Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 8 ounces marinated bulgogi meat, uncooked (or leftover cooked bulgogi)
- 1/2 cup packed, sliced kimchi
- 1/4 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Dairy and Bread
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese or 2 slices (mozzarella, American, provolone, or your choice)
- 2 hamburger buns (or hoagie rolls or 4 slices of bread)
- 2 lettuce leaves
Oils and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (adjust to taste; alternatives: buldak sauce, sriracha, or other hot sauce)
Instructions
- Toast the Buns: In a preheated pan over medium heat, melt the butter or add olive oil directly. Spread butter or drizzle olive oil on the cut sides of the buns if desired. Place buns cut side down and toast until golden brown, then transfer them to a serving plate.
- Cook the Bulgogi Meat: Reheat the pan on high heat. Add the marinated bulgogi meat and cook by loosening and flipping the meat once or twice until fully cooked. If using leftover cooked bulgogi, simply heat it through in the pan. Transfer the cooked meat to a separate plate.
- Stir Fry Kimchi and Onions: Lower the heat to medium-high and add a few teaspoons of cooking oil to the pan. Add the sliced kimchi and optional onions, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until kimchi softens and develops a deep color.
- Melt the Cheese: Spread cheese over the kimchi mixture, cover the pan, and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: While the cheese melts, mix together the mayonnaise and gochujang until smooth and well incorporated. Adjust spice level to your preference.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a lettuce leaf on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Layer with cooked bulgogi, then the kimchi and cheese mixture. Top with the other half of the buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can increase the amount of bulgogi meat to suit your appetite.
- Substitute gochujang with other hot sauces like sriracha or buldak sauce for different heat profiles.
- Onion is optional but adds sweetness and crunch if desired.
- Use hoagie rolls or sliced bread instead of hamburger buns for different textures.
- For a dairy-free version, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
