A few years ago, I made a cheesesteak called the Screaming Eagle, a recipe shared by The New York Times’ Sam Sifton. So very indulgent and oh so good. Since then, ideas for a Korean-inspired sandwich have always been brewing in the back of my mind and especially in the cheesesteak form.
But this week is not about Sam Sifton nor The New York Times, but all about all things inspired by Sara Moulton! Earlier this week, I received a copy of Sara Moulton’s latest cookbook, Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners. In it, she includes a chapter called Sandwich Night. Perfecto! By the way, she also has a recipe for kimchi in this book, albeit not the typical spicy red version, but a good recipe for those who are less familiar with the dish. Anyway, she includes a few recipes that mix in kimchi, like her Kielbasa Sandwiches with Kimchi and Cheddar, a riff on hot dogs with sauerkraut. Moulton has put a her own spin on a lot of the classic sandwiches and she has inspired me to create my own sandwich hearty enough for dinner!
The base for my cheesesteak is the Korean spicy grilled pork or dwaeji bulgogi. You may be familiar with the term bulgogi which literally translates to “fire meat”. It’s a term that is more typically used to describe a dish of seasoned beef that has been grilled or broiled. The marinade is usually a nice balance of salty and sweet. Dwaeji (pork) bulgogi is generally seasoned in a spicy and sweet marinade and is just SO GOOD. I do have to warn you that it is spicy with a slow burn. The sweetness and crunch from the sautéed onions are a perfect complement to the spicy pork, and the melted gooey cheese just ties everything together. I suppose one could add a schmear of Kewpie mayonnaise for kicks, but simple is always good for me. A fresh Italian hero roll or ciabatta roll is the perfect vessel for this cheesesteak.
Notes: If you have access to a Korean market, they sell pork butt that has been very thinly sliced that would be perfect for this sandwich. Otherwise, you can freeze your pork butt for about 30-40 minutes to make it easier to slice the meat really thin.
Korean Spicy Cheesesteak
Makes 3 cheesesteaks
3 Tablespoons kochujang (fermented red pepper paste)
1 Tablespoon kochugaru (crushed red pepper)
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 Tablespoons mirin (Japanese rice wine)
1 pound pork butt or shoulder, very thinly sliced
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 Italian hero rolls or ciabatta roll (about 7 to 8 inches long)
6 slices of American cheese or cheddar cheese
1 – In a medium-sized bowl, combine the first seven ingredients and mix well. This is the marinade for your dwaeji bulgogi. Add the pork and stir until the pork is coated thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2 – Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and saute for about 6-7 minutes or until onions are softened and light brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3 – Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. If you are using a nonstick pan, there is no need to add oil, otherwise add a couple of tablespoons of oil. Once the pan is hot, add the pork and cook until done, about 7-8 minutes.
4 – Split the rolls lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through. Lightly toast bread in a toaster oven, conventional oven, or skillet.
5 – Immediately place cheese slices on the open-faced roll, a third of the sauteed onions, and a third of the pork. Fold in half. The heat from the bread and fillings should melt the cheese. Repeat for the other two rolls. Enjoy!
Here are more recipes inspired by Sara Moulton. Some of the bloggers are also hosting a giveaway for Sara’s cookbook. Visit each one to read about their inspiration and for more chances to win:
Breakfast for Dinner:
- Open-faced Zucchini Omelet with Red Bell Pepper and Feta by Granny’s Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
- Chocolate French Toast with Fresh Strawberry Sauce by Daily Dish Recipes
Family Dinners:
- Polenta Lasagne by Blueberries and Blessings
- Spicy Korean Cheesesteak by Kimchi MOM
- Chorizo Mushroom Bites by La Cocina de Leslie
- Roasted Ratatouille Crêpes with Goat Cheese by Healthy.Delicious.
