This Easy Korean Steak Sandwich is packed with flavor! Juicy steak marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce and garlic is served on soft bread with crisp veggies. Yum!
Trust me, it’s the perfect mix of juicy and crunchy. I love piling on extra toppings to make it even more fun. Who knew a sandwich could be so exciting? 😄
This recipe is simple enough for any night. Just cook the steak, pile on the veggies, and sandwich it all together. Easy and delicious—what more could you want?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts are perfect for marinating and cooking quickly. If you can’t find them, try using ribeye or even chicken for a different twist!
Soy Sauce: This adds umami flavor to the steak. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Sesame Oil: It gives a nutty flavor. You can substitute with olive oil, but the taste won’t be quite the same. Toasted sesame oil is even better if you have it.
Bell Peppers: They add color and crunch. Feel free to swap in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Cheese: I love mozzarella or provolone for their melting goodness. You could use pepper jack for a spicy kick or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Ensure My Steak is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the steak just right can make all the difference! Start with marinating the beef well to infuse flavor, and then follow these tips:
- Heat the oil on medium-high—make sure it’s hot enough to sear the meat.
- Add the steak in one layer for even cooking; avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Thin slices cook quickly, so stay attentive!
- Let the steak rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy.
These steps will give you that tender, flavorful steak everyone will love in your sandwich!
Easy Korean Steak Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sandwich:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 4 slices thick sandwich bread (like sourdough or Texas toast)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha or Korean chili paste (gochujang) mixed with mayonnaise
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Korean Steak Sandwich takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. You’ll enjoy a delicious meal with minimal hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, grated ginger, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes—1 hour in the fridge is even better for flavor!
2. Cook the Steak:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook quickly for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes, just until they’re slightly softened but still have a nice crunch. Remove from the pan and set aside with the steak.
4. Toast the Bread:
Lightly toast the slices of bread in a pan or toaster until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. This will help hold everything together once you load the sandwich!
5. Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with Sriracha or gochujang to taste. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference!
6. Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread the spicy mayo on one side of each slice of toast. On one slice of bread, layer the cooked steak, sautéed peppers, sliced red onion, jalapeño, green onions, and cheese. Place the second slice of toast on top, mayo side down, and press gently.
7. Melt the Cheese (Optional):
If you want your cheese extra melty, you can put the sandwich back in the skillet over low heat for a minute or two until the cheese starts to melt.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If desired, garnish with sesame seeds before slicing the sandwich in half. Serve warm and enjoy this vibrant, delicious sandwich with savory marinated steak, melty cheese, and fresh crunchy veggies!
Bon Appétit!
FAQ for Easy Korean Steak Sandwich
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin are great choices, you can substitute with chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for different meats!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked steak and veggies can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak and veggies in a skillet before assembling the sandwich again!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, add more jalapeño or increase the amount of Sriracha or gochujang in the spicy mayo. You could also incorporate red pepper flakes into the marinade for an extra kick!
What Can I Serve With This Sandwich?
This sandwich pairs well with a simple side salad, sweet potato fries, or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it with a cold drink for a perfect meal!