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Quick Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Skewers

quick sweet and spicy korean bbq beef skewers - featured image

These Quick Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Skewers are ready in under 30 minutes with no long marinating required. The gochujang glaze caramelizes perfectly, creating a sticky-sweet finish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, gochujang, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until sugar dissolves and well combined.
  2. Prepare the beef: Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Coat the beef: Place sliced beef in a large bowl. Pour about half the sauce over the meat and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Thread the skewers: Thread beef strips onto skewers, weaving back and forth. Leave space between pieces. Each skewer should have about 4-5 strips.
  5. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Cook the skewers: Place skewers in the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  7. Glaze and finish: In the last minute of cooking, brush remaining sauce over the skewers. Let it bubble and thicken. Remove from heat immediately.
  8. Garnish and serve: Transfer skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, slice beef against the grain and ensure the pan is hot before adding the skewers. Work in batches to avoid crowding. Reserve some sauce for glazing at the end. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, beef skewers, quick weeknight dinner, gochujang, sweet and spicy, easy recipe