Ingredients
Steak
- 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)
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
- Optional: 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) – omit for AIP
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (omit for AIP)
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces and place them in a resealable bag for marinating.
- Make the Marinade: Place coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, garlic cloves, medjool date (or maple syrup), fresh ginger, and optional gochugaru into a blender and blend until smooth to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Pour the marinade over the steak pieces in the bag, seal it tightly, and gently massage the bag to coat the steak evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Drain the Steak: Remove the bag from the fridge and drain the steak pieces, discarding the marinade to prepare the steak for cooking.
- Stovetop Method – Heat Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Stovetop Method – Sear Steak: Add the steak bites in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stovetop Method – Flip and Cook: Turn the steak pieces over and cook for another 2 minutes until they are cooked through and nicely browned.
- Remove and Garnish: Take the steak off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Air Fryer Method – Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fryer Method – Arrange Steak: Place the steak bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fryer Method – Cook: Air fry the steak for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
- Air Fryer Method – Remove and Garnish: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the steak bites and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For an AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) friendly version, omit sesame seeds and use olive oil instead of toasted sesame oil.
- You can substitute medjool date with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup if not following Whole30.
- If using the air fryer, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding which can prevent proper browning.
- Adjust cooking times slightly depending on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- Gochugaru adds a spicy kick; omit if you prefer a milder flavor or for AIP compliance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free