Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Sesame and Scallions

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

Thinly sliced marinated beef stir-fried with sesame oil and scallions delivers a savory and slightly sweet Korean classic ready in under 20 minutes. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 22 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: 7 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin beef and marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop caramelization.
  3. Step 3: Stir-fry the beef with 4 sliced green onions for another 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and green onions are tender but still bright.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (15 min prep + 7 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry 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 Korean-Inspired Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry 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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