Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions

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

Tender marinated beef strips quickly pan-seared with toasted sesame seeds and scallions for a flavorful Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 41 minutes pairs thinly sliced beef ribeye, 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 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: 35 min Cook: 6 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound thinly sliced beef ribeye and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes without stirring until the edges begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the beef pieces and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 41 minutes (35 min prep + 6 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 Pan-Seared Korean 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 thinly sliced beef ribeye from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Korean 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 Pan-Seared Korean 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 Pan-Seared Korean 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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