Did you know April is Grilled Cheese Month? If that wasn’t enough reason to stuff our faces with grilled cheese, today is National Grilled Cheese Day! Woot, woot!
In celebration, I made my Spicy Pork and Kimchi Grilled Cheese. Kimchi and cheese may sound world’s apart but the combination is delicious. I discovered this recipe in college when I wanted to introduce my friends who weren’t familiar with Korean food to my culture and cuisine.
Kimchi is a staple in a Korean cuisine and served at every meal. On its own, kimchi may be a little overwhelming so I paired it with a sweet and spicy pork, putting an Asian twist to the classic grilled cheese.
Check out my Spicy Pork and Kimchi Grilled Cheese recipe here…
- For the pork:
- 1 lb sliced pork (belly or loin, thinly sliced)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang) {I used this brand}
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp garlic (minced)
- ½ Tbsp ginger (minced)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp red chili powder (gochugaru)
- 2 green onions
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- For the kimchi:
- 1 cup kimchi {I used this brand}
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- For the vegetables:
- ½ onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ to 1 jalapeño (varies by spice level. thinly sliced)
- 3 medium mushrooms (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- For the sandwich:
- 4 slices bread {I used Turano Pane Bread. You can it find at Jewel-Osco.}
- 8 slices of Mozzarella cheese (4 each sandwich)
- Melted Butter
- Combine red pepper paste, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, red chili powder for marinating base. Stir in a large bowl.
- Add the pork and combine with marinating base.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Marinate for at least one hour. FAB TIP: For best results, marinate overnight.
- Drain the liquid from the kimchi.
- Sauté the kimchi in sesame oil for about 5 minutes. FAB TIP: You can slice the kimchi into smaller pieces but I like the bigger pieces because it holds better in the sandwich.
- Set aside.
- Sauté the onions, jalapeño, and mushrooms in sesame oil for about 5 minutes.
- Set aside.
- Preheat skillet or grill to medium heat.
- Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. I used Turano Pane Bread. It holds all the ingredients well. FAB TIP: You can use mayonnaise instead of butter since mayo doesn’t burn.
- Place the butter side down on skillet or grill.
- Top each piece of bread with a slice of cheese, cut in half. Note: Add more cheese than pictured for extra gooeyness.
- Layer the bread with spicy pork.
- Top another layer of cheese on top of the pork.
- Layer the cheese with the sautéed kimchi.
- Top another layer of cheese on top of the kimchi. (Optional)
- Layer the sautéed veggies on top of the cheese.
- Top with second slice of bread.
- Press slightly to help melt the cheese.
- Flip the sandwich and let it cook until the bottom is golden brown.
- Cut in half and enjoy!
Fab Recipe: Spicy Pork and Kimchi Grilled Cheese // Photo: @fabsoopark
Modify the recipe as you like. Add or reduce the amount of gochujang (red chili paste), gochugaru (red chili flakes), and jalapeño for the level of spice. Gruyère and cheddar are better melting cheeses but I wanted a milder taste since the other flavors are so bold. Add more cheese for the extra ooey gooey effect. Kimchi has a strong flavor so make sure you balance it out with the right amount of spicy pork.
What do you like in your grilled cheese? Share with me below.
Live the Fab Food Life,
Soo
Note: This post is sponsored. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
