Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thinly sliced beef marinated in a fragrant sesame-garlic soy sauce and grilled to juicy perfection on skewers, ideal for a flavorful appetizer or main. This korean ready in about 25 minutes pairs sirloin beef, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound thinly sliced sirloin beef to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated beef slices onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, folding slices to fit.
  4. Step 4: Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until beef is nicely charred and cooked through but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers and sprinkle with 2 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sirloin beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Bulgogi Beef Skewers with Sesame-Garlic Marinade?

Korean korean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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