Pan-Seared Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-savory mixture, pan-seared to caramelized perfection and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 41 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 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye steak to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp vegetable oil, swirling to coat the pan.
  4. Step 4: Remove beef from marinade, letting excess drip off, then sear in the hot skillet in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Transfer beef to a serving plate and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Korean-Style 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-Style 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 soy sauce from drying out.

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