Spicy and Sweet Stir-fried Beef with Gochujang
Recipe for Stir-fried Beef with Gochujang
A must-have dish when your appetite is low! Here’s a detailed recipe for the beloved spicy and sweet stir-fried beef with gochujang. This dish is incredibly simple yet boasts a deep, exquisite flavor, making it perfect for a hearty meal or a lunchbox side dish.
Main Ingredients- 200g ground beef (lean cut recommended)
- 8 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) (a slightly sweet gochujang works well)
- 3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2 Tbsp water
- 2 Tbsp honey (sugar can be substituted)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Beef Marinade- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or cheongju)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the beef marinade. In a bowl, combine 200g of ground beef with 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp cooking wine, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix well by gently kneading. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse the meat.
Step 2
Place the marinated ground beef in a preheated frying pan over high heat and stir-fry quickly. Use chopsticks or a spatula to break up any clumps and ensure the beef cooks evenly. Cook just until the surface is browned.
Step 3
Transfer the stir-fried beef to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step helps to achieve a cleaner taste without greasiness.
Step 4
Wipe the frying pan clean with paper towels. Place it back over medium heat and add 3 Tbsp of cooking oil. Be careful not to overheat the pan, as the gochujang might burn.
Step 5
Once the oil is slightly warm, add 8 Tbsp of gochujang and stir-fry over medium heat. Stir-frying the gochujang removes its raw taste and enhances its savory aroma. Continuous stirring is crucial to prevent burning.
Step 6
When the gochujang begins to bubble, add all the marinated beef back into the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry everything together. Mix with a spatula to ensure the sauce coats the beef evenly.
Step 7
Add 2 Tbsp of honey for a touch of sweetness and stir quickly to combine. You can use corn syrup or sugar instead of honey. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Step 8
Finally, add 2 Tbsp of water to add moisture and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick. Continue to stir-fry.
Step 9
Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. A delicious aroma will fill the kitchen as the beef and gochujang sauce become glossy.
Step 10
Once all the ingredients are well-cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Generously sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness. Sprinkling them at the end helps to enhance their fragrance.
Step 11
Transfer the completed stir-fried beef with gochujang to a serving dish. Your appetizingly spicy and sweet dish is ready! It’s absolutely delicious served over warm rice.
