Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame

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

Tender strips of beef marinated in sweet-savory Korean spices, quickly cooked under pressure for an easy and flavorful bulgogi served with scallions and sesame seeds. This Korean-inspired Instant Pot recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil 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: 15 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup grated Asian pear if using. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and toss well to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup water to the pot, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, and seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: When the cooking cycle ends, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid and stir the beef. Switch back to sauté mode and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame?

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 Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame 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 Instant Pot Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi with Scallions and Sesame?

Korean instant pot 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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