30-Minute Korean Beef and Toasted Sesame Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The sweet and spicy sauce paired with the tender, marinated flank steak offers a burst of bold Korean flavors. The stir-fried veggies add crunch and freshness, while the toasted sesame rice brings a rich, nutty flavor that complements the beef perfectly. In just 30 minutes, you can have a complete, hearty meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. The best part? It’s easy to make and sure to impress your taste buds!

Ingredients

For the Korean Beef:

• 1 pound flank steak
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 tablespoons peanut oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons hot chili sesame oil
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 orange pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped

For the Toasted Sesame Rice:

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 4 scallions or green onions, sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Korean Beef:

1. Prep the beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Toss the beef strips in this cornstarch mixture to coat them evenly.
2. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, hot chili sesame oil, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this sauce aside.
3. Cook the beef: Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced red and orange peppers, zucchini, and half of the green onions. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are just tender.
5. Combine and cook: Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies and stir to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the beef to soak up the flavors.
6. Finish the beef: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining green onions on top and set aside.

For the Toasted Sesame Rice:

1. Cook the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Season the rice: After the rice has rested, fluff it with a fork. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the rice and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with sliced scallions or green onions.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Serve the Korean beef over a bed of toasted sesame rice, making sure to scoop up plenty of vegetables and sauce with each serving.
2. Garnish with extra green onions, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before pan-frying it for better texture.
• Other vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bok choy to customize the stir-fry to your liking.
• Spicy: For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the beef and vegetable stir-fry.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the beef and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the rice in the microwave or in a covered pan with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, sirloin, or even rib-eye, but be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, though the cooking time may be longer—around 40 minutes. Make sure to adjust the water ratio as needed.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or increase the amount of chili sesame oil in the sauce for a spicier kick.

4. Can I make the rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the toasted sesame rice ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it before serving.

5. Can I substitute the soy sauce for a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.

6. How do I know when the beef is cooked through?

The beef should cook quickly—about 2-3 minutes—because it’s sliced thinly. It will be slightly browned and crispy around the edges when done.

7. Can I add more sauce?

If you like extra sauce, simply double the sauce ingredients and increase the cooking time slightly to thicken it up.

8. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

If you don’t have peanut oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different.

9. Can I skip the sesame seeds in the rice?

While sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and flavor to the rice, you can skip them if needed. The rice will still taste delicious with the sesame oil.

10. Can I use frozen vegetables for the stir-fry?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but fresh vegetables are preferred for better texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the skillet.

Conclusion

This 30-minute Korean Beef with Toasted Sesame Rice is an easy and flavorful dish that packs a punch of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. With tender beef, sautéed veggies, and aromatic sesame rice, this meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress your guests with something quick and delicious. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes! Enjoy this satisfying dish full of authentic Korean flavors right at home.

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