Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef with Sesame and Scallions

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

Thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet Korean bulgogi sauce and quickly sautéed with sesame seeds and scallions for a tender, flavorful main dish. This korean-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced ribeye beef, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1/4 cup grated Asian pear (optional), and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the bulgogi marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye beef to the marinade, tossing well to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until the beef is browned and cooked through but still tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove the beef from the skillet and toss with 3 sliced scallions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds while still hot to enhance the flavor and aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps for a classic Korean meal experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef 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 ribeye beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef 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 Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef 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.

Is Sautéed Korean Bulgogi Beef with Sesame and Scallions gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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