These Korean steak bites are juicy, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor. The sweet and savory marinade makes them a perfect treat for any day of the week!
They’re so quick to cook that I often whip them up for a fun dinner. Plus, they taste great over rice or just on their own. Who can resist a good steak bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin or Ribeye: Both cuts are tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use flank steak or even chicken for a lighter dish. Just remember that chicken will need different cooking times!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a distinct spicy and sweet flavor. If you don’t have it, chili garlic sauce works in a pinch, but start with less and adjust to your heat preference. I love the authentic touch gochujang brings!
Sesame Oil: This nutty oil elevates the taste in this recipe. If you’re allergic to sesame, you can substitute with canola or peanut oil. It won’t be quite the same, but the dish will still taste great!
Rice Vinegar: This adds tanginess. If you can’t find it, white wine vinegar can be a good substitute, though it’ll be slightly different in taste.
How Do You Get Tender Steak Bites?
Marinating is key to achieving tender, flavor-packed steak bites. Letting the beef soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes soaks in all those delicious flavors. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge for an even better taste. Aim for a balance between soy sauce for saltiness and the sweet notes from brown sugar or honey.
- Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together.
- Coat the steak cubes well in the marinade and refrigerate.
- When searing, avoid overcrowding the pan for a great crust!
Your attention to marinating and searing will ensure juicy, tender bites every time!
How to Make Korean Steak Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Bites:
- 1.5 lbs beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Marinade/Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or substitute with chili garlic sauce (adjust heat to preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. Cooking will take about 10-15 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend about 50 minutes to 2 hours depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, grated ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the cubed steak to the marinade, making sure to coat it evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil around to cover the bottom of the pan.
4. Sear the Steak Bites:
Remove the steak cubes from the marinade (don’t forget to save the marinade for later!). Sear the steak bites in batches in the hot skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they’re browned to your liking.
5. Cook the Sauce:
Once all the steak bites are cooked, pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the steak pieces nicely.
6. Add Green Onions:
Stir in the sliced green onions (remember to save some for garnishing later!). Mix well and remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the Korean steak bites to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, and enjoy with some steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful Korean Steak Bites!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great choices for tenderness and flavor, you can also use flank steak or even chicken if you prefer. Just keep in mind that chicken will require a different cooking time.
Can I Marinate the Steak Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even more! Just be cautious not to marinate for too long, as the meat can become too tender and mushy. Aim for 1 to 2 hours for the best texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Freeze the Steak Bites?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked steak bites! Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
