Juicy Korean Style Steak Recipe for Bold Flavor & Easy Prep

Korean style steak is a bold and savory beef dish infused with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, delivering the signature sweet-salty-umami flavor that defines Korean BBQ cuisine. Whether you’re grilling hanger steak, searing flank, or marinating skirt steak, this Asian steak recipe is a high-protein, low-carb option that suits a variety of diets including the Carnivore diet and Keto. It’s ideal for weight loss goals thanks to lean beef cuts and minimal sugars.

Marinated in a quick steak marinade packed with flavor, this dish transforms affordable cuts like strip steak, sirloin flap, and lean ground beef into a tender, juicy meal. It’s one of the easiest Korean dinner recipes you can make at home, whether you’re after a weeknight steak recipe or preparing for a Korean-inspired cookout.

How to Make It: To make Korean style steak, you’ll marinate your beef in a soy sauce steak marinade with ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and sweeteners like pear or apple. After resting, the meat is grilled or pan-seared until caramelized and then sliced against the grain. Serve with pickled vegetables or enjoy simply on its own either way, it’s a flavorful, healthy Korean beef experience.

How to Make Korean Style Steak at Home

Making Korean style steak at home doesn’t require special equipment or a backyard grill. What it does require is a sense of balance between savory and sweet, tender and charred, bold and subtle. With the right marinade, a few smart choices of lean beef like hanger steak or sirloin flap, and a little patience, you can replicate that authentic Korean BBQ steak experience in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re aiming for a high-protein dinner to support your weight loss goals or experimenting with Carnivore diet-friendly recipes, Korean steak adapts beautifully. You’ll learn how to build layers of flavor using ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger all while keeping things simple and healthy. Even if you’re new to Asian steak recipes, this one is forgiving and fun.

The best part? You can make this with whatever you’ve got on hand from lean ground beef to marinated hanger steak or even strip steak cuts. Plus, the marinade works just as well for grilled Korean steak outdoors as it does pan-seared in a cast iron skillet indoors.

If you enjoyed hearty beef-based recipes like our Hanger Steak Sandwich or comforting meals like this Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles, this Korean style steak will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

Let’s dive into the recipe card next you’re just minutes away from savoring deeply flavorful, protein-rich steak with a Korean twist.

Easy Korean BBQ Steak with Soy-Ginger Marinade

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This Korean style steak recipe features a bold soy sauce marinade balanced with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, it’s a quick and high-protein meal ideal for Korean BBQ lovers, Carnivore diet followers, or anyone seeking flavorful weight loss-friendly steak recipes.

• Author: Marla Jennings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (+marinate time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–4 hrs marinate)
• Yield: 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grill or Pan-Sear
• Cuisine: Korean
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs hanger steak (or skirt, flap, or sirloin steak)

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp honey (or erythritol for low-carb version)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp gochujang (optional for heat)

• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Korean steak marinade
Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and gochujang in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.

Step 2: Marinate the steak
Place the hanger steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring all sides are coated. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

Step 3: Cook the steak
Remove the steak from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Grill on high heat or sear in a cast iron skillet for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes.

Step 4: Slice and serve
Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with kimchi, rice, or low-carb veggies.

Notes

For a low-carb version, substitute honey with erythritol and serve with sautéed greens or cauliflower rice. Works well with skirt steak, sirloin flap, or lean ground beef patties.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 672mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 86mg

Which Cut of Steak is Best for Korean Recipes?

When it comes to Korean beef recipes, the choice of steak cut can completely transform the dish. Korean cuisine steak is all about tenderness, absorbency, and quick cooking so picking the right beef matters. Whether you’re creating grilled Korean steak for a backyard BBQ or a spicy Korean keto beef bowl for a weeknight dinner, selecting the appropriate cut ensures both flavor and texture hit the mark.

Skirt Steak, Hanger Steak, or Sirloin Flap?

If you’re aiming for authentic Korean BBQ steak, thin, marbled cuts that cook quickly and soak up marinades beautifully are ideal. Among the top contenders:

• Skirt Steak Korean Style: This cut is long, thin, and full of flavor. It’s often used in Korean restaurants because it grills fast and develops that signature char.
  
• Hanger Steak: Often overlooked, hanger steak is a top pick in many hanger steak recipes thanks to its rich flavor and meaty bite. Its texture is ideal for soaking up a ginger steak marinade or a soy sauce steak marinade.
  
