20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving something savory, spicy, and seriously satisfying—but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen—these 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are exactly what you need. This dish brings together bold Korean flavors, tender strips of beef, chewy noodles, and a glossy sesame-soy-chili sauce that clings to every bite.

Ideal for weeknight dinners, lazy weekends, or quick meal-prep lunches, this one-pan wonder offers comfort and heat in every forkful. It’s perfect for anyone who loves spicy beef garlic noodles, Korean BBQ noodles, or simply wants something delicious to make in a wok without much fuss. Best of all, the entire meal comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making this flavor-packed noodle stir-fry.

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Why You’ll Love These Korean BBQ Noodles

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its speed and flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can have restaurant-style chili beef noodles made from scratch—no takeout menu required. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes in the sauce is everything you’d expect from classic Korean flavors, while the sesame oil adds a rich nuttiness that deepens every bite.

These noodles are also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the noodles, protein, or veggies to suit your taste or what you already have in the fridge. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers convenience and crave-worthiness in every bite.

Plus, it all comes together in one skillet or wok, so cleanup is just as easy as the cooking.

Ingredients for Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this delicious recipe at home. All ingredients are listed with exact measurements for optimal flavor:

• 8 oz (225g) rice noodles or lo mein noodles
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup snap peas or baby bok choy (optional veggie add-in)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or extra green onions, for garnish

This ingredient list offers a wonderful balance of salty, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. If you’re sensitive to heat, adjust the amount of Gochujang to suit your preference.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Stir-Fry Recipe

To make this dish successfully and quickly, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Large skillet, wok, or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Strainer or colander (for noodles)

While a wok works best for this kind of high-heat stir-frying, a good non-stick skillet will still do the job beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent them from sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce and beef.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, Gochujang, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Set aside. This will be your stir-fry sauce, packed with bold Korean BBQ flavor.

Step 3: Prep the Beef

Thinly slice the steak against the grain for tenderness. Toss it in a bowl with the cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and pepper. The cornstarch helps sear the beef and creates a silky texture once mixed with the sauce.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat a drizzle of oil in your wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, just until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Everything Together

To the same skillet, add the snap peas or any quick-cooking veggie of your choice (if using). Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes. Then add the cooked noodles and the sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles fully. Return the beef to the pan and stir everything together for another minute or two until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh herbs over the top. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

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Tips for Cooking Tender Steak and Perfect Noodles

• Slice the steak thinly: The thinner the beef, the faster and more evenly it cooks. Always slice against the grain.
• Use high heat: A hot pan ensures that the beef sears quickly without becoming tough.
• Don’t overcook: Since you’ll be adding the beef back to the pan later, cook it just shy of done during the first sear.
• Rinse the noodles: This removes starch and keeps them from sticking during stir-frying.
• Work quickly: Stir-frying is fast-paced. Have all your ingredients ready to go before you start.

Tasty Variations of Spicy Beef Garlic Noodles

This dish is super adaptable depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand:

• Swap rice noodles for udon, lo mein, or even spaghetti if that’s all you’ve got.
• Replace beef with chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Add more vegetables like bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or carrots.
• For a creamier version, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter to the sauce.
• If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the Gochujang and increase the hoisin sauce for sweetness.

No matter the combination, these Korean sesame noodles remain deeply satisfying.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These noodles reheat surprisingly well, making them perfect for leftovers.

Store any extra noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat. You can also microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Leftovers can even be transformed into a new meal. Try adding them to a soup broth, tossing them into a salad bowl with fresh greens, or turning them into a Korean beef noodle bake.

Perfect Pairings with Korean Sesame Noodles

For a well-rounded meal, serve these beef sesame noodles with:

• A simple cucumber salad or pickled veggies
• Miso or seaweed soup
• Steamed edamame
• Jasmine rice on the side (for larger portions)
• Fresh mint or lime wedges to brighten the flavors
• A cold green tea or lemon iced tea for refreshment

All of these options balance the richness of the noodles while enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid missteps:

• Overcrowding the pan: This causes the beef to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Overcooking the steak: Thin slices cook quickly—remove from the pan as soon as they brown.
• Adding sauce too early: Always combine sauce at the end to prevent burning or over-reduction.
• Using too much noodle water: Rinse your noodles well to keep them from getting gummy.

When in doubt, keep it simple and trust the process.

Serving Suggestions and Wok Presentation Tips

This dish looks amazing when served right from the wok. For a fun, family-style meal, place the wok or skillet in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.

For individual servings, use shallow bowls and top with a nest of noodles, a few strips of beef, a drizzle of extra sauce, and fresh garnishes like herbs, sesame seeds, or scallions. Add a lime wedge on the side for a little flair.

Want to elevate it even more? Serve with wooden chopsticks and a side of kimchi or pickled radish for an authentic experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Beef Noodles

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free rice noodles or glass noodles.

Is there a substitute for Gochujang?
While it’s hard to replicate its unique flavor, you can use a mix of sriracha and miso paste for a similar effect.

What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work well. Just be sure to slice them thinly and against the grain.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can slice the beef and mix the sauce in advance. Cook everything fresh for the best taste.

Conclusion

These 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are the kind of meal that feels special yet couldn’t be easier to prepare. Bold, spicy-sweet, and loaded with umami, this recipe delivers the satisfaction of takeout with the joy of home cooking. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or feeding a group, these noodles are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Try them tonight, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family. If you enjoyed this flavorful dish, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more quick Asian-inspired meals, stir-fry favorites, and kitchen hacks you’ll love.

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