Pan-Seared Korean Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender marinated bulgogi beef slices pan-seared to perfection, served over fragrant sesame and scallion infused rice for a classic Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs pound thinly sliced sirloin beef, soy sauce, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1 pound thinly sliced sirloin beef and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through but still tender.
  3. Step 3: While the beef cooks, fluff 2 cups cooked white rice. Stir in 3 thinly sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds until evenly combined and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Serve the bulgogi beef hot over the scallion sesame rice for a flavorful Korean meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice 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 Pan-Seared Korean Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice?

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 Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice?

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 Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice 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 Bulgogi Beef with Scallion Sesame Rice?

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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