Easy Korean Steak Bites (Stovetop or Air Fryer)

The most tender and flavorful Korean steak bites are cooked on the stovetop or in the air fryer. These juicy steak bites are sweetened with fruit to recreate an authentic bulgogi flavor that’s so addicting for kids and adults! 

What Makes This Recipe Great

Steak will probably always be my favorite cut of meat. I usually love it grilled plain with just a bit of salt and pepper, but sometimes, I’ll get fancy with a marinade when I want to make it a bit more special. These marinated Korean Steak Bites are one of those recipes that’s just full of flavor and so easy to prepare.

If you are a fan of bulgogi, you are going to love these marinated steak bites. Sweetened with dates, the marinade is just so addicting and full of umami, and the steak pieces are so tender and flavorful. You can serve them as a party snack with toothpicks or eat them as an easy meal alongside some cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables. 

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

How to Make Steak Bites with Korean Marinade

The cooking process for these steak bites is straightforward and simple. You need to marinate them in the bulgogi sauce for at least 2 hours, and then they take just 10 minutes or less to cook! Here’s what you’ll need and how to make steak bites on the stovetop or in the air fryer. Find the printable version in the recipe card below. 

Ingredient Notes

Steak Bites

• top sirloin steak: Or ribeye steak, New York strip steak, or tenderloin– any tender cut of steak will work. 
• avocado oil or olive oil
• sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Marinade

• coconut aminos
• toasted sesame oil
• garlic cloves
• pitted Medjool date
• fresh ginger
• gochugaru

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep & Marinate

1. Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and place in a resealable bag or bowl.
2. Make the marinade by blending all its ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the marinade over the beef, seal or cover it, and marinate it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
4. Remove from the fridge and drain the bulgogi marinade when ready to cook.

Stove Top Method

Step 1 

Heat oil in a large skillet (or cast iron skillet) or over medium-high heat. 

Step 2

Add the steak cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes. 

Step 3 

Flip the pieces, and then cook for 2 more minutes.

Air Fryer Method

Step 1 

To make air fryer steak bites, preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F. 

Step 2

Add the steak bites to your air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes. 

Step 3 

Flip the steak bites and cook for another 5 minutes.

You can garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Season with salt and black pepper if desired. Both methods turn out fantastic in both texture and flavor!

Expert Tips

• I highly recommend marinating these steak bites for at least 2 hours. The meat really needs at least this much time to absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade!
• If you are not doing the Whole30, you can replace the Medjool date with 2 tsp of maple syrup to sweeten the bulgogi sauce. Or if you are eating low carb, you can replace it with 2 tsp of monk fruit sweetener.
• For both the stovetop or air fryer steak bites, cook the meat pieces in a single layer so they cook evenly and yield the best texture. This means you may need to cook the meat in 2 batches for either method.
• The suggested cooking times will cook the steak bites to medium rare to medium. If you like your steak well done, I would add a few more minutes of cooking time to each method.
• For extra spice, garnish with red pepper flakes. 

Serving Tips

These Korean steak bites can served alone as an appetizer on toothpicks. However, if you are serving these as a meal, here are some delicious sides to serve them with:

• cauliflower rice
• roasted broccoli
• steam green beans
• mashed potatoes
• kimchi or radish kimchi
• Korean side dishes from Korean Paleo

However you serve these juicy and flavorful Korean steak bites, they are guaranteed to be a hit and please even the pickiest eaters!

Storage Tips

Store leftover steak bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes or the microwave for 1-2 minutes. 

Recipe FAQs

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