This Easy Korean Steak Sandwich is a tasty treat, loaded with tender steak, veggies, and a zingy sauce all tucked in a lovely bun. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
I love making these sandwiches for dinner because they come together in a flash. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and savory in every bite. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Ribeye or sirloin works best because they are tender when cooked quickly. If you’re looking for something leaner, flank steak is a great substitute!
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds a unique depth of flavor. If you can’t find it, try Sriracha or a combination of chili powder and a bit of honey for sweetness.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow peppers add sweetness and color. Feel free to swap in green bell peppers or any other kind you love, like poblano for more heat.
Cheese: Provolone or mozzarella melts beautifully. You can also use cheddar for a sharper flavor or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy!
How Do You Get the Steak Tender and Packed with Flavor?
Marinating the steak is key! By combining soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and gochujang, you’ll create a super tasty marinade. Here are my tips:
- Let the steak marinate for at least 20 minutes but an hour is even better for deeper flavor.
- Cook the steak on medium-high heat quickly to keep it tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches!
What’s the Best Way to Toast the Bread for Your Sandwich?
Getting the bread crispy adds great texture! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a skillet or a broiler. If using a skillet, heat it on medium and lightly toast each slice for a couple of minutes on both sides.
- For a broiler, place the bread slices on a baking sheet and broil for around 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.
Enjoy making your flavorful Korean Steak Sandwich, and don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients according to your taste!
Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 4 thick slices of crusty sandwich bread or sourdough bread
- 4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean steak sandwich will take about 30 minutes in total. Expect 20 minutes to marinate the steak and another 10 minutes to cook and assemble everything. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. This will be the yummy marinade for your steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, tossing well to make sure all the pieces are coated evenly. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so it can soak up all the flavors.
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened but still have a nice crunch. This will add great texture and sweetness to your sandwich!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked steak back to the pan with the veggies. Toss everything together to mix well and heat through. Remove the pan from the heat once done.
6. Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and sriracha. This will be your spicy sauce that adds a delicious kick!
7. Toast the Bread:
Toast the sandwich bread slices in a clean skillet or under the broiler until they are golden and slightly crispy. This step gives your sandwich that wonderful crunch!
8. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on one side of each toasted bread slice. Layer the steak and pepper mixture on two of the slices. Top each with a slice of cheese, jalapeño slices (if using), chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. That’s a flavor explosion!
9. Complete the Sandwich:
Place the other two slices of bread on top to complete your sandwiches. If you like, you can press them lightly in the skillet for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread through.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Korean Steak Sandwich, packed with tender, spicy marinated steak, fresh crunchy veggies, and a creamy kick!
FAQ for Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Can I Use Different Cuts of Steak?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are great choices for their tenderness, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use a thicker cut, as it may require a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can substitute it with Sriracha or a mix of chili powder and a bit of honey to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Sandwich Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian option, replace the steak with marinated tofu or tempeh. You can toss the tofu in the same marinade and grill or sauté it until it’s golden brown. The other ingredients will enhance the flavor beautifully.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak and veggie mixture can last up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the steak and veggies in a skillet and assemble your sandwich fresh!