• Sirloin Flap Steak: A cousin of flank steak, sirloin flap has the chew of skirt but a deeper beef flavor. It’s leaner than skirt steak, making it perfect for healthy Korean beef options or low-fat meals.
  

Looking for more ways to enjoy hanger steak? Try our reader-favorite Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe, which layers marinated steak with fresh toppings in an easy-to-love format.

Lean Cuts for Weight Loss and Carnivore Diets

For those following a Carnivore diet or aiming for weight loss, consider using:

• Beef Sirloin Steak: Lean, widely available, and easy to slice thin.
  
• Lean Beef Strips: Convenient and quick to cook, ideal for Korean-inspired stir-fries.
  
• Lean Ground Beef: Yes, you can even make Korean beef recipes using ground meat for dishes like spicy Korean keto beef bowls.
  

These cuts align with high-protein goals and deliver satisfying flavor without excessive fat.

Skirt Steak vs Hanger Steak   What’s the Difference?

While both cuts excel in Korean marinade recipes, they do have key differences:

• Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm and has more visible fat, which helps with browning.
  
• Hanger steak hangs from the cow’s diaphragm and has a deeper, meatier flavor with less fat.
  

Whichever you choose, the key is to slice against the grain after cooking to ensure tender bites every time.

For a completely different spin using thin beef slices, try this light yet filling Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles, which shows how Asian flavors can work with lean proteins beautifully.

Ingredients for the Best Korean Steak Marinade

The soul of any Korean style steak lies in the marinade. It’s the secret that transforms an everyday beef sirloin steak or skirt steak Korean style into something deeply flavorful, tender, and memorable. Whether you’re prepping grilled Korean steak or a weeknight steak recipe, the balance of soy sauce, aromatics, and sweetness defines this Korean beef recipe.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: The Flavor Foundation

The first non-negotiable component of a Korean steak marinade is soy sauce. It provides the saltiness and umami depth that make steak with soy sauce taste so satisfying. Pair that with sesame oil, which adds nuttiness and rounds out the marinade with a traditional Korean aroma.

Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to your soy sauce steak marinade, and you instantly elevate lean beef strips, skirt steak, or even lean ground beef into a crave-worthy meal.

Ginger and Garlic: Aromatic Backbone

Fresh ginger and garlic are what give this marinade its punch. Grated ginger works best, especially if you’re marinating hanger steak or flank steak Korean style, since the enzymes in ginger also help tenderize meat naturally.

Together with soy and sesame, they create a deeply savory, slightly spicy, and totally authentic base.

Sweetness and Spice: Balanced Korean Flavor

To offset the salt and sharpness, Korean marinades include a subtle sweet component:

• For classic versions, use grated Asian pear or a dash of brown sugar
  
• For low-carb and spicy Korean keto beef lovers, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener is an excellent swap
  

If you like heat, add gochujang (Korean fermented chili paste) or red pepper flakes to make the dish bold but still balanced.

This balance of salty, sweet, and spicy is what makes Korean BBQ steak irresistible.

Optional Boosters for Quick Steak Marinade

If you’re tight on time and want a fast, easy Korean steak recipe, use:

• Rice vinegar for brightness
  
• Green onions for freshness
  
• Toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy finish
  

Each of these ingredients adds dimension without overpowering the main flavor. They work beautifully whether you’re grilling a strip steak or pan-searing a marinated hanger steak.

And remember, if you’re looking for inspiration beyond the grill, the ginger-soy flavor combination is also featured in our Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles, where broth and marinade unite in a comforting bowl.

How to Make Korean Steak Marinade

Crafting a flavorful Korean steak marinade is both easy and rewarding. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a versatile base that enhances everything from hanger steak and sirloin flap to lean ground beef and flank steak Korean style. This section walks you through exactly how to whip it up, whether you’re going full traditional or adapting it for Carnivore or keto goals.

Step-by-Step Mixing Guide

To make a classic Korean steak marinade, you’ll need:

• ¼ cup soy sauce – the salty, umami backbone
  
• 1 tbsp sesame oil – adds deep aroma and smooth richness
  
• 1 tbsp grated ginger – for freshness and tenderizing
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – essential pungency
  
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or erythritol – balances salt and heat
  
• 1 tsp rice vinegar – brightens the blend
  
• ½ tsp gochujang (optional) – for a mild spicy Korean keto beef kick
  
• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds – a visual and flavorful finish
  

Whisk everything in a medium mixing bowl until the sugar (or alternative) dissolves completely.

