Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and savory marinated beef stir-fried quickly and served alongside tender sesame-infused spinach for a classic Korean meal. This korean-inspired stir fry (high protein) ready in about 50 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Using the same skillet, add 8 cups fresh spinach leaves and stir-fry for 2 minutes until wilted. Add 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with spinach, toss everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Sesame Spinach?

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 Sesame Spinach?

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 Sesame Spinach 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 Stir-Fried Korean Beef Bulgogi with Sesame Spinach high protein?

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

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