Korean beef is a delicious, easy-to-make dish full of bold flavors. With tender beef, savory soy sauce, and a hint of spice from gochujang, this recipe brings the best of Korean cuisine to your table. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with something simple yet flavorful.
Why We Love This
Korean beef is a dish that checks all the boxes—flavor, ease, and versatility. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang creates a savory sauce with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s a flavor explosion that brings a little taste of Korea right into your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple to follow. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to compromise on taste.
- Tender Beef: When you use the right cut of beef, like flank steak or sirloin, the result is melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Stir-frying helps keep the beef juicy while soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Customizable: Love heat? Add extra chili flakes or more gochujang. Want a veggie-packed dish? Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms. This recipe can easily adapt to your personal preferences, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Korean beef is great for leftovers, too. You can store it in the fridge and reheat it the next day for a quick lunch or dinner. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients
Beef – Use thin slices of flank steak or sirloin. These cuts stay tender and soak up flavor.
Soy Sauce – Adds a salty, savory taste. Use regular soy sauce for the best result.
Sesame Oil – Gives the dish its nutty flavor. Toasted sesame oil works best.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor.
Ginger – Fresh ginger adds warmth and a little spice.
Gochujang – Korean chili paste that gives the dish its signature heat and depth.
Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Green Onions – Add freshness and color at the end.
Sesame Seeds – Optional topping for crunch and garnish.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Korean beef recipe is simple, but the flavors come together beautifully with just a few steps.
Slice the Beef – Cut thin slices against the grain. Freeze for 15–20 minutes first if needed to make slicing easier.
Mix the Marinade – Stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and brown sugar in a bowl.
Marinate – Add beef to the bowl and coat well. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (longer is better).
Cook the Beef – Heat a pan with a little sesame oil. Cook beef in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
Add Toppings – Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve – Enjoy with steamed rice, veggies, or cucumber salad.
Pro Tips
To make your Korean beef recipe truly outstanding, here are a few expert tips to ensure you get the best results every time:
Slice the Beef Thinly: The thinner you slice your beef, the more tender it will be. Aim for slices about 1/4 inch thick. This allows the meat to cook quickly and soak up all the flavorful marinade.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 15 minutes of marinating is enough for a tasty dish, if you have time, let the beef sit in the marinade for 30 minutes or even overnight. The longer the beef marinates, the more the flavors will infuse the meat, making it even more delicious.
Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: For that perfect sear and flavor, make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef. Cooking at high heat locks in the juices and gives the beef a slight char, enhancing the overall flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. If you add too much beef at once, the meat will steam instead of sear, making it less flavorful. Cook in batches if necessary.
Customize the Spice: If you’re a fan of extra heat, feel free to add more gochujang or sprinkle chili flakes over the finished dish. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of chili paste.
Add Veggies for Extra Crunch: For a more balanced meal, consider tossing in some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add a fresh crunch and complement the savory beef perfectly.
Variations
One of the best things about this Korean beef recipe is its versatility. Whether you want to adjust the flavors, make it spicier, or add extra ingredients, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get creative:
Spicy Korean Beef: If you love heat, boost the spiciness by adding more gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sesame oil on top before serving for an extra fiery kick.
Beef and Veggie Stir-Fry: Add some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry. They’ll add a fresh crunch and balance the rich flavors of the beef. You can toss them in just before the beef is fully cooked for a little extra texture.
Korean Beef Bowls: For a complete meal, serve your Korean beef over a bed of steamed rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Top it with a fried egg for that classic Korean twist!
Serving Suggestions
Serving your Korean beef dish in a way that enhances its flavors and textures can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with this flavorful beef:
Serve Over Rice: The most classic way to enjoy Korean beef is with a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce and adds a neutral base that balances the savory flavors of the beef.
Add a Side of Kimchi: For a true Korean-inspired meal, serve your beef with a side of kimchi. This fermented vegetable dish adds a tangy, spicy contrast to the rich and savory beef. It’s also great for aiding digestion!
Pair with Stir-Fried Vegetables: Complement your beef with some colorful stir-fried vegetables. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli—these add freshness and crunch while keeping your meal light and nutritious.
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FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Korean beef recipes?
Thinly sliced flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are top choices for Korean beef. These cuts are tender, cook quickly, and absorb the marinade well, making them ideal for a flavorful dish.
Can I make Korean beef ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can marinate the beef for up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cooked Korean beef also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Is Korean beef spicy?
Traditional Korean beef isn’t overly spicy, but it can have a gentle heat from ingredients like gochujang or red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preference.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives. Both offer a similar umami depth without compromising on flavor.
What’s the difference between Korean beef and bulgogi?
Bulgogi is a specific style of Korean beef, typically marinated with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then grilled or stir-fried. While this recipe shares similar flavors, it may be a bit simpler and quicker, making it more approachable for everyday cooking.
korean beef recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak or sirloin
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Start by thinly slicing your beef against the grain. This will help the meat stay tender and cook evenly. If the beef is a bit tough, you can freeze it for 15–20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well-mixed. This marinade will give your beef that savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor.
- Marinate the Beef: Place your sliced beef in the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, marinating it for 30 minutes or even overnight will intensify the flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—if you’re making a larger batch, cook the beef in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear.
- Finish the Dish: Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Korean beef with a side of steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the richness. The tender beef and flavorful sauce will shine with every bite.