Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry

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

Tender strips of beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, stir-fried with crisp vegetables for a quick and flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs beef sirloin, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to create the bulgogi marinade. Add 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and 2 sliced green onions, mixing well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef with its sauce and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef starts to brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 julienned carrot and 1 thinly sliced small onion to the skillet. Continue stir-frying for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp and the beef is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish, and toss gently before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry?

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 beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry?

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 Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Marinated Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry?

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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