Kimchi Grilled Cheese
User Reviews
5
Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Description
Kimchi Grilled Cheese sandwiches use large sourdough bread slices generously buttered on one side. The key preparation involves sautéing thinly sliced white onions in sesame oil, then adding chopped kimchi and brown sugar to soften and blend the flavors. The sandwich layers two slices of cheddar cheese on the bread, adds the cooked kimchi mixture, and tops it with more cheese and the remaining bread slice, butter side out. Cooking over medium-low heat slowly melts the cheese while browning the bread for a crispy exterior.
The sandwich offers a rich interplay of sharp cheddar melted around the warm, slightly sweetened kimchi and onions. The sourdough crust provides a crisp frame contrasting with the gooey interior. The sesame oil's nuttiness and browned sugar add depth to the kimchi’s fermented spice, providing a layered taste experience.
This grilled cheese variation pairs well with simple sides or can stand alone as a filling meal. Adjusting the bread size or kimchi spice level allows personalization. Low and slow grilling ensures cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread, and gently pressing the sandwich can speed melting.
Keeping the bread buttered properly and not rushing the grilling process prevents imbalance between crust browning and cheese melting. Sourdough is favored for its size and texture, but any bread can be used, and the kimchi variety selected affects the spice intensity.
Ingredients
- 4 large slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons butter softened, salted
- 2 cups kimchi
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 large white onion thinly sliced
- 8 lices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep the kimchi: Heat sesame oil in a large saute pan or cast iron on medium. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until onions are softened. Add kimchi and saute for another minute before adding sugar and saute for another 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- Prep Bread: Take the slices of bread and generously butter one side of each slice. Use approximatley 1/2 tablespoon for each side, dependent on how big your slices of sourdough are.
- Grill Sandwiches: Use either the pan you used for cooking the kimchi and onions, or a large griddle to grill your sandwiches. Heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of butter and let melt. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Place 1 slice of bread butter side down, then layer 2 slices of cheese (or enough to cover the bread), the cooked kimchi, and then 2 more slices of cheese. Top with butter slice of bread, butter facing up. Let grill for 3-4 minutes until the cheese on the bottom piece of bread begins to melt and the bread is browned. Gently flip the sandwich, being careful not to lose the filling, and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted browned.
Notes
- Use large sourdough slices for generous sandwiches; smaller bread may yield more sandwiches.
- Choose kimchi according to your preferred spice level; varieties vary in heat and flavor.
- Prefer white or yellow onion over red onion for better flavor in this recipe.
- Butter is preferred for grilling the bread, but mayonnaise can be substituted for a different flavor and crust texture.
- Grill the sandwiches over medium-low heat to ensure even melting and browning; lower the heat if bread browns too fast.
- Press the sandwich gently during grilling to help melt the cheese faster without burning the bread.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2large sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 943 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 943kcal | 47% |
| Carbohydrates | 80g | 27% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 29g | 145% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 128mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 1971mg | 82% |
| Potassium | 445mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
| Vitamin A | 1489IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 606mg | 61% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
