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Easy Korean Steak Bites Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

Easy Korean Steak Bites offer a flavorful and tender twist on classic steak, marinated in a savory blend of coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness from Medjool date or maple syrup. Perfectly seared on the stovetop or crisped in the air fryer, these bite-sized pieces are garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for an easy, delicious appetizer or meal.

Ingredients

Steak and Garnish

  • 1½ lb sirloin steak, or ribeye, strip steak, or tenderloin
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil, or your favorite cooking oil, for stovetop method
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish, omit for AIP)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Marinade

  • 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, peeled
  • Optional: 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) – omit for AIP

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and place them in a resealable bag.
  2. Make the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, creating a flavorful sauce to infuse the steak.
  3. Marinate the Steak: Pour the marinade over the steak in the bag, seal it, and massage the meat to ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  4. Drain the Steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator, drain off the marinade, and discard the marinade to prevent burning during cooking.
  5. Stovetop Cooking: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked to medium rare/medium.
  6. Air Fryer Cooking: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Place steak bites in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove cooked steak bites from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Marinate steak for at least 2 hours to allow full flavor absorption.
  • Substitute Medjool date with 2 tsp maple syrup for non-Whole30 diets or 2 tsp monk fruit sweetener for low-carb options.
  • Cook steak in a single layer to ensure even cooking; batch cooking may be necessary.
  • For well-done steak, increase cooking time by a few minutes per method.
  • Add extra spice with red pepper flakes as a garnish, if desired.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.