Juicy and Hearty Bulgogi Sandwich
Let’s Build the Ultimate Bulgogi Sandwich: How High Can We Go?
I’ve made a generously filled Bulgogi Sandwich! It’s packed with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and crisp cabbage. We’ll also make a delicious teriyaki sauce to cook the bulgogi. This satisfying Bulgogi Sandwich is so filling, half of it will leave you completely content! Let’s create this incredibly generous Bulgogi Sandwich together.
Bulgogi Sandwich Main Ingredients- 4 slices of bread (sandwich-style)
- 200g pork tenderloin (thinly sliced)
- 6 large lettuce leaves (washed and dried)
- 1/4 head of cabbage (thinly shredded)
- 3 ripe tomatoes (sliced, moisture blotted with paper towel)
- 6 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp mustard sauce
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients- 4 sheets of dried kelp (kombu)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup cooking sake (mirin or sake)
- 1 cup water
- 1 piece of ginger (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 2 dried dates (pitted)
- 4 sheets of dried kelp (kombu)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup cooking sake (mirin or sake)
- 1 cup water
- 1 piece of ginger (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 2 dried dates (pitted)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, we’ll make the teriyaki sauce for our bulgogi. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water, 4 sheets of kelp, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 3 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 cup of cooking sake, 1/2 onion, 3 sliced garlic cloves, 1 sliced ginger piece, and 2 pitted dried dates. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce until it’s about two-thirds of its original volume. This simmering process deepens the flavor. Once reduced, turn off the heat and strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, leaving a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare to cook the bulgogi. Pour about 1/4 cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce into a frying pan over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer; you’ll start to smell its delicious aroma.
Step 3
Once the sauce is simmering, add the thinly sliced pork tenderloin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the sauce has coated the meat beautifully. Ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender. This creates our flavorful bulgogi.
Step 4
Time to prepare the fresh ingredients for our sandwich. Thinly shred the cabbage and soak it in cold water for a few minutes to make it extra crisp. Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and pat them completely dry. Slice the tomatoes about 0.5 cm thick and gently blot the surface moisture with paper towels to prevent a soggy sandwich. If you’re adding sliced onions, soak them in cold water after slicing and then drain them well.
Step 5
Let’s mix our creamy sandwich spread. In a small bowl, combine 6 Tbsp of mayonnaise and 2 Tbsp of mustard sauce. Mix them together until smooth. This sauce will add a delightful tang and creaminess to the sandwich.
Step 6
Lightly toast the bread slices. You can use a toaster or grill them lightly in a pan until golden brown. This step is crucial for preventing the bread from becoming soggy and adding a pleasant crunch.
Step 7
Spread a generous layer of the mayonnaise-mustard mixture onto one side of each toasted bread slice. Don’t be shy with the sauce – it keeps the bread moist and adds a burst of flavor.
Step 8
Arrange the fresh lettuce leaves evenly over the sauced bread. This forms a fresh, crisp base for our bulgogi.
Step 9
Next, pile on the thinly shredded cabbage. This adds a wonderful crunch and freshness to every bite.
Step 10
Now for the star of the show: the delicious bulgogi! Generously pile the cooked bulgogi over the cabbage. It already looks incredibly appetizing!
Step 11
Layer the sliced tomatoes on top of the bulgogi. They add a touch of acidity and vibrant color. You could stop here for a delicious sandwich, but if you want to go all out, continue to the next step!
Step 12
For an extra decadent sandwich, add another layer of shredded cabbage, followed by more bulgogi. You can even add more tomatoes or lettuce here, building your sandwich as tall as you desire! The more layers, the more impressive the sandwich will be.
Step 13
Spread another good amount of the sauce on the other slice of bread that will be the top of the sandwich. This ensures all layers are moist and flavorful.
Step 14
Before slicing, wrap the sandwich tightly in a long piece of parchment paper (or wax paper). This helps to hold everything together neatly, making it easier to cut and eat.
Step 15
Fold the edges of the parchment paper neatly and secure them with a piece of clear tape. This keeps the sandwich compact and prevents the filling from spilling out when you cut it. Ensure it’s wrapped snugly.
Step 16
Carefully slice the wrapped sandwich in half with a sharp knife. A clean cut makes for an appealing presentation and easier handling.
Step 17
Voila! Your magnificent Bulgogi Sandwich is complete. The layers of savory bulgogi and fresh vegetables create a symphony of flavors and textures that will bring pure joy to your taste buds. Enjoy this delightful creation!
