When the craving for something new and exciting hits, there’s nothing quite like the fusion of cultures on a plate. Enter the glorious Philly-Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak—a dish that brings together the tender flavors of Korean bulgogi with the comforting essence of a classic cheesesteak. Just picture it: warm, savory beef sizzling on the stove, cloaked in melting cheese and topped with the delightful crunch of kimchi. The best part? You can whip this gourmet sandwich up in just 15 minutes without the hassle of marinating!
Whether you’re in a rush on a busy weeknight or looking to impress at a weekend gathering, this recipe is a game-changer. With its mouthwatering sweetness balanced by a hint of spice, your taste buds are in for a treat. Ready to take your taste experience to the next level? Let’s get cooking!
Why is the Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak a Must-Try?
Unbeatable Flavor: The fusion of Korean bulgogi and classic cheesesteak creates an irresistible taste, blending sweet, savory, and spicy elements in each bite.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 15 minutes, this sandwich is your go-to when time is tight but flavor is non-negotiable.
No Marinating Required: With no marinating necessary, you skip the wait and dive straight into deliciousness!
Versatile Options: Customize your cheesesteak with different proteins or veggies, ensuring it caters to every palate—feel free to swap in grilled shrimp or bell peppers.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Great for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress and leave guests craving more. Want even more ideas? Check out our guide on quick weeknight dinners!
Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak Ingredients
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For the Filling
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Oil – Enhances flavor and prevents sticking; use vegetable or canola oil.
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Medium Onion (½, sliced) – Adds sweetness and depth; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
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Thin Beef Slices (1 lb, shabu shabu style) – The primary protein source; tender and flavorful, consider thinly sliced chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
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Chopped Sour Kimchi (1 cup) – Provides tang and spice; omit if disliked, or replace with strips of bell pepper.
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Meltable Cheese (4 slices) – Adds creaminess; options include Pepper Jack, Colby, or Provolone.
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Green Chili (1, sliced, optional) – Adds heat and flavor; can be replaced with jalapeños for extra spiciness.
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Green Onion (1, chopped, optional) – Freshens up the dish; chives can be used in its place.
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For the Assembly
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Hoagie Rolls (4) – The perfect vessel; consider club rolls as an alternative.
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Romaine Lettuce (4 pieces, optional) – Adds crunch; substitute with spinach or arugula if preferred.
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For the Sauce
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Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – Enhances umami flavor; tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
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Korean Chili Flakes (2 tsp, gochugaru, optional) – Adds depth and spice; adjust to taste or omit if preferred.
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Brown Sugar (1-2 tsp) – Balances savory and spicy flavors; honey could be a substitute.
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Sesame Oil (2 tsp) – Adds nuttiness; avoid if allergic to sesame.
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Black Pepper (½ tsp) – Enhances overall flavor and decreases spice.
With just these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating the mouthwatering Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak that will tantalize your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your kitchen!
How to Make Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Korean chili flakes, and black pepper. This savory sauce is the heart of the flavor, so set it aside for later.
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Sauté Onion: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll want them to be golden and fragrant!
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Cook Beef: Now, add your thin beef slices to the skillet. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, taking about 5 minutes. The beef should be tender and just starting to crisp up at the edges.
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Add Kimchi: Stir in the chopped kimchi, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This step adds that delightful tang, so don’t rush it!
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Combine Further: Toss in the sliced green chili along with the prepared sauce. Cook it all together until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, about 2 minutes.
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Assemble Sandwiches: Cut your hoagie rolls in half. Layer each roll with romaine lettuce, the bulgogi filling, and meltable cheese slices. Serve immediately while the cheese is melting and gooey—that’s when the magic happens!
Optional: For an extra crunch, toast the hoagie rolls on the griddle before filling.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak
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Slice Thinly: Ensure beef slices are thin for optimal cooking. If necessary, freeze briefly to make slicing easier and achieve that tender bite.
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Toast the Rolls: For an irresistible crunch, toast hoagie rolls on a griddle or in the oven prior to filling. This enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
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Balance the Spice: Adjust the amount of kimchi and green chili based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more as needed for your Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak.
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Choose Quality Cheese: Use meltable cheese varieties like Pepper Jack, Colby, or Provolone to ensure creamy goodness as it melts over the warm beef filling.
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Fresh Garnishes: Consider adding fresh herbs or sliced green onions as a garnish for an extra layer of flavor and color on your sandwiches.
Make Ahead Options
These Philly-Style Bulgogi Cheesesteaks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the onions and marinate the beef with soy sauce and spices up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavors. In addition, chop the kimchi and prepare the sauce the night before; just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the onions, cook the beef with the kimchi, and assemble your sandwiches with melted cheese and fresh veggies. This saves precious time on busy weeknights while ensuring your cheesesteaks remain just as delicious and flavorful!
Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your tastebuds!
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Meat Swap: Replace bulgogi beef with thinly sliced pork or shrimp for a delicious twist that adds new layers of flavor.
A juicy pork bulgogi creates a slightly sweeter profile, while shrimp brings a light, briny depth that’s equally satisfying. -
Veggie Delight: Substitute kimchi with grilled veggies like zucchini or peppers for a milder, vibrant filling that still brings excitement.
This alternative not only caters to veggie lovers but also adds a lovely smokiness that complements the dish beautifully. -
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hoagie rolls or lettuce wraps for a gluten-sensitive version that everyone can enjoy.
Embracing these options opens up wonderful possibilities without compromising on taste or texture! -
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different meltable cheeses like Gouda or even vegan cheese for a unique flavor twist.
The world of cheese is vast, and trying different cheeses can lead to some delightful surprises in flavor and creaminess! -
Spice It Up: Add more green chilies or jalapeños for an extra kick that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy!
Feel free to adjust the level of heat to suit your palate—this cheesesteak can handle a little fire! -
Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle some Sriracha or hot chili sauce over the top for a bold flavor punch that brings sweet heat.
This simple addition elevates the bulgogi cheesesteak, blending comfort with a hint of excitement in each bite! -
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a refreshing twist that brightens up the dish.
The interplay between the savory filling and fresh herbs can create a harmony of flavors that makes each bite sing! -
Add Crunch: Toss in some crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and crunch in every mouthful.
This unexpected addition promises to add that satisfying crunch that elevates your beef sandwich experience.
What to Serve with Philly-Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Elevate your meal experience and complement this delightful fusion sandwich with accompanying dishes that enhance its vibrant flavors.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Perfectly crispy and slightly sweet, these fries provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory cheesesteak.
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Fresh Side Salad: A light mix of greens with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing, crisp element that balances the richness of the cheesesteak.
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Pickled Vegetables: Bright and tangy, pickled radishes or cucumbers cut through the savory flavors, adding an exciting zing that complements the bulgogi perfectly.
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Korean Gyoza: These pan-fried dumplings offer a comforting, savory bite, making them a delightful companion to your cheesesteak.
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Chilled Soju Cocktail: Enjoy this traditional Korean spirit served cold, as its subtle sweetness cools down and refreshes the palate after a rich meal.
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Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice: This dish echoes the Korean flavors of your cheesesteak, providing a hearty, spicy side that enhances the overall meal experience.
Let your taste buds dance as you combine these dishes with the Philly-Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak, creating a spectacular feast that everyone will love!
Storage Tips for Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak
Fridge: Store leftover Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. This method will help keep the bread crispy!
Enjoy Fresh: For the best taste, it’s recommended to enjoy your cheesesteaks fresh, but storing them properly ensures you have delicious leftovers to savor later!
Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak Recipe FAQs
What type of beef is best for Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Absolutely! For the best results, use thinly sliced beef such as shabu shabu style, which cooks quickly and remains tender. If you prefer a lighter option, thinly sliced chicken or even tofu work well as alternatives without compromising flavor.
How long can I store leftovers of Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the flavors fresh, it’s best to reheat them gently in a skillet rather than using the microwave, which can make the bread soggy.
Can I freeze Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the assembled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and then cover them with aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the sandwiches in the fridge overnight and then reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy.
What should I do if the filling is too spicy for my taste?
Very easily! If you find the flavor too spicy, simply reduce the amount of kimchi and green chili you add. You could also try using a milder cheese instead of Pepper Jack, or swap out the green chili for bell peppers, which will still complement the dish with their sweetness.
Are there any dietary considerations for building my Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak?
Certainly! To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free hoagie rolls and tamari instead of soy sauce. If you have allergies or are cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can also substitute sesame oil with olive oil, or skip it altogether while still maintaining delicious results.
How can I tell if my kimchi is good to use?
To select the best kimchi, look for vibrant colors and a crunchy texture. Avoid jars with dark spots all over or a sour smell, as this indicates spoilage. Fresh kimchi is usually slightly spicy and tangy, adding the right crunch to your Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak!
Savory Philly Style Bulgogi Cheesesteak in Just 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, Korean chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the thin beef slices to the skillet. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, taking about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kimchi, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Toss in the sliced green chili along with the prepared sauce. Cook until everything is evenly coated and warmed through, about 2 minutes.
- Cut hoagie rolls in half. Layer each roll with romaine lettuce, the bulgogi filling, and meltable cheese slices. Serve immediately.