A bulgogi-style cheesesteak can be made by marinating thinly-sliced frozen ribeye in a Korean-inspired sauce (pear, soy, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic) and assembling it with cheese, fried eggs, and a sesame-mayo sauce for a fusion dish that balances multiple types of richness.
The bulgogi cheesesteak is a Korean-American fusion sandwich that combines traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak elements with bulgogi, Korean marinated beef. This fusion dish has appeared on multiple "best sandwich" lists and has been adopted by restaurants in Philadelphia and beyond. The video demonstrates a home version of this increasingly popular fusion concept.
Traditional bulgogi marinade consists of thinly-sliced meat marinated in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pear, with the meat frozen for 20-30 minutes before slicing to achieve paper-thin cuts. Korean pear (also called Asian pear) is the secret ingredient for bulgogi's sweetness and tender texture, containing an enzyme that tenderizes meat. The enzyme is called calpain, and Asian pears contain the right amount to soften meat without over-tenderizing, unlike kiwi or pineapple which contain more potent enzymes and work faster. For slicing ribeye at home, freeze the beef for 45-60 minutes until slightly firm, which makes it easier to slice thinly and evenly—the video's suggested 30-45 minutes falls within this range.
The sesame-mayo sauce mentioned in the video is a simplified version of gochujang mayo, typically made by mixing mayonnaise with sesame oil, and optionally sesame seeds and scallions. More elaborate Korean-style mayo recipes include gochujang (Korean chili paste), rice vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce. Bulgogi cheesesteaks are described as fun, delicious, and super easy to make, representing a Korean fusion take on the classic Philly cheesesteak. Mild, melty cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or American pair perfectly with bulgogi's rich flavors. The egg yolk dipping technique shown in the video is not traditional to either bulgogi or cheesesteaks but adds richness to the fusion dish.
This Korean-American fusion sandwich transforms the classic cheesesteak by marinating frozen ribeye in a pear-based bulgogi sauce and layering it with cheese, fried eggs, and sesame-mayo.