Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions

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

Tender slices of marinated beef grilled to perfection with a savory-sweet Korean bulgogi marinade, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 25 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 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup grated Asian pear, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Add marinated beef slices in a single layer, grilling for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely caramelized and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Transfer beef to a serving plate and sprinkle with 3 thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions 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 Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?

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 Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?

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 Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions 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 Jeju Island Korean BBQ Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions?

Korean beef 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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