Stir-Fries

Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry

Name: Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips; 2 cups (200g) kimchi, chopped; 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15g) Gochujang; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger; 1 tsp (5g) sugar; 1/4 cup (60g) water; 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil; 1 tsp (5g) sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Sable Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total35 min

Serves4

Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is one of my favorite dishes to make at home, and it's a staple in many Korean households. The combination of tender beef, spicy kimchi, and savory soy sauce is a match made in heaven. I remember my mother making this dish for me when I was a child, and the smell of sizzling beef and kimchi would fill the entire house, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this dish. It's a perfect example of how a few ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The key to making a great Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh kimchi and tender beef, and to cook the dish quickly over high heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Korean food or is looking to try something new. It's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

One of the things I love about Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is its versatility. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or kimchi, and it's also a great dish to make in large quantities for parties or gatherings. The leftovers are also delicious, and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry that's sure to become a staple in your household. With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for anyone who loves Korean food or is looking to try something new.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions
The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or kimchi
The leftovers are delicious and can be refrigerated or frozen for later use
The recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Korean food or is looking to try something new
The dish is quick to cook and can be made in under 30 minutes
The combination of flavors and textures is both familiar and exotic, making it a great option for adventurous eaters
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the dish quickly over high heat. This helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients, and creates a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet.

The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich and savory flavor profile that's balanced by the spicy kick of the kimchi. The beef is cooked quickly over high heat, which helps to lock in the juices and create a tender and flavorful texture.

The kimchi adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish, and can be adjusted to suit your desired level of spiciness. Whether you like your kimchi mild or wild, this recipe is sure to please.

Overall, the combination of flavors and textures in this dish is what makes it so special. The savory beef, spicy kimchi, and sweet soy sauce all come together to create a dish that's both familiar and exotic, and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a delicious Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh kimchi and tender beef, to create a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet.

When shopping for ingredients, look for beef that's labeled as 'sirloin' or 'ribeye', as these cuts are tender and flavorful. For the kimchi, look for a brand that's made with fresh ingredients and has a good balance of spicy and sour flavors.

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, sliced into thin stripsLook for beef that's labeled as 'sirloin' or 'ribeye', as these cuts are tender and flavorful. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, but sirloin and ribeye are the most traditional choices for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry.
2 cups (200g) kimchi, choppedLook for a brand that's made with fresh ingredients and has a good balance of spicy and sour flavors. You can also make your own kimchi at home, but store-bought kimchi is a convenient and delicious option.
2 tbsp (30g) soy sauceSoy sauce is a key ingredient in Korean cooking, and adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of salty and sweet flavors.
1 tbsp (15g) GochujangGochujang is a Korean chili paste that adds a spicy and savory flavor to the dish. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of spicy and sweet flavors.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in Korean cooking, and adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish. Look for fresh garlic that's firm and has no signs of sprouting.
1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh gingerGinger is a key ingredient in Korean cooking, and adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish. Look for fresh ginger that's firm and has no signs of sprouting.
1 tsp (5g) sugarSugar is added to balance out the savory and spicy flavors in the dish. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.
1/4 cup (60g) waterWater is added to the dish to create a sauce and to help cook the beef and kimchi. Look for fresh and clean water that's free of impurities.
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to cook the beef and kimchi, and adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of savory and sweet flavors.
1 tsp (5g) sesame oilSesame oil is added to the dish to create a nutty and savory flavor. Look for a brand that's made with high-quality ingredients and has a good balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are added to the dish to balance out the flavors and to add a touch of savory flavor. Look for high-quality salt and pepper that's free of impurities and has a good balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry

1
Slice the beef into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. This helps to tenderize the beef and adds flavor to the dish.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This helps to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the beef.
3
Add the beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). This helps to cook the beef to the perfect level of doneness.
4
Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This helps to prevent the beef from overcooking and to keep it warm.
5
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. This helps to create a crispy and caramelized crust on the kimchi.
6
Add the kimchi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it's crispy and caramelized. This helps to bring out the natural sweetness in the kimchi and to add a crunchy texture to the dish.
7
Add the soy sauce, Gochujang, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps to create a rich and savory sauce that's balanced by the spicy kick of the kimchi.
8
Add the water to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. This helps to create a sauce that's both savory and slightly sweet.
9
Add the beef back to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it's coated in the sauce and heated through. This helps to add flavor to the beef and to create a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet.
10
Stir in the sesame oil and cook for 1 minute, or until the flavors have melded together. This helps to add a nutty and savory flavor to the dish.
11
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles. This helps to balance out the flavors and to add a touch of savory flavor to the dish.
12
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to relax. This helps to create a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet, and that's perfect for serving to guests.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh kimchi and tender beef, to create a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet.
Cook the beef quickly over high heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the meat.
Add the kimchi to the skillet and cook it until it's crispy and caramelized, to bring out the natural sweetness in the kimchi.
Use a combination of soy sauce, Gochujang, garlic, and ginger to create a rich and savory sauce that's balanced by the spicy kick of the kimchi.
Add the sesame oil to the dish and cook it for 1 minute, to add a nutty and savory flavor to the dish.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to relax.
Serve the dish hot over steamed rice or noodles, to create a meal that's both filling and delicious.
Experiment with different types of kimchi and beef to find the combination that you like best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the beef quickly enough over high heat, which can result in a tough and overcooked texture.
Not adding enough soy sauce and Gochujang to the dish, which can result in a sauce that's too bland and lacking in flavor.
Not cooking the kimchi until it's crispy and caramelized, which can result in a dish that's too soggy and lacking in texture.
Not letting the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which can result in a dish that's too hot and lacking in flavor.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh kimchi and tender beef, which can result in a dish that's too bland and lacking in flavor.
Not seasoning the dish with salt and pepper to taste, which can result in a dish that's too bland and lacking in flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of kimchi, such as radish kimchi or cucumber kimchi, to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Add other ingredients, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the dish to add more flavor and texture.
Use different types of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, to add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Add a spicy kick to the dish by adding more Gochujang or red pepper flakes.
Use a combination of soy sauce and fish sauce to add a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
Add some acidity to the dish by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Use a combination of garlic and ginger to add a pungent and savory flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry

Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, noodles, or kimchi. It's also a great dish to make in large quantities for parties or gatherings.

Some popular sides to serve with Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry include steamed bok choy, pickled radishes, and spicy cucumber salad. You can also serve it with a bowl of steaming hot rice or noodles, or with a side of kimchi and other Korean-style pickles.

Steamed riceNoodlesKimchiPickled radishesSpicy cucumber saladSteamed bok choy

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

To reheat it, simply add a little bit of oil to a skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high heat. Then, add the Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry and cook it for 2-3 minutes, or until it's heated through and crispy. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!

It's also a great idea to make a large batch of Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry and freeze it in individual portions. This way, you can simply thaw and reheat it as needed, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best to use for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry?

The best type of beef to use for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is sirloin or ribeye, as these cuts are tender and flavorful. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, but sirloin and ribeye are the most traditional choices.

How do I make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry spicy?

To make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry spicy, you can add more Gochujang or red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also add other spicy ingredients, such as gochugaru or Korean chili flakes, to give it an extra kick.

Can I use different types of kimchi for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry?

Yes, you can use different types of kimchi for Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry, such as radish kimchi or cucumber kimchi. Each type of kimchi will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that you like best.

How do I store Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry?

Can I make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat it when you're ready to eat it, and serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles.

What are some popular sides to serve with Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry?

Is Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry a healthy dish?

Yes, Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry is a healthy dish that's high in protein and fiber and low in calories. It's also a great source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium.

Can I make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can make Korean Beef And Kimchi Stir Fry vegetarian or vegan by substituting the beef with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also use a vegetable-based broth instead of beef broth to make the dish vegan-friendly.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card