This Beef Barbecue comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, it’s the dish that keeps on giving.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make this fabulous Beef Barbecue, you’ll want to gather up the following ingredients. And don’t worry, most of these can be found in your pantry or local grocery store, making it super accessible for busy families!
Steak:
- 750 g (1.65 lbs) flank or skirt steak: Very thinly sliced against the grain. Flank or skirt steak offers fantastic flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.
Marinade:
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) low-sodium light soy sauce: Brings a salty umami flavor to the beef without overwhelming it.
- ½ tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste): This kicks things up a notch! It adds a bit of heat and sweetness, which is ah-mazing.
- 1 tbsp mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds a depth of flavor.
- 2 tsp minced ginger: For that zesty and aromatic touch.
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste: You can never go wrong with garlic! I personally adore the taste.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the mix.
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado or rapeseed): Perfect for searing the beef without smoke.
- 4 tbsp light brown sugar: This balances the flavors and caramelizes beautifully.
To Serve:
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, adds a nice crunch.
- Boiled rice: This complements the barbecue perfectly, soaking up the sauce.
- Chopped cucumber and tomato: Fresh and crisp, they add a wonderful contrast.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the marinade (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, mirin, ginger, garlic powder or paste, sesame oil, neutral oil, and brown sugar. Take a moment to inhale the heavenly aroma! It’s already smelling fantastic.
Marinate the steak (2 hours): Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Mix thoroughly to coat all the pieces. Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you’re in a pinch for time, even 30 minutes will do, but the longer, the better! (Pro tip: It’s perfect pillow talk for those busy weeks.)
Preheat the pan (5 minutes): Oh, and quick tip warm a serving bowl in the oven to keep your first batch of cooked beef warm. Heat a wok or a large skillet over very high heat until it’s smoking hot. Like, “careful not to get too close” hot.
Cook the steak (6-7 minutes): Work in two batches, so the beef gets a good sear. Add half of the beef to the hot wok, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 3 minutes this is when magic happens! You want that lovely caramelization. Then, stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Transfer it to the warm bowl and repeat with the remaining beef. It’s gonna smell divine in your kitchen!
Garnish and serve (2 minutes): Now for the fun part! Sprinkle those sesame seeds over your beef and serve immediately with fluffy boiled rice. Add chopped cucumber and tomato on the side for freshness. Your family will be fighting over who gets the last bite!

Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for something comforting and flavor-packed. It’s reliable, which is music to my ears on a Tuesday night. I’m a real sucker for anything that can be made quickly and tastes like it’s been simmering all day long. The best part is, it’s so versatile you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a fridge clean-out. Honestly, every time I make it, my kids ask for seconds. And if that isn’t the ultimate seal of approval, I don’t know what is!
If you loved this beef barbecue recipe, be sure to check out my Thai Basil Beef Rolls, my Korean Beef Bulgogi, or my Chow Mein Recipe!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
This dish is all about speed! It comes together in under 30 minutes of hands-on time, making it a lifesaver for those busy evenings.
One Pot Wonder
With everything cooked in just one pan, you’ll thank yourself later for the minimal cleanup required, goodbye, endless dishes!
Family Favorite
I can confidently say that the whole family will love this dish. The delightful balance of sweet, salty, and spicy will have your kids asking for it on repeat!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? Change up the marinade or throw in some veggies! You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making this recipe truly flexible for every season!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this Beef Barbecue is the kind of comfort food that wraps you up in warmth after a long day, just like a cozy blanket.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
This Beef Barbecue is delicious served over steamed rice, but I also love pairing it with a side of veggie stir-fry or a simple salad. It’s all about that balance! And don’t forget those toppings, you can also consider diced green onions or a sprinkle of cilantro for an extra kick.
Storage
Once your family has enjoyed the meal, what remains can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat this is on the stove. Just add a splash of water and warm it through on medium heat until heated completely. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but stir it halfway through to avoid hot spots!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked Beef Barbecue for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are my go-tos for their flavor, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef as alternatives.
What else can I add to the marinade?
Feel free to experiment! You can add spices like smoked paprika or even a splash of sriracha if you want it extra spicy. Get creative!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the steak for tofu or tempeh, and you can follow the same marinade process. It’s gonna be just as flavorful!
So, there you have it! This super Beef Barbecue is bound to become a family favorite. I promise you; once you try it, it will be on your regular rotation. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Beef Barbecue
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Beef Barbecue comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick weeknight dinner your family will love.
Ingredients
- 750 g flank or skirt steak, very thinly sliced
- 80 ml low-sodium light soy sauce
- ½ tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado or rapeseed)
- 4 tbsp light brown sugar
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Boiled rice for serving
- Chopped cucumber for serving
- Chopped tomato for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, mirin, ginger, garlic powder or paste, sesame oil, neutral oil, and brown sugar.
- Marinate the steak: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, mix thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (30 minutes if short on time).
- Preheat the pan: Heat a wok or large skillet over very high heat until smoking hot.
- Cook the steak: Work in two batches, searing the beef undisturbed for about 3 minutes, then stirring and cooking for another 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer to a warm bowl and repeat with remaining beef.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef and serve immediately with boiled rice and fresh cucumber and tomato.
Notes
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on ingredients on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg



