Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic and Sesame
Thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, quickly stir-fried with garlic and topped with sesame seeds for a classic Korean favorite. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 40 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 380 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 chopped green onions, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp water to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye beef to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly, and let it marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 4: Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds and additional chopped green onions if desired, then serve immediately with steamed rice or lettuce wraps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (35 min prep + 5 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 Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic 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 thinly sliced ribeye beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Garlic 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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