"The Beef Bulgogi Cheesesteak is a delicious fusion sandwich that combines Korean bulgogi's savory, marinated flavors with the cheesy, comforting elements of a classic American cheesesteak. Tender beef, sautéed vegetables, kimchi, and melted cheese combine in a toasted hoagie roll, creating a unique and flavorful meal."
Beef Bulgogi Cheesesteak
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Recipe Description
The Beef Bulgogi Cheesesteak is a creative fusion dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Korean-inspired beef bulgogi with the classic comfort of an American cheesesteak. This innovative sandwich combines the best elements of both cuisines into a satisfying, handheld meal.
The backbone of this dish is the bulgogi marinade, a traditionally-inspired Korean mixture used to infuse beef with deep, complex flavors. In this recipe, the marinade consists of beef stock, soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, shallot, and grated Asian pear. The Asian pear not only adds a natural sweetness but also helps to tenderize the beef. Marinating the thinly sliced top sirloin overnight allows the meat to absorb all these rich flavors, ensuring every bite is packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Once the beef has marinated, it is seared in a hot cast-iron skillet. This cooking method ensures the meat develops a nice caramelized exterior while remaining tender and juicy. The meat is then pushed to the side of the skillet to make room for the vegetables.
The vegetables in this dish add both flavor and texture. Thinly sliced onions, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions are sautéed in the same skillet, absorbing the flavorful juices from the beef. Adding kimchi to the mix introduces a tangy, slightly spicy element that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, providing a perfect balance. The kimchi also adds a layer of complexity with its fermented flavors, making this sandwich genuinely unique.
Once the vegetables are cooked, the mixture is topped with slices of American cheese. The cheese melts into the meat and vegetables, creating a creamy, gooey layer that holds everything together. American cheese is a nod to the traditional cheesesteak, providing a familiar taste and texture. However, other cheeses like provolone or mozzarella could also be used for a different flavor profile.
The beef, vegetable, and cheese mixture is then loaded into hoagie rolls, which can be lightly toasted for added texture. The result is a hearty and flavorful sandwich, with the tender marinated beef complemented by the crunch of the vegetables, the tang of the kimchi, and the richness of the melted cheese.
The Beef Bulgogi Cheesesteak is a perfect example of how two distinct culinary traditions can create something new and delicious. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of marinated beef, sautéed vegetables, kimchi, and melted cheese in a soft hoagie roll makes this sandwich a must-try for anyone looking to experience bold and exciting flavors.
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Prep time: 24hrs 30mins
Cook time: 30mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons gochujang
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 finely chopped shallot
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 grated Asian pear
ingredients
For the Cheesesteak
- 1 pound thinly sliced top sirloin
- 1 large thinly sliced onion
- 1 large julienned carrot
- 1 bunch of chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
- 6-8 slices of American cheese
- 4 hoagie rolls
- for cooking vegetable oil
Method
Step 1
Marinate the Beef: Mix together the beef stock, soy sauce, gochujang, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, chopped shallot, grated ginger, and grated Asian pear. Add the thinly sliced top sirloin to the marinade, ensuring the beef is fully submerged and coated. Cover and refrigerate the beef overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Step 2
Cook the Beef: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting the excess marinade drip off. Sear the beef in the skillet until browned and cooked through.
Step 3
Cook the Vegetables: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, kimchi, and chopped green onions to the same skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and begin to caramelize, 4-5 minutes.
Step 4
Melt the Cheese: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the skillet and lay the American cheese slices on top. Let the cheese melt over the beef and vegetables from the skillet’s residual heat.
Step 5
Assemble the Cheesesteaks: Slice the hoagie rolls open and lightly toast them if desired. Once the cheese has melted, spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into the rolls.