The Korean BBQ Patty Melt is a delightful fusion of classic American diner food and bold Korean flavors. This sandwich is a treat for the senses, providing a perfect balance of textures and flavors that elevate the traditional patty melt into a unique and thrilling culinary adventure.
Slowly cooked until deeply golden and incredibly sweet, caramelized onions add a rich, complex flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef patties. The process of caramelizing draws out the onions’ natural sugars, transforming them into a tender, jam-like consistency that melds flawlessly with the other components of the sandwich.
At the heart of this dish lies a beef patty that is perfectly seasoned and marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. These ingredients infuse the patty with rich umami flavors and a subtle sweetness. An egg and finely chopped onion are added to the mixture to bind the patties together. After caramelizing the onions, the patty is cooked to juicy perfection with a beautifully seared crust that helps to lock in all the savory juices.
The Korean BBQ Patty Melt is constructed with care. It starts with thick slices of sourdough or rye bread, chosen for their robust texture and slight tang, which complements the rich flavors of the filling. Each slice is buttered on the outside to achieve a golden, crispy exterior when grilled. A generous layer of homemade garlic mayo spread enhances the bread’s creamy, garlicky richness.
The cooked beef patty is placed atop the garlicky spread, followed by the caramelized onions. Chopped kimchi is added, introducing tanginess and a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the beef and onions. The sandwich is completed with a liberal amount of grated cheddar cheese, which melts into an oozy, gooey layer that binds all the components together.
Once assembled, the Korean BBQ Patty Melt is grilled on the same skillet used to caramelize the onions and sear the beef patties. Here, the bread achieves a perfect crunch, and the cheese inside becomes tantalizingly melted. The final touch is a side of sriracha sauce for dipping, which one can use to add a spicy kick to their sandwich. The sriracha’s bright heat and garlicky undertones enhance the rich flavors of the patty melt.
Served hot and cut into halves, the Korean BBQ Patty Melt presents a delightful contrast of crispy bread, tender meat, and creamy, melted cheese, with the kimchi and caramelized onions providing complex layers of flavor. This sandwich is an adventure for the palate, blending familiar comfort food elements with exciting, international zest. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the fusion of different culinary traditions in a format that is both accessible and utterly delicious.
