Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang

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

Thinly sliced beef marinated and quickly stir-fried with Korean chili paste and vegetables for a vibrant and spicy weeknight meal. This korean-inspired super bowl ready in about 35 minutes pairs gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons gochujang, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef along with 1 medium julienned carrot and 1 small sliced yellow onion. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender-crisp.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a spicy Korean-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang?

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 Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang?

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 Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang 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 Stovetop Spicy Korean Beef Stir-Fry with Gochujang?

Korean super bowl 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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