- Grilled Chicken and Veggie Pizza by Runner’s Tales
- Clay Pot Vegetable Stew by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Grilled Reuben Pizza by Juanita’s Cocina
- Vegetarian Greek Stuffed Zucchini by The Messy Baker Blog
- Manchego, Fig and Bacon Flatbreads by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Kimchi Fried Rice by girlichef
- Gluten Free Mozzarella Pesto Pizza by No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
- Peppery Broccoli with Feta Cheese and Angel Hair Pasta by Hip Foodie Mom
- Chicken Artichoke Piccata by Sustainable Dad
- Reuben Tortilla Pinwheels by Home Cooking Memories
- Deli Style Turkey Reuben Pizza by In The Kitchen with KP
- Grilled Mahi Mahi with Garlic Caper Sauce by Family Foodie
Spectacular Sides and Salads:
- Curried Peas and Black Beans by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chopped Salad with Feta, Chickpeas, and Pita Croutons by Supper for a Steal
- A Summer Salad from Paris by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Caprese Salad with Avocado by Ruffles & Truffles
Don’t Skip Desserts and Drinks:
- Three-Ingredient Pluot Crisp by Shockingly Delicious
- Stuffed Strawberry Dessert by Growing Up Gabel
- Vegan Chocolate Peanut-Butter No Bake Cookies by Killer Bunnies
- Warm Chocolate Cheesecake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Turkish Pistachio and Apricot Bread by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Sparkling Watermelon Lemonade by The Urban Mrs.
- Blueberry Crepes by Basic N Delicious
- Nectarine Upside-Down Cake by Magnolia Days
- Cannoli Strawberries by Foxes Love Lemons
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cupcakes by Ninja Baking
- Watermelon Basil Lemonade by Curious Cuisiniere
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. This week extra special since Sara will be joining in on the chat. She will be sharing her favorite recipes, answering questions and sharing some Julia Child moments with us.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here → Sunday Supper Movement.
As you know Sara Moulton is one of the featured speakers at the Food and Wine Conference in Orlando, Florida. The conference is from July 19th through the 21st. I am so excited to be attending this conference and I certainly look forward to meeting Sara during the conference! Follow Sara Moulton and her recipes on www.saramoulton.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
The Giveaway
Here’s your chance to win Sara’s latest cookbook, Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners. If possible, we strongly urge you to participate in the twitter chat on July 7th. As mentioned, Sara will be participating in this chat, so you may have a chance to ask her a question or two! Just follow the hashtag #SundaySupper.
The giveaway is only open to United States residents only and will run from Sunday, July 7, 2013 to Friday, July 12, 2013 at 11:59 EST. I will announce one (1) random winner on Saturday, July 13th. Winner has 48 hours to respond, otherwise their prize is forfeited and I will choose another winner. Entrants can only win one cookbook.
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I noticed Sara is a kimchi fan as well. And I am a fan of all the ingredients you use in this yummy looking cheesesteak.. I also very much appreciate the recommendation of Kewpie Mayonnaise. (The best!)
Thanks Kim! I’m going to try Sara’s kimchi recipe this week…I’m sure my kids will love the less spicy version!
Sara has been an inspiration for years! I love her use of simple and flavorful ingredients that make truly amazing meals.
My mouth started watering as I read through your post. Oh heavens what a delightful sandwich. I can’t tell you how much I love spicy food and pork and sandwiches. I’m getting that thinly sliced pork butt the next time I’m at the Asian market so I can make this.
Thanks Renee! Yes, I need to make my trek out to the Asian market and stock up on the sliced pork butt because my knife skills are just not cutting it! (pun intended…)
What a fun twist on a cheesesteak. We love cheesesteaks and spice so this is right up our alley.
Awesome!
It LOOKS SPICY! I know a few spice lovers that will go crazy for this!
Totally spicy, but not a slap-in-your-face spicy….a warm friendly spicy! 🙂
Oh my goodness, does this ever sound incredible! I am a sucker for anything spicy, so the flavors in this sandwich are right up my alley!
The components went surprisingly well together! I have to make it again soon!
This looks ridiculous! I need it in my life sooner rather than later!
Thanks Heather! 🙂
Amy, this cheesesteak looks incredible. My husband would love it!
Thanks Jennie!
You know, I still have yet to try kimchi! And of course I can’t believe I’m saying that to the Kimchi Mom haha Korean markets aren’t exactly popping up everywhere in farm country 😀 Anyway, I love cheesesteaks, so I’m excited to try this Korean version!
As for the giveaway, I never grew up with Sara or her recipes, but I know she will be an inspiration to me after the conference!
Her style is straightforward and no nonsense. That’s what I liked about her and her shows. I’m sure you’ll be an admirer after the conference!
I’m not sure how close you are to Philly, but I’m sure there are a couple of shops there you could check out.
See that? That’s me drooling. Ohmahgaw…look at this sandwich!
Thanks Jen! Let me wipe that up for you…. (dab, dab, dab) 😉
it’s early and I haven’t had my coffee yet… I totally misread the title as korean cheeseCAKE and was like, uh… I don’t know about that. But cheesesteak? Oh heck yes! Sign me up for one of these babies… I have a feeling it’ll be going on one of my menus very soon!
