Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef
Looking for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors? This Sweet and Spicy Korean Beef recipe brings restaurant-quality Korean cuisine right to your kitchen. I've perfected this recipe to deliver authentic taste while keeping the ingredients list simple and the cooking process straightforward. Whether you're new to Korean cooking or a seasoned pro, you'll love how this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds thinly sliced beef sirloin or ribeye
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons gochugaru Korean red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 inch fresh ginger grated
- 4 green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, gochugaru, and grated ginger. Mix well until sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Don't marinate longer than 30 minutes, as the meat can become too salty.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer.
- Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes until the edges are caramelized and the meat is cooked through.
- Once all meat is cooked, return everything to the pan. Add sesame oil and toss to combine.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.