It was a chilly night a few years ago when my friend Sam and I decided to try something new for dinner. We’d been craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal to warm us up, and that’s when Sam mentioned this crazy-sounding creation he’d seen online – a Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak. I was intrigued, to say the least. The idea of combining the bold, spicy flavors of Korean bulgogi with the melty, gooey goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak sounded like a match made in heaven.
Without hesitation, we headed to the grocery store, gathered up the ingredients, and got to work. The first bite was nothing short of revelatory. The thinly sliced ribeye, perfectly caramelized with the sweet and savory bulgogi marinade, paired seamlessly with the tangy, crunchy kimchi and melted cheese. It was an explosion of textures and flavors in the most delightful way. From that moment on, Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak became a regular in our dinner rotation – a comforting, craveable dish that we couldn’t get enough of.
Table of Contents
Why This Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
The secret to this Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak recipe lies in the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. By marinating the thinly sliced ribeye in a blend of gochujang (Korean chili paste), brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, you create a wonderfully caramelized, sticky-sweet protein that’s the foundation of the dish. The addition of chopped, tangy kimchi adds a crunchy, probiotic-packed punch, while the melted mozzarella or provolone cheese ties it all together in gooey, comforting harmony.
What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the technique. By lightly toasting the hoagie rolls before assembling the cheesesteaks, you get a delightful contrast of crisp edges and soft, pillowy centers that perfectly complement the fillings. And the final step of broiling the assembled sandwiches ensures the cheese is melted to perfection, creating the ultimate handheld, flavor-packed meal.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye: The star of the show, this premium cut of beef is essential for creating the perfect texture and flavor profile.
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped: Kimchi adds a signature tang, crunch, and spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the bulgogi.
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste): This fermented chili paste lends a complex, savory heat that’s integral to the bulgogi marinade.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: The brown sugar caramelizes and creates a delicious, sticky glaze on the beef.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce provides the essential umami base for the marinade, complementing the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Nutty, aromatic sesame oil ties the marinade together and imbues the beef with its signature flavor.
- 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise: The sturdy, lightly toasted hoagie rolls provide the perfect vessel for these hearty cheesesteaks.
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is a must for any proper cheesesteak.
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced: A fresh, crunchy garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle onion flavor.
Step-by-Step Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak Instructions
Preparing Your Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak comes together in a total of 30 minutes – perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. You’ll need a large skillet or griddle, a sharp knife for slicing, and a cutting board.
1- Begin by preparing the bulgogi marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined. Add the thinly sliced ribeye and toss to coat the meat evenly. Cover and let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2- While the beef is marinating, toast the hoagie rolls on a griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat, cut-side down, until lightly golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
3- In the same skillet or griddle, cook the marinated beef over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
4- Remove the beef from the heat and stir in the chopped kimchi. The kimchi should sizzle and become fragrant.
5- Divide the beef and kimchi mixture evenly among the toasted hoagie rolls, then top each one with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
6- Place the filled rolls on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use thinly sliced ribeye for the best texture – the thinner the slices, the quicker the meat will cook and absorb the flavors.
- Marinate the beef for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Toast the hoagie rolls before assembling the cheesesteaks to get that perfect crunchy-soft contrast.
- Broil the filled rolls for just 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese without drying out the bread.
Serving and Storing Your Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
Perfect Pairings for Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
This Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it a great main dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering with friends. For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve the cheesesteaks with a side of crispy fries or tater tots, and pair them with an ice-cold Korean lager or a refreshing Asian-inspired slaw.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the assembled cheesesteaks on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prep the components in advance. The bulgogi marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge, while the chopped kimchi can be prepped a day or two in advance. When ready to assemble, simply toast the rolls, layer on the beef and kimchi, top with cheese, and broil until melted.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
Creative Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the traditional hoagie rolls for fluffy, split Hawaiian rolls for a fun, portable twist. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, like sharp cheddar or pepper jack, for a flavor boost. For a seasonal spin, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the filling. And if you really want to amp up the heat, try drizzling the finished cheesesteaks with gochujang mayo or sprinkling on some toasted sesame seeds.
Making Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak Diet-Friendly
To make this Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak recipe more diet-friendly, you can opt for low-carb or gluten-free hoagie roll alternatives, such as lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps. For a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles, and use dairy-free cheese or a creamy cashew-based spread in place of the traditional cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of beef besides ribeye?
A: While ribeye is the traditional and most flavorful choice for a cheesesteak, you can use other thin-sliced beef cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice the meat against the grain for the best texture.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
A: This Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak comes together in a total of 30 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prep the components in advance for easy assembly. The bulgogi marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead, and the chopped kimchi can be prepped 1-2 days in advance. When ready to serve, simply toast the rolls, layer on the fillings, and broil until the cheese is melted.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak recipe serves 4 people.
Q: What should I do if the cheesesteak filling is too dry or too wet?
A: If the filling seems too dry, you can add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the mixture. If it’s too wet, try cooking the beef and kimchi over higher heat to evaporate some of the excess moisture.
Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Elevate your weeknight with this Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak – a mouthwatering fusion of tender beef, spicy kimchi, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a toasted hoagie roll.
Ingredients
– 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 hoagie rolls, split lengthwise
– 8 ounces shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ribeye slices until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chopped kimchi, gochujang, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the flavors meld.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the split hoagie rolls on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden.
5. Divide the spicy kimchi bulgogi mixture evenly among the toasted hoagie rolls. Top each sandwich with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
6. Return the sandwiches to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top with the sliced scallions.
8. Serve the Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteaks immediately, while hot and oozing with cheese.
Notes
For a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang or omit it entirely. You can also add thinly sliced onions or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Beef, Fish & Seafood Mains
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
Conclusion
This Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak is the ultimate comfort food mashup – a flavor-packed, texture-rich handheld meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. With its irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, plus the satisfying gooeyness of melted cheese, this recipe is bound to impress everyone who tries it. So what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy the best Spicy Kimchi Bulgogi Cheesesteak of your life!
