Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Scallion Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thinly sliced marinated beef quickly pan-seared to caramelized perfection, served with a refreshing sesame scallion salad. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 50 minutes pairs (450g), 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 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large 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 4 thinly sliced green onions, mix well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the beef marinates, prepare the salad by tossing 6 scallions cut into 2-inch pieces with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons 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 per side until browned and caramelized, stirring halfway to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and plate the bulgogi beef alongside the sesame scallion salad. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Scallion Salad take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Scallion Salad?

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 Pan-Seared Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Scallion Salad?

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 Scallion Salad 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 Scallion Salad?

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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