Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi and Sesame

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

Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, quickly stir-fried and served with spicy kimchi and toasted sesame seeds for a classic Korean meal. This korean-inspired beef ready in about 35 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 520 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 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 4 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly. Marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp 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.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup kimchi to warm through.
  5. Step 5: Serve the bulgogi over 4 cups steamed white rice, garnished with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi 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 beef ribeye from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Kimchi 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 Kimchi 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 Kimchi 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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