This Easy Korean Steak Sandwich is packed with flavor! Juicy steak meets a soft bun, topped with spicy sauce, crunchy veggies, and a hint of sweetness. Yum!
Making these sandwiches is a breeze! I love to whip them up for a quick dinner. Serve with some chips, and you’ve got a tasty meal everyone will enjoy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Ribeye or sirloin work great, giving a tender texture. If you’re on a budget, flank steak can be a good choice too. Just slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Soy Sauce: It’s crucial for flavor! Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari sauce is a gluten-free alternative.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a nice kick. If you can’t find it, sriracha mixed with a bit of miso can mimic the flavor. Just adjust to suit your spice level.
Bread: Regular sandwich bread is fine, but for extra texture, try using hoagie rolls or even ciabatta. You can use whole wheat if you prefer a healthier option.
Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella works well. For a bolder flavor, consider pepper jack or cheddar for an extra zing!
How Do I Cook the Steak Perfectly?
Getting that steak just right is key to a great sandwich. Here’s how to ensure it’s tender and flavorful.
- Marinate the steak for at least 15 minutes. Longer is better, so if you can, let it sit for up to 30 minutes.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the steak. This helps to sear it quickly, locking in the juices.
- Cook the steak for only 3-4 minutes. You want it browned but still juicy, so avoid overcooking!
Follow this method, and you’ll have a perfectly cooked steak to enjoy in your sandwich!
Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices white sandwich bread or hoagie rolls
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes from start to scrumptious finish!
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade and ensure it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you can, allow it to marinate for 30 minutes for even more flavor.
2. Cook the Steak:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak to the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook! Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, along with the red onion. Stir-fry the veggies for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Once cooked, remove them from the heat.
4. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and gochujang to make a tasty spicy sauce. Adjust the amount of gochujang to your spice preference!
5. Toast the Bread:
Lightly toast the bread slices or hoagie rolls until they are golden brown. Spread the gochujang mayo evenly on two of the slices.
6. Build Your Sandwich:
Layer the cooked steak on the gochujang mayo side of the bread. Next, add the sautéed peppers and onions on top of the steak. Then, place the cheese slices and jalapeño slices over the veggies.
7. Melt the Cheese (Optional):
If you’d like melted cheese on your sandwich, place the sandwiches briefly under a broiler or in the microwave until the cheese is gooey and melty!
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the steak for added flavor and texture.
9. Assemble and Serve:
Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices. Serve them warm, and enjoy your delicious Easy Korean Steak Sandwich!
FAQ for Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are great choices for their tenderness, flank steak or even skirt steak can work well too. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture!
What if I Don’t Have Gochujang?
No worries! If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with sriracha mixed with a bit of miso or soy sauce to mimic the flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwiches?
If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a minute, or reheat in an oven to maintain the bread’s texture.
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the steak with marinated tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option. Just follow the same marinating and cooking steps to ensure flavor!
