These Korean Gochujang Steak Bites are savory, slightly sweet, and spicy! Bite-sized pieces of steak are coated in a simple sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, then cooked until tender.
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They're easy enough for a weeknight dinner and pair perfectly with rice and vegetables. You can also adjust the heat depending on your preference by adding more or less gochugaru.
What Are Gochujang Steak Bites?
Steak bites are small pieces of steak that cook quickly at high heat. For this Korean-inspired version, the beef is flavored with gochujang, a fermented Korean red chili paste that adds a savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavor.
Soy sauce adds saltiness, sugar balances the spice, and sesame oil gives the steak a delicious nutty finish. Gochugaru is optional but adds extra heat and Korean chili flavor.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Steak: Sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, or New York strip can all work well.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory and salty flavor.
- Gochujang: Korean fermented red chili paste and the main flavor in the recipe.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness and spice while helping the outside caramelize.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasted, nutty flavor.
- Gochugaru: Optional for additional heat.
- Black pepper: Optional, but adds another layer of flavor.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional garnishes.
How to Make Korean Gochujang Steak Bites
First, cut the steak into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, gochujang, sugar, sesame oil, and optional gochugaru and black pepper. Add the steak and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Allow the steak to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. You can also cover and refrigerate it for a few hours if you're preparing it ahead of time.
Air-Fryer Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange the steak bites in the air-fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the steak browns rather than steams.
Air-fry for approximately 6-9 minutes, shaking or turning the pieces halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the steak bites and how done you prefer your steak.
Stovetop Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil.
Place the steak bites in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until browned outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Cook the steak in batches when necessary so you don't overcrowd the pan.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Tips for the Best Steak Bites
Cut the steak into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Because steak bites cook quickly, keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
For better browning, let excess marinade drip off before placing the steak in the air fryer or skillet. The sauce contains sugar and gochujang, so it can darken quickly at high temperatures.
Let refrigerated steak sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
Is Gochugaru Necessary?
No, the gochugaru is completely optional.
Gochujang already provides some heat, although the spice level varies by brand. Add gochugaru for a spicier flavor, or leave it out for milder steak bites.
Black pepper is also optional. I like the extra bite it adds, but the recipe will still be flavorful without it.
What to Serve with Korean Steak Bites
Serve these steak bites with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. They would also be delicious with:
- Pan Fried Asparagus Recipe
- Stir-fried mushrooms
- Stir-fried broccoli
- Cucumber salad
- Kimchi
- Lettuce leaves for wrapping
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat them briefly in a hot skillet or air fryer just until warmed through. Avoid heating them for too long, since the steak can become tough.
Korean Gochujang Steak Bites Recipe
These Korean Gochujang Steak Bites are marinated in a savory, sweet, and spicy mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then pan-fried until tender and caramelized.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼–½ teaspoon gochugaru, optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, optional
- Sesame seeds, optional
- Chopped green onions, optional
Instructions
- Cut the steak into 1-inch bite-size pieces.
- Mix the soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, sesame oil, and optional gochugaru and black pepper.
- Add the steak and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak bites in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off first.
- Pan-fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Cook in batches as needed so the steak sears instead of steaming.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or tri-tip all work well.
- Gochugaru is optional; add it for extra heat.
- Cook in batches so the steak browns instead of steaming.
- Watch the heat closely since the gochujang and brown sugar can burn.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Fusion Select Roasted White Sesame Seeds - Natural Toasted Sesame Seeds - Crispy, Crunchy, Nutty Taste for Asian, Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Cuisine - Salad, Soup, Noodle & Sushi Topping -
Taekyung Chili Powder For Kimchi (Flake, 7oz) - Korean Gochugaru. Red Pepper Spice Seasoning for Asian Food. MSG Free.
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Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil, 22.10 Fluid Ounce
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Chung Jung One O'Food Medium Gochujang 1.1lb, Korean Red Chili Pepper Paste, Spicy, Sweet and Savory Sauce, Traditional Fermented Condiment, 100% Brown Rice, No Corn Syrup
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Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 591mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 30g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Steak Recipes
Looking for more easy steak recipes? Try one of these next:
- Stir Fry Steak Marinade - A simple all-purpose marinade that makes thinly sliced beef tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- Steak Zucchini Stir Fry - Marinated bite-sized steak stir-fried with zucchini and garlic in a savory sauce.
- Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry - A quick and satisfying weeknight stir-fry made with tender steak, bell peppers, and onions.
- Easy Hibachi Dinner at Home - A Japanese steakhouse-inspired dinner featuring steak, shrimp, and vegetables cooked over high heat.
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