Growing up, my family had this tradition of Friday night dinners where we’d experiment with all kinds of flavors. One of my favorite evenings was when we decided to take a classic cheesesteak and give it a twist. That’s how I fell in love with the concept of the Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak. The combination of savory marinated beef, zesty kimchi, and gooey cheese turned out to be a game changer, and I’ve been making it ever since.
This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. It captures the essence of comfort food while adding an exciting flair that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Trust me when I say, once you try this Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak, you'll want it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love "Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak"
- Quick prep and cook time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients that come together in a flash.
- Family-friendly dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Freezer-friendly: make a double batch and save for later!
- Fun twist on the classic cheesesteak that packs a flavor punch.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or level of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Beef Sirloin (1 lb, thinly sliced)
Look for well-marbled sirloin to ensure tenderness and flavor. Slice against the grain for the best texture.
-
Kimchi (1 cup, chopped)
Any store-bought kimchi works, but if you have a local Korean market, snag a jar from there for the freshest flavor!
-
Yellow Onion (1 medium, sliced)
Sweet or yellow onions add a nice depth of flavor; just slice them thin for even cooking.
-
Bell Peppers (1 cup, sliced, any color)
Use whatever color you have on hand! Red, yellow, or green all add their own unique sweetness.
-
Cheese (4 slices, provolone or American)
Provolone melts beautifully, but feel free to use American if you prefer that classic cheesesteak vibe.
-
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp, low-sodium)
I opt for low-sodium to keep the dish balanced, but regular soy sauce is just fine if that's what you have.
-
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp)
This gives a lovely nutty flavor, so don’t skip it! Toasted sesame oil is even better if you have it.
-
Vegetable Oil (2 tsp)
Any neutral oil works here; canola or grapeseed are great choices for sautéing.
-
Optional Marinade Ingredients (minced garlic and sugar)
If you love garlic, toss in a clove or two! A pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors, especially if your kimchi is a little tangy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional garlic and sugar. This marinade is where the magic begins!
- Add the beef to the marinade, making sure it’s all well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it longer for even more flavor.
Cook the Beef
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. It’s time to get that sizzle going!
- Add the marinated beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
Add Vegetables
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook until they’re softened, about 3-4 minutes. The colors and smells will have you drooling!
Melt the Cheese
- Top the beef and veggies with cheese slices. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and glorious.
Serve
- Serve your delicious creation on a hoagie roll or over rice, and don’t forget to top it with kimchi for that extra zing!
Variations
- Swap the beef for grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a lighter option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or drizzle with sriracha for heat.
- Use a gluten-free hoagie roll or serve over quinoa for a gluten-free meal.
- Incorporate seasonal veggies like zucchini or asparagus in the mix.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
Serve your Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak on toasted hoagie rolls for that classic sandwich experience. Alternatively, you can dish it over a bed of rice for a delightful twist. Don’t forget to pile on some extra kimchi for added flavor and crunch!
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with tofu or tempeh, marinating it the same way.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- If you're watching sodium intake, stick with low-sodium soy sauce and limit the kimchi.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I substitute the beef?
You can use chicken, tofu, or seitan as alternatives for the beef.
What can I use instead of kimchi?
You can use pickled vegetables or sauerkraut for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak! It’s such a fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it all to yourself, I promise it’ll be a hit. Cooking should always feel like an adventure, and this recipe is no exception. So roll up your sleeves, dive in, and let those delicious smells fill your kitchen. I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do!
Print
Korean-Inspired Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A Korean-inspired twist on the classic cheesesteak featuring marinated beef, kimchi, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 4 slices provolone or American cheese
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- Optional: minced garlic and sugar for marinade
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional garlic and sugar.
- Add the beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Top with cheese slices and cover until melted.
- Serve on a hoagie roll or with rice, topped with kimchi.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of kimchi based on your taste preference.
- For extra flavor, consider grilling the hoagie roll.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean-Inspired, Kimchi, Bulgogi, Cheesesteak
Leave a Reply