Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame

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

Thinly sliced marinated beef stir-fried with scallions and a spicy-sweet sauce, garnished with toasted sesame seeds for a savory Korean-inspired dish. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs pound flank steak, thinly sliced, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoons brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon gochujang, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 sliced green onions and stir-fry with the beef for an additional 1 minute until the scallions soften but remain vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the beef before serving with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame?

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 tablespoons soy sauce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame?

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 Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame 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 Spicy Korean-Style Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry with Scallions and Sesame?

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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