This marinade works perfectly for beef sirloin steak, hanger steak, flank, or skirt steak Korean style. Even lean beef strips or lean ground beef patties benefit from a quick soak.

For a twist, try using this marinade to prep beef for our Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe a must for flavor-packed lunches.

How Long to Marinate Korean Steak?

• For skirt or hanger steak: 1-4 hours is ideal
  
• For thinner lean beef strips or ground patties: 30-60 minutes is enough
  
• For tougher cuts like flank: go up to 6 hours, but not overnight
  

Leaving steak too long in a soy sauce steak marinade can break down the proteins too much, leading to mushy texture. Marinate just long enough for the flavor to penetrate and tenderize without overpowering.

Quick Marinade for Weeknight Steak Recipes

If you’re short on time, this quick steak marinade delivers bold Korean flavors in just 10 minutes:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
  
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
  
• 1 tbsp grated ginger or ½ tsp powdered ginger
  
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
  
• Pinch of erythritol (optional)
  

Coat your steak, let it sit while your skillet heats up, and you’ll have an easy Korean steak recipe on the table in 20 minutes.

This fast method is great for lean cuts or a Carnivore diet adaptation that avoids sugars altogether. Serve with grilled bok choy or roasted radish for a low-carb Korean dinner idea.

And if you’re on a flavor journey, you’ll love how this same marinade vibe shows up in our herbaceous, nutrient-packed Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles.

How to Cook Korean Style Grilled Steak

Once your steak has soaked up all that soy-ginger marinade goodness, it’s time to bring it to life. Whether you’re using a gas grill, cast iron pan, or broiler, Korean style grilled steak is all about caramelization and texture. The sugars in the marinade help create that golden crust, while the soy sauce infuses deep, umami-rich flavor into every bite.

Pan-Searing vs Grilling vs Broiling

Each cooking method can work beautifully depending on your setup and steak cut.

• Grilling: Ideal for traditional Korean BBQ steak. High, direct heat creates a charred exterior with juicy interior. Perfect for skirt steak, hanger steak, and sirloin flap steak.
  
• Cast Iron Pan-Searing: Best for home kitchens. It delivers an evenly caramelized crust, especially on flank steak Korean style or beef sirloin steak.
  
• Broiling: A solid option if you don’t have access to a grill. Cook the steak close to the heat source for a similar sear.
  

Want to use this marinade for other dishes? Try it on our Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe for a next-level lunch or dinner.

How to Cook Hanger Steak Perfectly

Hanger steak, sometimes called the “butcher’s steak,” is best cooked to medium-rare to retain tenderness:

1. Preheat your grill or pan to high heat
   
2. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry for better sear
   
3. Sear 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness
   
4. Use a meat thermometer to check for 130–135°F internal temp
   
5. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing
   

The marinade’s soy sauce and sesame oil base creates a beautiful glaze that crackles slightly when cooked just like in a traditional Korean steakhouse.

Slicing Steak Against the Grain

No matter what cut you use strip steak, hanger, skirt, or lean beef strips cutting against the grain makes all the difference:

• Find the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them
  
• This shortens the fibers, making each bite more tender
  
• Thin slices allow marinade flavors to pop even more
  

This method is essential, especially when cooking lean cuts for Carnivore recipes or weight loss plans where texture matters as much as macros.

Looking for more nourishing inspiration? Pair this grilled steak with our warm and comforting Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles for a high-protein Korean-inspired meal with balance and variety.

Is Korean Style Steak Good for Weight Loss & High Protein Diets?

Absolutely. Korean style steak is one of the most satisfying and protein-dense meals you can enjoy while keeping your health goals in check. Thanks to its focus on lean beef cuts and naturally low-carb marinade, it’s a fantastic fit for weight loss, high protein diets, and even more restrictive eating plans like the Carnivore diet.

Calorie Count and Nutrition Info

A typical serving of Korean style grilled steak made with hanger steak or sirloin flap steak and a light soy-based marinade contains:

• Calories: Around 290–310
  
• Protein: 28–32g
  
• Carbohydrates: Under 4g (especially when using sugar-free sweeteners)
  
• Fat: 16–20g depending on cut and oil used
  

That makes it ideal for weight loss plans where satiety and muscle retention are key, and it beats out sugary or carb-heavy marinades used in many Western-style recipes.

