These 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory-sweet Korean-inspired sauce, this dish is a delicious and satisfying option. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to create this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes!
- Flavorful & Satisfying: A delicious blend of Korean flavors.
- Customizable: Easily adapt vegetables and protein to your liking.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup.

Ingredients
Sauce:
- Garlic (Chopped): Adds aromatic depth.
- Fresh Ginger (Chopped): Provides a warm, spicy flavor.
- Tamari or Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the spice.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides tanginess.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Brings spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, aromatic flavor.
Stir Fry:
- Brown Rice Noodles: Provides a gluten-free and healthy base.
- Sesame Oil: For sautéing and adding nutty flavor.
- Mixed Stir Fry Vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrients.
- Shallots (Sliced): Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor.
- Flank Steak or Chicken Breast (Sliced Thin): Provides lean protein.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fresh Basil: Garnishes and adds fresh flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles
- Make the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a glass jar. Shake or whisk to combine.
- Cook Rice Noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add vegetables and cook until wilted. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Cook until sauce coats vegetables. Remove from the pan.
- Cook Beef/Chicken and Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add shallots and cook until softened. Add beef/chicken and cook until seared. Pour in the remaining sauce. Simmer.
- Combine Noodles and Vegetables: Stir in noodles and vegetables. Cook until sauce coats noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in basil and sesame seeds. Serve topped with fresh basil.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Slice the beef or chicken thinly for quick cooking.
- Use a pre-made stir-fry vegetable mix for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang to control the spice level.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente.
How to Serve 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles

- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds and fresh basil.
- Enjoy as a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, you can use other noodles like egg noodles or udon noodles.
- Can I use a different protein? Yes, shrimp or tofu can be used instead of beef or chicken.
- How do I make this dish spicier? Add more Gochujang or a dash of chili flakes.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, add broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
This 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles recipe is a delightful and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Simple to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, quick lunches, or a delicious treat anytime. Enjoy the savory-sweet noodles with every satisfying bite!
Print
20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 25 minutes 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Description
These 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef or chicken is cooked in a spicy-sweet Korean sauce and tossed with brown rice noodles and vibrant vegetables. This dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making it a delicious and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Stir Fry:
- 8 ounces brown rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a glass jar.
- Shake or whisk to combine thoroughly.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the brown rice noodles according to package directions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables and cook until wilted, 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce.
- Cook until the sauce coats the vegetables.
- Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Beef/Chicken:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- Add the sliced shallots and cook for 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the thinly sliced flank steak or chicken breast and cook, undisturbed, for 2 minutes to sear.
- Toss the meat, then pour in the remaining sauce.
- Simmer for 1 minute.
- Stir in the cooked noodles and sautéed vegetables.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce coats the noodles and everything is heated through.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately, topped with additional fresh basil.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Gochujang to your spice preference.
- Use any mix of stir-fry vegetables you like.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your tamari or soy sauce is gluten-free.
- You can substitute other types of noodles, such as soba or udon noodles.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg