Description
Delicious and easy Korean Steak Bites marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut aminos, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly seared or air fried for a tender, juicy, and savory snack or meal, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Steak and Oil
- 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)
- For garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (omit sesame seeds for AIP)
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 if not Whole30)
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- Optional: 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) – omit for AIP
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Cut the steak into 1 inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and place them in a resealable bag.
- Make the marinade: Place all marinade ingredients—coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, garlic cloves, medjool date, fresh ginger, and optional gochugaru—into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Marinate: Pour the marinade over the steak in the bag, seal it, and massage gently to thoroughly coat the meat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor absorption.
- Drain marinade: Remove the marinated steak from the fridge, drain off the excess marinade, and discard the marinade.
- Stovetop cooking method: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes. Flip each piece and cook for another 2 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Air fryer cooking method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes. Place steak bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove from air fryer.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for extra spice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the steak bites for at least 2 hours; overnight refrigeration is ideal for deeper flavor.
- If not following Whole30, substitute medjool date with 2 tsp maple syrup or for low carb, 2 tsp monk fruit sweetener.
- Cook the steak bites in a single layer for even cooking and best texture; use multiple batches if needed.
- Cooking times result in medium-rare to medium doneness; add extra minutes for well done steak.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and reheat in an air fryer or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