In fact, compared to traditional BBQ sauces, a soy sauce steak marinade with sesame oil, ginger, and garlic not only enhances flavor it avoids processed sugars and unnecessary additives.

Benefits for Carnivore and High Protein Lifestyles

If you’re following a Carnivore diet, skip the sweetener and use only soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger. The result? A naturally flavorful steak with zero carbs and plenty of high-quality animal protein.

Looking for a full-flavored yet strict Carnivore recipe? Marinate lean ground beef patties or beef sirloin steak in our sugar-free Korean marinade and grill them to perfection. You’ll still get all the richness of Korean cuisine steak with none of the ingredients that break your protocol.

And if you’re a fan of bold, nourishing meals that align with your macros, don’t miss our Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe just omit the bun or serve with a lettuce wrap for a low-carb spin.

Is Korean Steak Spicy?

By default, Korean steak isn’t overly spicy. The heat level depends entirely on whether you include gochujang, red chili flakes, or other spicy ingredients in your marinade.

If you’re preparing spicy Korean keto beef, you’ll likely add some chili paste or extra garlic. But for those sensitive to spice, you can easily adjust or omit these elements.

This makes the recipe incredibly flexible great for families, meal preppers, and anyone looking to control their spice threshold while staying on track with health goals.

What to Serve with Korean Steak

A good steak is only part of the meal what you serve alongside it can elevate the dish and round out the experience. Whether you’re sticking to low-carb goals, following a Carnivore diet, or building a vibrant Korean-style dinner plate, the right accompaniments make your Korean style steak even more satisfying.

Classic Korean Side Dishes

If you want to keep things traditional, consider pairing your Korean BBQ steak with time-tested Korean dinner recipes like:

• Kimchi: Fermented, spicy, and sour it cuts through the richness of grilled Korean steak beautifully.
  
• Steamed white rice: A staple, but you can also opt for brown or cauliflower rice for a low-carb swap.
  
• Japchae (glass noodles): For a special treat with sweet-savory flavor.
  
• Pickled radish or cucumber: Adds crunch and acidity to balance the meal.
  

These sides work perfectly with flank steak Korean, hanger steak, or even a lean strip steak grilled with your favorite Korean steak marinade.

Carnivore-Friendly and Low-Carb Sides

For those on high-protein or restrictive diets, here are some ideas that align with Carnivore recipes or weight loss plans:

• Grilled mushrooms or zucchini : adds earthiness and keeps carbs low
  
• Sautéed spinach in sesame oil : simple, flavorful, and nutritious
  
• Roasted radish or cauliflower mash : makes a hearty swap for potatoes
  
• Egg yolk dipping sauce : a Carnivore-friendly, rich pairing
  

Want something with a broth-based twist? Try our Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles, which captures similar savory and aromatic notes while offering a light but filling complement to your steak meal.

Garnishes, Sauces, and Plating Tips

To keep your Korean inspired steak looking and tasting its best, don’t forget the finishing touches:

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color and texture
  
• Drizzle with reduced marinade or soy sauce for extra punch
  
• Serve sliced steak over a bed of greens or tucked in lettuce leaves for a vibrant, low-carb option
  

These small additions make a big difference especially when you’re serving this recipe for guests or adding it to your weekly rotation of easy Korean steak recipes.

And if you’re thinking about variety, try using this marinade and plating style for our Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe for a fun Korean-American fusion experience.

FAQ : Your Korean Style Steak Questions Answered

Conclusion & Next Steps

Korean style steak is more than just a flavorful meal it’s a celebration of bold ingredients, simple techniques, and the kind of high-protein nourishment that fits into almost any lifestyle. Whether you’re grilling hanger steak outdoors, pan-searing lean beef strips for a weeknight dinner, or sticking to a Carnivore diet plan, this Korean beef recipe delivers every time.

Now that you’ve learned how to marinate, cook, and serve this dish, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try it yourself. From the spicy kick of gochujang to the rich umami of soy sauce and sesame oil, each bite brings out the best in lean beef. Don’t be afraid to experiment try different cuts, play with spice levels, and adapt it to your own taste or dietary needs.

And if you’re craving more bold, satisfying ideas, we highly recommend our Hanger Steak Sandwich Recipe and the broth-forward Beef Pho with Sweet Potato Noodles both are packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

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With Korean style steak in your repertoire, your next dinner is sure to impress without the stress.