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Cozy Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Skewers

Korean BBQ beef skewers - featured image

These quick and easy Korean BBQ beef skewers are sweet, spicy, and caramelized, made with gochujang and honey. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, they come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, sliced against the grain into 1/2-inch strips
  • 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: 1/2 grated Asian pear
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)

Instructions

  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips, about 1/2-inch thick.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add grated pear if using.
  4. Place the sliced beef in the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10-30 minutes.
  5. Thread the beef onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of neutral oil.
  7. Cook the skewers in a single layer for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes more, until charred and caramelized.
  8. If desired, baste with extra reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking.
  9. Remove from pan and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes to avoid mushy meat. For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of water or broth after cooking and pour over skewers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, beef skewers, sweet and spicy, gochujang, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food