This Easy Korean Steak Sandwich brings a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist! It features tender steak, sweet Korean sauce, and crunchy veggies all packed into a soft bun.
Honestly, it’s like a party in your mouth! I love serving it with a side of fries—perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Ribeye or sirloin works best due to its tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, flank steak or skirt steak can be used too. Just remember to slice against the grain for tenderness.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique flavor and spice. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste for a similar kick, though the exact taste will differ.
Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella melt beautifully, but feel free to swap in cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier flavor. Just pick one that melts well!
Vegetables: While onions and bell peppers are great, feel free to add other crunchy veggies like cucumbers or carrots for extra texture. Don’t hesitate to skip the jalapeños if you prefer less heat!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Tender Steak?
To achieve mouthwatering steak, marinate it well! Marinating for 15-20 minutes helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat. You can even leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours if you have the time.
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding the steak. This sears the meat and locks in juices.
- Cook it on high heat for just a few minutes on each side. Overcooking will make the steak tough, so keep an eye on the time!
These little steps make a big difference in ensuring your steak sandwich has that juicy, flavorful kick!
Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) ribeye steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
For the Veggies:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick sandwich bread or hoagie rolls
- 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Butter for toasting bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep the marinade and vegetables, plus about 10 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll spend around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, resulting in a delicious sandwich to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Stir everything together to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade and stir well to ensure all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is key for flavor and tenderness!
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add sliced onions and both bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch. Remove from heat.
5. Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with sriracha sauce. This will be your delicious spicy mayo spread!
6. Toast the Bread:
Butter one side of each slice of bread. In a separate skillet, toast the buttered sides over medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
7. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread the spicy mayo on the untoasted side of each slice of bread. Layer the cooked steak, sautéed veggies, sliced jalapeño (if using), and cheese on top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.
8. Close and Serve:
Place the other slice of bread on top to close the sandwich. Press gently, and serve immediately while warm and gooey!
Enjoy your flavorful Easy Korean Steak Sandwich with a crisp bite and spicy, savory notes! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you’re craving something delicious!
FAQ for Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are great options due to their flavor and tenderness, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture!
How Can I Make This Sandwich Spicier?
If you love heat, consider adding more gochujang to the marinade or using pepper jack cheese instead of provolone or mozzarella. You can also add extra jalapeños or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for more kick!
Can I Prepare the Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak and prep the veggies a few hours in advance. Just keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to maintain bread crispness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Enjoy the steak and veggies warm and reassemble the sandwich before eating to keep the bread fresh. Use within 2-3 days for best results!