Yeah, cheesecake would definitely have been interesting!
I’ll bring one up the next time we’re up in your neck of the woods! 😉
Yummy! Will have to try this one! Thanks for stopping by Granny’s.
Thanks Debra!
Love that she always uses fresh and simple ingredients to create healthy and delicious meals!
The bread alone made me pause. Then I looked what was in the middle and I can’t wait to make this. Incredible.
Awesome, thanks!
WOW!!!! So wonderful made with bulgogi!!! What a winner!
Thanks Liz!
I love that so much of what she makes is simple in concept, but comes out looking so stunning!
Amy, OMG! I freaking love this. . looks FABULOUS! I also saw her Kielbasa Sandwiches with Kimchi and Cheddar. . will have to give that one a try too. . but will try yours first, yummm!
Thanks Alice! I’m trying her kimchi recipe this week. It reminds me of baek kimchi (white kimchi) of which I’ve had little success making!
Her recipes are simple yet delish! She inspires me to kick my everyday meals up a notch.
Oh my. Is kochujang the same as gochujang? I think so? Because I have a HUGE tub of gochuchang in my fridge, and I think I need to make one meal a week with it until I use it up 🙂 And this would be firmly at the top of the list. It looks like something one would get from a food truck….and I mean that in the nicest possible way, because I love food trucks.
Same thing! The spelling is interchangeable and you’ll see it spelled both ways. I go back and forth even within my site! I’m so impressed you have a this stocked in your fridge! 🙂
Yep, my husband wanted to make these K-Town Pantry wings for the Super Bowl:
http://www.gq.com/food-travel/recipes/201302/best-chicken-wings-football-party
I made these meatballs in an effort to use up some of the gochujang:
http://www.foxeslovelemons.com/2013/03/spicy-korean-style-gochujang-meatballs.html
So, I’ve obviously had it 6 months or so, but it still looks and smells fine. Need to make some more stuff with it soon, though.
Those meatballs look divine! Holy crap…I can’t stop looking at them.
If you search for “kochujang” (or gochujang) on my site, it’ll give you a few recipes to help use your supply. Try this classic Korean street food, ddukboki. That is, if you have a bag of rice cakes in the freezer. 🙂
https://kimchimom.com/2011/09/ddukboki-stir-fried-spicy-rice-cakes/
Oh and the kochujang will last you for a while (up to a year) as long as you’re scooping it out with a clean spoon. 🙂
Thanks lady. I knew you would have great recipes with it! I’m doing #weekdaysupper on the 17th – I’m planning on a shrimp salad with some sort of gochujang salad dressing.
Oh my mouth is watering! This sounds amazing. I love the spiciness factor here.
OH yes, it’s not for the spice-averse!
What a delicious sandwich.
Thanks Kathia!
Wow wow WOW! I love this. I can’t wait to use this on tofu. I’m sure my husband will beg for pork though 😉
Oh, tofu sounds awesome! Or you could try the King Trumpet Mushrooms, great flavor and texture.
I love cheesesteaks and I love this fun twist on them! Very creative and delicious!
Thank you! 🙂
We are huge cheesesteak fans, and I love your version! The combo of spicy and sweet is perfect.
I’d love to see a chorizo version! 🙂
She has such a simple approach to cooking, and she is quite personable.
She sounds like she can inspire people to cook. (Gianna)
Oh my goodness – what an amazing looking cheesesteak! Ineed to step out of my comfort zone and try something like this!
Thanks Pam! I hope you give it a try!
Sara inspires me to keep doing what I love and that’s cook so I can become a great chef like her.
my husband would be all over this! He loves a good sandwich!
Thanks Angie!
While I have a low tolerance for spicy foods, I love Korean food and this looks so amazing good and I bet that cheese helps with some of the spice!
The cheese, onions, and the bread helps the mellow out the spiciness.
Looks delicious. Im going to try this I love korean food. Maybe ill cook this in my culinary class.
Thanks! Give it a try!
Woo~ This looks hella good! I love spicy food. I love how different folks fusion Korean food into magnificent creations It’s exciting to try when you’re craving Korean food but with a twist, far from traditional.
Thanks Miss Kim!! 🙂
I love the fact that Sara offers up easy to make recipes that keep people out of the fast food lines at drive-thru’s. As a mother, she knows that is important.
I love that her stuff is so easy…as well as nutritious and photogenic!
Being a huge fan of Korean dishes, I simply can’t let this go away from my recipe book. This looks so mouthwatering and I must try this soon. Yum!