Go Back
+ servings
Korean Steak Sandwich

Irresistible Korean Steak Sandwich: Bold Flavors Await!

Discover the delightful Korean Steak Sandwich with bold flavors that blend spicy gochujang and creamy garlic mayo.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Steak Marinade
  • 320 g Ribeye Steak A tender cut that absorbs flavors well; swap for sirloin or flank steak for variety.
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce Adds umami and saltiness; opt for low-sodium to reduce salt intake.
  • 2 tbsp Gochujang Infuses the dish with sweet heat, achieving an authentic Korean flavor; adjust for personal spice tolerance.
  • 1 tsp Minced Ginger Offers aromatic warmth; can be substituted with ground ginger if needed.
  • 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar Balances flavors with sweetness; honey or agave nectar can serve as a substitute.
  • 2 tbsp Rice Wine Enhances the complexity of flavors; use apple cider vinegar or white wine if rice wine is unavailable.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Delivers robust flavor; feel free to use more for an extra kick.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Adds subtle heat; ground white pepper can be used instead.
  • 1 sweet apple Grated Apple Provides sweetness and moisture; pear works as a delightful alternative.
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil Infuses a nutty note; can be omitted if sesame flavor isn’t desired.
For the Sautéed Vegetables
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Ideal for sautéing; any high-smoke point oil like canola or avocado is suitable.
  • 0.5 Red Bell Pepper Adds color and a hint of sweetness; yellow or green peppers are good substitutes.
  • 0.5 Yellow Bell Pepper Complements the red pepper’s role for extra flavor and color.
For the Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 slices Thick Bread Provides structure; ciabatta, sourdough, or hoagie rolls work beautifully.
  • 2 tbsp Salted Butter Perfect for toasting the bread; olive oil can be used for a non-dairy option.
  • 75 g Mature Cheddar Cheese Offers creaminess and richness; melting cheeses like Swiss or provolone are great alternatives.
  • 0.5 small Red Onion Provides a sharp bite; shallots can serve for a milder flavor.
  • 2 small Jalapeños Adds the desired spice; adjust based on your heat preference, or use pickled jalapeños for a milder option.
  • 3 Spring Onions Brings freshness; chives can be used as a substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Mayonnaise Acts as the base for the sauce; swap with vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
  • 1 small clove Garlic Enhances the sauce’s flavor; adjust to personal taste.
  • 2 tsp Sweet Chili Sauce An optional drizzle for added sweetness and heat.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by placing the ribeye steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes, which makes it easier to slice. Once firm, remove it and, using a sharp knife, cut the steak into thin strips, approximately 2mm thick.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, minced ginger, light brown sugar, rice wine, minced garlic, black pepper, grated apple, and sesame oil. Add the sliced steak to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet over high heat, adding vegetable oil once it’s hot. Carefully place the marinated steak strips into the pan, spreading them out for even cooking. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the steak is nicely caramelized; stir occasionally and discard any excess liquid.
  4. In the same skillet, add sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry them over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly and become vibrant in color.
  5. Take your thick slices of bread and brush one side of each slice with melted butter. Lay them, butter-side down, on a work surface. Layer the sautéed peppers, followed by the cooked steak, and sprinkle sesame seeds, grated cheddar cheese, red onion slices, jalapeños, and sliced spring onions on top.
  6. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the same skillet or a sandwich press over low to medium heat. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as necessary, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
  7. While the sandwiches are cooking, prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise with the minced garlic in a small bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients, especially the peppers and spring onions, to enhance flavor and crunch in your Korean Steak Sandwich.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!