Stir-Fried Korean-Style Beef with Scallions and Sesame
Quick and savory Korean-inspired beef stir-fry with tender slices of beef, fresh scallions, and nutty sesame seeds for an easy weeknight meal. This korean-inspired stir fry ready in about 28 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 360 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 flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add 4 sliced scallions, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Stir-fry together with the beef for another 1-2 minutes until scallions are slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. Toss gently and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean-Style Beef with Scallions and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (20 min prep + 8 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style Beef with Scallions and Sesame?
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.