Surprise Kimchi Cheese Chicken Tender Toast
A Surprisingly Delicious Breakfast: Kimchi Cheese Chicken Tender Sandwich
My son, who usually doesn’t eat much kimchi, made this sandwich all by himself! He asked for it for brunch today, so I helped him prepare it. This recipe offers a delightful twist, combining savory chicken tenders with crunchy kimchi and melted cheese, all nestled between perfectly toasted bread. It’s a fantastic option for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack.
Main Ingredients
- 550g Chicken tenderloin
- 400g Cabbage
- 2 handfuls Kimchi (well-fermented)
- 4 slices Bread
- 1 piece Butter
- 2 slices Sliced cheese
- 1 handful Mozzarella cheese (approx. 50g)
- 2 Tbsp Cream cheese (approx. 30g)
Seasoning & Others
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce (4 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp extra)
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Cooking oil (1/2 Tbsp for kimchi, 1/2 Tbsp for bread)
- 2 Tbsp Mirin (cooking wine)
- 5 Tbsp Soy sauce (4 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp extra)
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Cooking oil (1/2 Tbsp for kimchi, 1/2 Tbsp for bread)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cabbage thoroughly and pat it dry. Then, thinly shred it. For a better texture, avoid shredding it too finely, as it can become mushy when cooked. Slightly thicker shreds will hold up better.
Step 2
Cut the chicken tenderloin into long, thin strips, slightly longer than bite-sized. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and add 2 Tbsp of mirin. Gently mix and marinate the chicken. This step helps to remove any gamey odor and makes the chicken more tender.
Step 3
Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Spread the marinated chicken strips thinly in the pan, ensuring they don’t clump together.
Step 4
Cook the chicken over high heat, stirring frequently. Cooking on high heat helps to seal in the juices, keeping the chicken moist.
Step 5
If the chicken pieces stick together, use chopsticks or a spatula to separate them. Once the chicken is about halfway cooked, add all the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry with the chicken.
Step 6
The cabbage will release moisture as it cooks. Continue stir-frying over high heat until all the liquid has evaporated. Cook until the cabbage becomes translucent and wilted.
Step 7
(Tip) As mentioned earlier, if you shred the cabbage too finely, it might break apart easily during cooking. Chopping it slightly thicker will result in a better texture and less breakage.
Step 8
Once all the moisture from the cabbage has evaporated and the chicken and vegetables are well-cooked, it’s time to season. Use soy sauce for flavor.
Step 9
Add 4 Tbsp of soy sauce and stir to combine. Taste the mixture and if needed, add an additional 1 Tbsp of soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry until the chicken is golden brown and fragrant.
Step 10
This stir-fried chicken and cabbage mixture is very lean as no oil is used for cooking the main filling. It’s reminiscent of Turkish Kebab! This filling is also delicious wrapped in a tortilla, so feel free to enjoy it in different ways.
Step 11
< Making the Kimchi Cheese Sandwich > Now, let’s assemble the sandwich! Remove the filling from the well-fermented kimchi and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Then, stir-fry the kimchi in a separate pan. Frying the kimchi reduces its sourness and enhances its umami flavor, making it a great sandwich ingredient.
Step 12
Heat 1/2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan and add the chopped kimchi. Stir-fry until the kimchi becomes slightly crispy and browned.
Step 13
Now, let’s toast the bread. In another pan, add 1/2 Tbsp of cooking oil. Place the 4 slices of bread in the pan, along with 1 piece of butter. Toast over medium heat until golden brown. The butter will melt and add a rich, buttery flavor to the bread.
Step 14
Allow the butter to melt and spread evenly, toasting both sides of the bread until a beautiful golden brown color is achieved. This will create a sandwich with a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
Step 15
On one side of the toasted bread, generously spread the stir-fried chicken and cabbage mixture.
Step 16
Next, place 2 slices of sliced cheese on top of the chicken mixture. The cheese will melt and help bind the ingredients together.
Step 17
Then, add the crispy stir-fried kimchi on top of the cheese. The crunchy texture of the kimchi will add an exciting element to the sandwich.
Step 18
Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese over the kimchi, followed by a drizzle of mayonnaise. Finally, place the other slice of bread on top. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the top slice of bread, and your sandwich is ready to be assembled!
Step 19
< Super Quick Microwave Version > If you’re short on time or want a simpler method, try using the microwave.
Step 20
Cut the kimchi into bite-sized pieces and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add a suitable amount of mozzarella cheese (thawed if frozen) and microwave for 40 seconds. Be mindful of the amount of cheese, as too much can make it salty. Adjust the cheese quantity based on the amount of kimchi.
Step 21
Stir the melted cheese, then microwave for another 10 seconds to ensure it’s fully melted. This creates a quick and easy cheesy kimchi topping.
Step 22
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the inside of the toasted bread. Then, generously pile on the stir-fried chicken and the cheesy kimchi. Your delicious Kimchi Cheese Chicken Tender Toast is complete!
Step 23
This sandwich, with its crunchy kimchi, tender chicken, and savory cheese, makes for a truly satisfying meal. Experience the ‘surprise flavor’ that sets it apart from ordinary toasts! It’s a hit with both kids and adults.
