beef with Scallions and Sesame
Spicy, savory beef strips tossed in gochujang sauce and stir-fried with crisp scallions and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 32 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 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 against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 stalks, sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 sliced scallions to the skillet and stir-fry with beef for an additional 1-2 minutes until scallions soften but retain some crunch.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the beef, and toss gently to combine before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Beef with Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (25 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 Gochujang Beef with Scallions 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 soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Gochujang Beef with Scallions 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 Gochujang Beef with Scallions 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 Gochujang Beef with Scallions 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.