20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

These 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are bold, spicy, and satisfying—all made in one skillet in under 30 minutes. Tender flank steak (or chicken), stir-fried vegetables, chewy noodles, and a sweet-spicy gochujang sauce come together for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something fast but still delicious. The sauce blends umami-rich soy sauce, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and spicy gochujang for that classic Korean-inspired flavor. Tossed with beef, veggies, and noodles, the result is a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and better than takeout—ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, chopped

• 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 to 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the Stir Fry:

• 8 ounces brown rice noodles

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided

• 3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers)

• 3 shallots, sliced

• 1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

• 1/2 cup fresh basil

Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a jar or bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, gochujang, and sesame oil until smooth.

2. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

3. In a large skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add vegetables and cook 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 2 tablespoons sauce and cook until veggies are coated. Remove from skillet.

4. In the same skillet, heat remaining sesame oil. Add shallots and cook 2 minutes, until softened. Add beef (or chicken) and cook undisturbed 2 minutes to sear. Toss, then pour in sauce. Simmer 1 minute.

5. Add noodles and vegetables back to skillet. Toss everything together and cook 2–3 minutes, until noodles are coated in sauce.

6. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil and sesame seeds. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Calories: approximately 740 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef/chicken.

• Extra spicy: Add more gochujang or sliced fresh chili peppers.

• Noodle swap: Try soba, ramen, or even spaghetti if you don’t have rice noodles.

• Low-carb option: Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

• Nutty twist: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce for creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen.

• Freeze: Not ideal, as rice noodles tend to break apart after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, chicken breast or thighs work well.

Do I need gochujang for this recipe?

Yes, it’s key to the flavor, but you can substitute with sriracha or chili paste if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free.

What vegetables work best?

Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great choices.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, but keep noodles and sauce separate until reheating to prevent sogginess.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s medium-spicy, but you can adjust by reducing or increasing the gochujang.

Can I add eggs?

Yes, a fried or soft-boiled egg on top is a delicious addition.

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin—thinly sliced against the grain.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to cook the meat and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding.

What’s the best garnish?

Fresh basil, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions all work beautifully.

Conclusion

20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are fast, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, chewy noodles, and a sweet-spicy sauce, it’s a one-pan meal that delivers takeout-style flavor at home in less time than delivery. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving bold flavors.

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