JUICY KOREAN BEEF BULGOGI SANDWICH
This Juicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Sandwich is the ultimate flavor-packed fusion of Korean BBQ and classic comfort food—tender, thinly sliced steak simmered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, layered on toasted sourdough with crisp romaine, fresh herbs, and melty cheese. It’s bold, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or impressing guests with something totally crave-worthy.
If you’ve ever tried beef bulgogi at a Korean BBQ spot, you already know how rich and delicious those flavors are—savory, sweet, garlicky, a little spicy, and totally addictive. This sandwich takes all that magic and wraps it into a handheld version with a cozy Western twist. Whether you’re trying something new or using leftover bulgogi-style beef, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and just one pan.
Why You’ll Love Our Juicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Sandwich
This sandwich is everything you want in a quick but unforgettable meal—it’s juicy, savory, melty, fresh, and full of Korean-inspired heat. Each bite has layers of flavor: caramelized onion, tender steak, umami-rich gochujang sauce, and cool, crunchy toppings like cucumber and romaine to balance it all out. The toasted sourdough gives it a golden crispness that pulls everything together.
It’s also super customizable. Add mozzarella for a cheesy melt, toss in your favorite greens or herbs, or even turn it into sliders for a party appetizer. It’s one of those sandwiches that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally achievable at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Juicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Sandwich
For the Sandwich:
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Shaved steak – cooks quickly and will easily soaks up all the flavor. Thinly sliced steak also works great!
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Red onion – Cooked low and slow for extra sweetness.
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Sourdough bread – Lightly toasted for crunch and structure.
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Sesame seeds – Optional, but a nice touch for texture and flavor.
Optional Sandwich Topping Ingredients:
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Romaine lettuce – Adds crisp freshness
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Cucumber, sliced – For crunch and a cooling balance to the spice
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Fresh cilantro, chopped – Bright and herbaceous
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Green onions, julienned or chopped – For a mild bite
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Mozzarella cheese (or the cheese of your choice) – Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully into the warm bulgogi and adds richness
For the Bulgogi Sauce:
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Gochujang – Korean red pepper paste that’s spicy, savory, and a little sweet.
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Soy sauce, sesame oil, honey – The classic trio for umami, richness, and balance.
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Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – For a bit of tang.
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Garlic and Gochugaru – For that signature Korean heat and flavor.
How to Make Our Juicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Sandwich
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In a bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté on low-medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring often.
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Turn the heat to medium and add the steak. Sauté for about 3 minutes until mostly cooked.
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Add the sauce and stir well. Simmer over low until sauce is mostly absorbed. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
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To assemble each sandwich: layer lettuce, cucumber slices, bulgogi beef, cheese, cilantro, and green onions on sourdough, then top with another slice.
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Serve warm and enjoy these delicious and juicy Korean beef bulgogi sandwiches!
Serving Suggestions
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With kimchi – For extra crunch and a fermented kick.
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With fries or a simple salad – For a complete, satisfying meal.
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As sliders – Use small buns for a fun appetizer option at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
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Store the bulgogi beef mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
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Assemble sandwiches fresh when ready to eat for the best texture.
FAQ
Can I use ground beef instead of shaved steak?
Yes, ground beef works too! Just cook it thoroughly before adding the sauce.
Is this very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. You can reduce or omit the gochugaru for a milder version.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—try swapping the beef with sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based beef alternative.
Juicy Korean Beef Bulgogi Sandwich
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 lb shaved or very thinly sliced steak
- 6 slices sourdough bread - lightly toasted
- 1 red onion - thinly sliced
- Toasted white sesame seeds - optional
Optional sandwich topping ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Cucumber - sliced
- Fresh cilantro - chopped
- Green onions - julienned or chopped
- Mozzarella cheese - or the cheese of your choice
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Korean red pepper paste - Gochujang
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Korean chili flakes - Gochugaru
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté on low-medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Increase the heat to medium, then add the shaved steak to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes (slightly longer if you are using sliced steak instead of shaved), until the meat is mostly cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the meat and onions. Stir to coat evenly and simmer on low until the sauce has reduced and thickened, and about 80% of it has been absorbed. Top with sesame seeds, if using.
- Assemble the sandwiches by layering romaine lettuce and/or sliced cucumbers, the bulgogi beef mixture, cheese of your choice, chopped cilantro, and/or green onions onto a slice of sourdough bread. Top with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.
- Serve warm and enjoy!