Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic

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

Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, quickly stir-fried with garlic and sesame for a classic Korean bulgogi dish perfect for dinner. This korean ready in about 20 minutes pairs 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 380 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Korean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye and mix thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Toss in 3 sliced green onions and cook for another 1 minute until slightly wilted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with steamed rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a traditional Korean meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic?

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 beef ribeye from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic?

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 Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Beef Bulgogi with Sesame and Garlic?

Korean korean 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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