Dinner

Easy Korean Steak Bites Recipe

Name: Easy Korean Steak Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1½ lb sirloin steak (or ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin), cut into 1 inch cubes; 1 tbsp avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil, for stovetop method); ½ cup coconut aminos; 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil (or olive oil for AIP); 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 1 pitted medjool date (or 2 tsp maple syrup for non-Whole30); 1 inch fresh ginger; Optional: 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) – omit for AIP; Sesame seeds (omit for AIP); Chopped green onions

BySana Jeannette February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

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Introduction

Easy Korean Steak Bites are a flavorful and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender steak cubes marinated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce deliver delicious umami with every bite. You can cook them on the stovetop or in an air fryer for convenience.

The image shows a close-up of a black cast iron pan filled with cooked beef pieces that are deep brown with some crispy edges and a glossy texture, indicating they are well-seasoned and juicy. The beef is topped with small green onion slices scattered evenly across, adding a fresh touch with their light green color. A silver spatula is resting inside the pan on the right side, partially under the beef. In the blurry background, there are two clear bowls, one with light green chopped vegetables and the other with a beige granular ingredient, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ lb sirloin steak (or ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin)
1 tbsp avocado oil (or your favorite cooking oil, for stovetop method)

For garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (omit sesame seeds for AIP)
½ cup coconut aminos

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil (or olive oil for AIP)
4 garlic cloves (peeled)

1 pitted medjool date (OR 2 tsp maple syrup for non-Whole30)
1 inch fresh ginger
Optional: 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) – omit for AIP

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the steak into 1 inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and place in a resealable bag.
Step 2: Place all ingredients for the marinade in a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the marinade over the steak, seal the bag, and massage to coat the meat evenly. Refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.

Step 4: Remove the steak from the fridge and drain off the marinade, discarding it.
Step 5: Stovetop method: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Add steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the steak cubes and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Step 8: Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Place steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.

Step 10: Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking.
Step 11: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove from the air fryer and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add more gochugaru or a splash of sriracha to the marinade.

Use olive oil instead of sesame oil for an AIP-compliant version.
Let the steak marinate overnight for deeper flavor and more tender bites.
Serve with steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal.

Storage

Store any leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer to retain crispness. Avoid overheating to keep the meat tender.

How to Serve

A close-up view of small pieces of cooked beef with a dark brown, slightly crispy outside, mixed with light green sliced scallions and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The beef pieces have a shiny, oily texture, and are cooked in a black skillet. A fork is holding one piece of beef in the middle, showing its juicy texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin, ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin work well. Choose tender cuts that cook quickly for best results.

Is there a substitute for coconut aminos?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Note that this will change the flavor slightly and may not be Whole30 compliant.