Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions
Quick stir fry of tender beef strips in a sweet and tangy Korean-inspired sauce, finished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 18 minutes pairs soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 stalks, sliced thin scallions
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger to create the stir fry sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
- Step 3: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and continue stir frying for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 4 thinly sliced scallions and 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you want a mild heat.
- Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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 Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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 Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sweet and Tangy Korean Beef Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions?
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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