Korean Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak (Printable)

Fusion sandwich combining tender bulgogi beef, spicy kimchi, and melty cheese on toasted rolls for bold flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Bulgogi Beef

01 - 1.1 lbs ribeye steak, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
04 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tbsp grated pear (or apple)
07 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Vegetables & Kimchi

10 - 1 cup Napa cabbage kimchi, chopped and well-drained
11 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
13 - 2 scallions, finely sliced

→ Cheese & Bread

14 - 4 hoagie rolls or soft baguettes, split
15 - 8 slices provolone cheese

→ Garnish & Optional

16 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
17 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), optional
18 - 1 tbsp mayonnaise, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, grated pear, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl. Add sliced ribeye steak, ensuring pieces are evenly coated. Marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add oil if needed. Cook onions and bell peppers for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2 minutes until heated through.
04 - Return cooked beef to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fully heated and well combined.
05 - Preheat broiler. Slice rolls in half lengthwise and place cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast under broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
06 - Spoon bulgogi-kimchi mixture evenly onto toasted rolls. Top each sandwich with 2 slices provolone cheese. Return to broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Sprinkle scallions and sesame seeds over the tops. Add gochujang or mayonnaise if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The sweet and savory bulgogi pairs perfectly with kimchi's tangy crunch
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes for a weeknight dinner that feels special
02 -
  • Really squeeze the liquid out of your kimchi before adding it to the pan
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef or it'll steam instead of sear
03 -
  • Freeze the ribeye for 30 minutes before slicing to get paper-thin strips
  • Grate the onion instead of slicing if you want it to disappear into the meat